Spirit West United

Jan. 22, 2012 - Baptism

2012-01-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

This Sunday at Spirit West we will be celebrating the Baptism of a baby named Sara. The focus of the Service is on Baptism. It is one of the two Sacraments of the United Church. I am playing a bit fast an loose with the lectionary this week. The story of the Baptism of Jesus is usually shared on the second Sunday of the year. But that was our first service of 2012, it was Cinnamon Bun Sunday and it was the Sunday right after Epiphany. So, because we are celebrating a Baptism, we going to focus on Baptism, and what it means for us today, using the readings from an earlier Sunday in the lectionary. The two Bible passages both deal with Baptism, the one from Mark describes the Baptism of Jesus by John. The reading from Acts records a conversation Paul had with members of the Church at Ephesus about their baptism, and their understanding of it.

The two readings are Acts 19: 1-7 and Mark 1: 4-11

I've titled my Sermon: "Into what were you baptized?" That's Paul question to the believers at Ephesus, and one that we might ask ourselves.

Check out the Important Dates below. If there are events or activities listed that interest you, but you need more information, please call the church (780-481-1406) or email.

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Important Dates
Saturday, 21 January – Men’s Breakfast

Friday, 27 January – Movie Night – All are invited to join in Friday January 27 with other folk from Spirit West & their friends to see the highly rated “THE IRON LADY’ starring Meryl Streep followed with discussion & refreshments at Marian Tannahill’s house. An email will be sent out next Wednesday or Thursday to give you show time & theatre. For more information call Marian at 780-487-2851.

Sunday, 29 January - Special Congregational Meeting immediately following the Service. The Join Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) will be officially presenting their Report to the Congregation. This Report was sent to you electronically and hard copies will be available on Sunday. Please read it carefully. This report will provide the wider church with our congregational and community background, needs and vision as well as the "job" description for the Minister's position at Spirit West. This report, once approved by the congregation, goes to Presbytery and then to the wider church. It is a major step in the process of seeking, finding, and calling a minister to this congregation.

Sunday, 5 February – lunch for Hospitality teams / greeters after the service

Jan. 15, 2012 - Communion Sunday

2012-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

This Sunday at Spirit West we will be celebrating Holy Communion. The focus of the Service is on knowing God and being known by God. The two Bible passages both deal with someone being called by God, and both involve some confusion on the part of the one being called. We will look at that confusion and see what it says to us about our own experiences.

The two readings are 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 and John 1: 43-51

I've titled my Sermon: "How do you know me?"

Come and join the fellowship.

Larry Wright

Important Dates

Saturday, 21 January – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, 22 January - Sacrament of Baptism

Friday, 27 January – Movie Night

Sunday, 29 January - Special Congregational Meeting immediately following the Service. The Join Needs Assesment Committee (JNAC) will be officially presenting their Report to the Congregation. This Report was sent to you electronically and hard copies will be available on Sunday. Please read it carefully. This report will provide the wider church with our congregational and community background, needs and vision as well as the "job" description for the Minister's position at Spirit West. This report, once approved by the congregation, goes to Presbytery and then to the wider church. It is a major step in the process of seeking, finding, and calling a minister to this congregation.

Christmas Message - Dec. 24, 2011

2011-12-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

Greetings in the name of our Saviour whose birth we celebrate,

Christmas has come upon us. As we gather for worhsip on Christmas Eve, we will journey again to Bethlehem, in word and song, to share the story of a birth that changed the world. In that dirty, musty stable let us see the face of God in our midst. Let us feel with the shepherds that joy tinged with wonder and some fear that something momentus has happened in our world. Let us remember with the Magi, that though the way may be long and challenging, God calls to us and can guide us to the place where we are meant to be.

Children who are present at the Service will have the opportunity, if they wish, to be part of a Bethlehem tableau, a live Nativity Scene. St. Francis of Assisi created the first live nativity scene in Greccio, Italy in 1223 in order for the poor of the area to be able to "go the Bethlehem" without having to endure the expense and hardship of a pilgimage to the Holy Land. For Francis, the simple celebration was meant to recall the hardships Jesus suffered even as an infant, a saviour who chose to become poor for our sake, a truly human Jesus.

May the blessings of Christmas be yours,

Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406

Dates to Remember:

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

— Sunday January 1, 2012 - NO SERVICE

— Sunday January 8, 2012 - CINNAMON BUN SUNDAY - We will gather to worhip God in a more relaxed way. We gather as family and friends around tables and as our souls warm with song and prayer, our bodies will be warmed by hot cinnamon buns and hot drinks. Come and join the fellowship.

Dec. 4 - Advent 2 and Communion

2011-12-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent, the Gospel reading centres on the message of John. John is a fascinating character about whom we do not hear very much in the Scriptures. But what we do hear gives us a picture of a very interesting person. In the western church we know him best as John the Baptist, but there was more to him than that. John is mentioned outside our Scriptures by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (37-100 AD) and is regarded as a prophet in Islam. We will take a look at John, his message and ministry, his relationship to Jesus and what he is saying to us.

We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

We will be hearing two Scripture readings

Psalm 85; and

Mark 1: 1-8

and the title of my reflection is "Prepare the Way"

And don't forget to take a look at the Calendar dates below.

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406

Dates to Remember:

— Sunday December 4 - Holy Communion

— Mpnday Dececember 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

— Sunday December 11 - White Gift Sunday

Traditionally, churches in Canada (and other countries) collect "White Gifts" to help out those in need. You are welcome to bring gifts of clothing such as mitts, socks, hats and scarves to donate to the Jasper Place Wellness Centre. We are focussing on clothing for adults -- these items can be newly purchased OR be gently used. Second hand coats are also appreciated!

— Friday December 16 – Adult Social

— Sunday December 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

United Churches with Sunday, December 25th Services

United Church Address Time TBA
Sherwood Park 20 Fir St 9:45 am
Beverly 11910-40 St 10:00 am
Grace 6215-104 Ave 10:00 am
St. Andrew’s 9915-148 St. 10:00 am
Knox-Metropolitan 8307-109 St 10:30 am
McDougall 10086 McDonald Dr 10:30 am
Mill Woods 15 Grand Meadow Cres 10:30 am
Robertson-Wesley UC 10209-123 st. 10:30 am
Strathearn 8510-95 Avenue 10:30 am
Trinity 8810 Meadowlark Rd 10:30 am

For those travelling:

First Wetaskiwin (location TBA) Time TBA
Rundle Memorial Banff 10:00 am
St. Andrew's 1A Fieldstone Drive, Spruce Grove 10:00 am

Nov. 27, 2011 - First Sunday in Advent

2011-11-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hello,

This Sunday we start a new Christian year. The idea of a "Christian year" gradually developed in the church to provide a structure for our worship and prayer life. It is comprised of cycles that revolve around the important festivals of our Faith: Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. They are respectively, the birth of Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Coming of the Holy Spirit. These cycles are called Seasons. In the agricultural setting of the middle ages, dividing a year into seasons would have probably seemed quite natural. The way we indicate a change of Season in the church by a change of colour in the decoration also comes from this period when people could not read, so that the only way to know the stories of the Bible was to hear them told. Within the Church the Mass was celbrated in Latin, a language unfamiliar to most of the ordinary people. The colours of the church gave them a visual reference point to the seasons. At the time of the Reformation as those of the Protestant movement stressed access to the Bible, developing translations into local languages, the cycles and colours were viewed as unnecessary and distracting and were largely abandoned. It wasn't until the nineteenth century that churches that had abandoned the Seasons, began to recover them, again as a teaching tool. A pattern that was developed at a time when people could not read the Bible, began to be reintroduced for a time when people did not read the Bible.

We will be hearing two Scripture readings - a portion of Psalm 80; and Mark 13: 24-37 - and the title of my reflection is "Signs of Hope".

And don't forget to take a look at the note about Prayer Requests and Calendar dates at the end to the email.

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406

Prayer Requests for the Prayers of the People

Each Sunday members of the congregation are given the opportunity to speak aloud their specific requests for prayer which are then incorporated in the Prayers of the People. In order to provide another means of requesting prayer, especially for those who are not comfortable using the microphone, a small dark blue clipboard has been placed on the Welcome Table by the front doors. You may write your prayer request in the clipboard and during the offering the pages will be brought forward so that your prayer can be incuded with the others in the Prayers of the People. Your prayeer requests will also be given to the Spirit West Prayer Chain for contiued prayer through the week.

As a special note, if you have spoken your request aloud during the service please ensure the Diane Ludlow, the Prayer Chain coordinator has the information to include your prayer in the Prayer Chain. Diane will likely be looking for you after the service, so if you see her first talk to her.

Dates to Remember:

This Sunday, November 27 - Please remember to return your Stewardship Pledge Forms if you have not done so already.

— Sunday December 4 - Holy Communion

— Mpnday Dececember 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

— Sunday December 11 - White Gift Sunday

Traditionally, churches in Canada (and other countries) collect "White Gifts" to help out those in need. You are welcome to bring gifts of clothing such as mitts, socks, hats and scarves to donate to the Jasper Place Wellness Centre. We are focussing on clothing for adults -- these items can be newly purchased OR be gently used. Second hand coats are also appreciated!

— Friday December 16 – Adult Social

— Sunday December 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

— Saturday December 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

Here is a list of Uunited Churches which are havibg services on Christmas Day:

Sherwood Park, 20 Fir St, 9:45 am
Beverly, 11910-40 St, 10:00 am
Grace, 6215-104 Ave, 10:00 am
St. Andrew’s, 9915-148 St., 10:00 am
Knox-Metropolitan, 8307-109 St, 10:30 AM
McDougall, 10086 McDonald Dr, 10:30 AM
Mill Woods, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, 10:30 AM
Strathearn, 8510-95 Avenue, 10:30 AM
Trinity, 8810 Meadowlark Rd, 10:30 AM

For those travelling:

First UC, Wetaskiwin (location TBA), Time TBA
Rundle Memorial UC, Banff, 10:00 AM
St. Andrew's, 1A Fieldstone Drive, Spruce Grove, 10:00 AM

November 13, 2011 - Rodeo Sunday

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Howdy Pardners,

(Wow, does that sound corny) But it is but a way to introduce this Sunday at Spirit West. It is Rodeo Sunday. So dust off your cowboy hat, polish up your boots, put on your fancy shirt and maybe your best string tie and join us for worship. If you've kinda strayed from the Spirit West flock (herd), this is your invitation to come on back and see us. We'll be mighty glad to welcome any as comes through the doors!

From the Good Book we'll be hearin':

Matthew 25: 14-30

and the title of my preachin' is:

Well done, good and faithful servant!

And don't forget to take a look at the note about Prayer Requests and Calendar dates at the end to the email.

See y'all Sunday,

Larry Wright
Spirit West United Church
(780) 481-1406

Prayer Requests for the Prayers of the People

Each Sunday members of the congregation are given the opportunity to speak aloud their specific requests for prayer which are then incorporated in the Prayers of the People. In order to provide another means of requesting prayer, especially for those who are not comfortable using the microphone, a small dark blue clipboard has been placed on the Welcome Table by the front doors. You may write your prayer request in the clipboard and during the offering the pages will be brought forward so that your prayer can be incuded with the others in the Prayers of the People. Your prayeer requests will also be given to the Spirit West Prayer Chain for contiued prayer through the week.

As a special note, if you have spoken your request aloud during the service please ensure the Diane Ludlow, the Prayer Chain coordinator has the information to include your prayer in the Prayer Chain. Diane will likely be looking for you after the service, so if you see her first talk to her.

Dates to Remember:

— Nov 20 - Reign of Christ Sunday (the last Sunday before Advent, last Sunday of the Church Year)

— Nov. 20 – Stewardship Pot-Luck Lunch after Church

— Nov. 27 - First Sunday of Advent (In the three year lectionary cycle, this is the start of Year B)

— Dec. 4 - Second Sunday of Advent - Holy Communion

— Dec 5 – Ladies’ Group Christmas Party and Gift Exchange

— Dec. 16 – Adult Social

— Dec. 18 - Christmas Concert at 6:30 pm - Santa Tells the Story

— Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Service at 6:30 pm

— Dec. 25 - Christmas Day (Sunday) NO SERVICE

2011-10-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. It has been 494 years since Martin Luther boldly criticized the church of his day. Come discover why a movement in the 16^th century continues to make its mark on us as a church today. I hope you join us. And I hope to see you at the Fall Supper and Silent Action which is also on Sunday.

I would also like to thank all of you who were able to stay last Sunday after church for the Congregational Meeting and for the Joint Needs Assessment discussion groups. This Joint Needs Assessment and the work of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee in producing the JNAC report on Spirit West are vital for the future of this congregation as it moves forward,

See you Sunday,

Larry Wright

Spirit West United Church

(780) 481-1406

Dates to Remember:

Oct 30 - Fall Supper and Silent Auction - 6:00 pm in the lower hall in the church. Come and enjoy wonderful food, including great home-made pies. And bid on the incredible variety of Silent Auction items

Nov 6 – Daylight Saving Time ends – turn your clocks back 1 hour; stewardship campaign begins

Nov 6 – Communion; Baptism; Remembrance Day Service

Nov. 22 – Stewardship Pot-Luck Supper

October 23, 2011 - General Congregational Meeting

2011-10-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Oct. 23 – come hear Rev. Larry Wright talk about the “greatest commandment”. Then please stay for a short congregational meeting immediately after the service. We will be discussing the make-up of the Board and get an update on the progress of the Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC).

Oct. 30 – celebrate with us by attending the Fall Supper and Silent Auction, starting at 6:00 pm in the lower hall of the church. Door prizes! A Wine Bar! Home-made pies! Contact Marian at 780-487-2851 for tickets. Contact Rebecca at 780-443-3999 if you can donate items for the Silent Auction.

Oct. 9 - Thanksgiving Sunday

2011-10-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

Oct. 9 is Thanksgiving Sunday. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship. Come hear the story of Samuel Jones’ Harvest Thanksgiving. Also come and enjoy the lovely fall decorations in the sanctuary.

Upcoming Events

Fall AGM – Oct. 23, 2011 – to be held after the worship service

Fall Supper and Silent Auction

will be held on October 30 together with a Silent Auction to support the purchase of Christmas Hampers.
Everyone welcome! Come get to know us and to enjoy good food and fellowship!

Oct. 2, 2011 World Wide Comunion Sunday

2011-09-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Oct. 2 – is World Wide Communion Sunday. We will join with congregations worldwide as we celebrate communion. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.

Upcoming Events –
 Thanksgiving – Oct. 9, 2011 – come see our lovely decorations in the Sanctuary
 Fall AGM – Oct. 23, 2011 – to be held after the worship service
 Fall Supper – Oct 30, 3011 – more information to follow; everyone is welcome!

Blessing of the Animals - Sunday September 25, 2011

2011-09-27T09:15:00.001-07:00

Sept. 25 – this Sunday, we will be including our pets in our worship service with a special “Blessing of the Animals”. Come, bring your pet (in a carrier or on a short leash) and join in this wonderful experience. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.

Oct. 2 – is World Wide Communion Sunday. We will join with congregations worldwide as we celebrate communion. Rev. Larry Wright will be leading us in worship.

Garth's Last Sunday - September 18, 2011

2011-09-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Sept 18 is my last service of ministry prior to retirement. There are only a few major milestones in life – birth, graduation, marriage, birth of our children, and retirement. So, this is a once-in-a-life event for me. I hope you will take the time to attend, and help us both to say some goodbyes. We are calling it “Goodbye Garth Sunday” and I anticipate a few tears, and much laughter. The sermon is called “Tales of ministry” and I will share with you some of my most hilarious and poignant memories of ministry, as well as give you some parting faith advice. It will probably be the only time in your life when you will ever hear a minister give their last service, since ministers never really retire . . . . but since we are moving to Ecuador, this is really likely my last service! The choir is back, and has some special music planned as well. And after church, there is a luncheon for those who would like to stay. Come and make a memory.

Sept 25 – Blessing of the Pets Sunday with Rev. Larry Wright

Oct 2 – World Wide Communion Sunday with Rev. Larry Wright

Oct 9 – Special Thanksgiving Service

I’m hoping to see you one last time,

yours in faith and hope,

Rev. Garth Bogart

PS: Our new international e-mail addresses are: garth.bogart@gmail.com, and orilla.bogart@gmail.com.

Welcome back to Spirit West Sept 11

2011-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Sept 11 is our welcome back Sunday as the fall church season begins once again. Sunday school is getting rolling again, and our wonderful choir returns as well. And to celebrate, after church, for those who would like to stay, we will have a barbecue lunch (outside on the grass on the shady east side of the church, weather permitting!) I have chosen for my theme this week “forgiveness” as I share with you my second last service before retirement.

Next Sunday, Sept 18 is my last service of ministry prior to retirement. We are calling it “Goodbye Garth Sunday” and I hope many of you will be in attendance to say our goodbyes together. Join in the laughter and the tears.

Sept 25 – Blessing of the Pets Sunday
Oct 2 – World Wide Communion Sunday

A Simple Goodbye gift for Garth and Orilla – Bring a favourite recipe or two!
Orilla and I are hoping to have more time for entertaining and cooking in our retirement in Ecuador. We are hoping that folks might have a favourite recipe or two, that they could write out, put your name on, and share with us. Marian Tannahill has offered to compile them. We are thinking that it will be a good way to remember you all – every time we use your recipe, we will see your name on top, and think of you, maybe even say a little prayer! So, bring us your recipes!
Hoping to see you,
yours in faith,
Rev. Garth Bogart

August 21 Service

2011-08-18T13:21:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, August 21 the service is based on the story from Matthew’s gospel where Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am? This story informs both the sermon and the service. And for the music lovers amongst us there is also a nice blend of new and older music. Should be a good service.

Sunday August 14

2011-08-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, August 14, we celebrate Baptism, with the musical candlelight baptism of Adam Joseph Walkhouse, son of Loreen and William. For those trying to make a mental connection, Loreen is the daughter of Mary Cooper.

The sermon this week is entitled “From Desperation to Joy.” And for those starting to think about the beginning of the school year in September, I have a cute story to tell during the heavenly humour time.

Heavenly Humor Sunday

2011-04-28T13:16:00.001-07:00

Special Heavenly Humour Sunday May 1 at 10:30 AM

This Sunday we have our annual special “Heavenly Humour” Service! Lots of opportunity to laugh, and let go of your burdens for a short while. We hope you laugh till you cry! I think you will enjoy the wonderful stories and videos of life and faith. Again this year, there will be some delicious hot cross buns to enjoy. This year we will have them with our coffee after the service. This is one of folks favourite services during the year – don’t miss it if you can help it.

Special Mother’s Day Service Sunday May 8

Next Sunday we are planning a special Mother’s Day service, to give thanks for all the women in our midst, whether they be mother’s or not. More about that next week.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services

2011-04-21T13:35:00.001-07:00

10:30 AM Good Friday Service April 22

We have a special poignant Good Friday Service planned for you. For some people, Good Friday is their favourite service of the year. This year we explore the use of stones throughout the stories of the people of Israel and the early Christian Community with the Good Friday drama. Music, drama and video will allow you to understand the story and your own life in a new way. The service ends with a powerful video clip “The three trees,” followed by an even more powerful solo from our own Spirit West Choir soloist Pat Brin singing “Via Dolorosa. “ A not-to-be missed service.

10:30 AM Easter Service April 24

We celebrate the hope and glory of Easter this year with music, story, humour and pathos as we explore the meaning of Easter for you and me in the twentieth century. The choir will be singing their hearts out, and joined by the “Beat Goes on” drumming group. We will celebrate lighting of the Easter fire, Holy Communion, and witness an inspirational video clip “No arms, no legs, no worries” that will help restore hope in your own life. Bring your family and friends to one of the great Christian celebrations of the year!

Hope to see you,

Yours in faith,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Sunday March 6, 2011

2011-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

This e-mail is being sent to members, adherents, and past guests of Spirit West United Church.

Sunday March 6, 2011 10:30 AM

This Sunday’s theme is Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday before the beginning of Lent. There are some fun powerpoint slides for heavenly humor entitled “10 ways to transform your life.” This week’s choir offering is entitled “To touch the heart of God.” About every other month I do a guided meditation, and this week’s one fits in with the theme of Transfiguration and encountering God. We will also celebrate Communion this week, and will incorporate movement to the mountain top to be with God. It should be an interesting and good service.

Special Notice – After church this Sunday the men’s group are putting on their yearly pancake brunch for the congregation. It will take place after church this year, so no one has to get up early! There is no charge for the brunch, although I believe there will be a basket for freewill offerings. For those who are able to stay, there should be some good food and fellowship.

Next Sunday March 13 – Baptism Sunday, Celtic Sunday. We will also remember Ash Wednesday, and will incorporate a service of ashes this Sunday as well.

Yours in faith and joy,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Sunday January 16 at 10:30 AM - Building a new life

2011-01-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

This Sunday January 16 at 10:30 AM we gather to say hello again to Rev. Garth Bogart, and goodbye to Rev. Larry Wright! I’m (Rev. Garth Bogart) glad to be back, feeling refreshed, and really looking forward to seeing you folks again! Thanks for all your prayers and good wishes in the past few months.

This week’s sermon is entitled “Building a new life” where I will share with you some ideas and tips for rebuilding and re-visioning our own lives as we look ahead as individuals to 2011. As well, I will weave through the narrative a little bit of my personal story related to my recovery from depression. The service will include a mix of uplifting music including a choir anthem entitled “Here comes the Light.” A humorous slide presentation entitled “May you always make the right moves” will getting you thinking about the upcoming year. As well, a video clip from the movie “Lord of the Rings” will get you thinking about your call to new life and your place in the world.

I’m really hoping to see you this Sunday.

Yours in faith and joy,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Reign of Christ Sunday Nov 21 10:30 AM

2010-11-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

This is the “Reign of Christ Sunday” and we have Rev. Larry Wright (a recently retired Chaplain from the Armed Forces) to lead us into a deeper understanding of the meaning and essence of this Biblical theme. Larry is also bringing a wonderful children’s story on power point. Included in the service is great music, and another chuckle, with a Heavenly Humour video, called “Home Security”.

Don’t forget this is wind up Sunday for our Stewardship Campaign, and the team has planned a ‘potluck lunch’ to celebrate and share in the successful results of their hard work with all of us. All types of food dishes are welcome. Is there anything better than a Church Potluck?

Next week we will enjoy Rev. Larry again as we celebrate the first Sunday in Advent, which will launch us into the festive season of Christmas, while we wait for the birthday of Jesus Christ.

-Remember to mark your calendars for December 12th when you are invited to enjoy an evening of song and story for the whole family at the “Story of the Candy Cane” Christmas concert.

Remembrance Sunday Nov 7 @ 10:30AM

2010-11-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

We have a special Remembrance Sunday service planned that involves story, music, prayer, the poem Flanders Fields and laying of the wreath, all in celebration and honour of this important occasion. You are invited to bring any wartime pictures and/or memorabilia that you may have, to place on the stage; these items will greatly enhance the spirit of the meaning of this chosen day.

Next week there will be a hallelujah Rodeo Sunday with Leslie Penny as our Worship Leader. You won't want to miss this service! All are encouraged to get in the spirit by wearing Rodeo/cowboy clothing.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Yours in faith
Anne.

Oct 24 2010 10:30 AM Service

2010-10-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Oct 24 2010 10:30 AM Service at Spirit West United Church

This Sunday October 24 at 10:30 AM we gather to look at the challenges of living life amidst all of its changes and challenges. Our heavenly humor is a video piece called “What love means to a 4-8 year old.” The sermon is entitled “Living life to the fullest.” About once a month we take some time with prayer candles, and this is the week for that. It looks like a good service.

As well, a reminder on behalf of the Sunday School, to bring some non-perishable food items for the food bank. This is the final week to do that.

Next week, Oct 31, is “Mask” Sunday and people are invited to bring a non-scary mask to church, as we reflect on the invisible masks that we wear in life. I’m guessing about 1/4 of the folks will take part in this activity, so don’t feel that you have to do this. If you would like, just come and be an observer of the wonder of God’s creative spirit alive and well at Spirit West.

Hope to see you this Sunday.
Yours in faith and joy,
Rev. Garth Bogart

Oct 17, 2010 10:30 AM World Food Sunday, Reception of New Members, Brunch, and Semi-Annual Meeting

2010-10-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

This Sunday October 18 at 10:30 AM we gather to celebrate World Food Sunday. On behalf of the Sunday School, we invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for the food bank, either this week or next week. (The Sunday School are inviting children to bring items for next week, you will hear more about that this Sunday. )

This Sunday we have more people joining the church, so come and celebrate with us and them! The pastoral reflection is called “Servant Leadership.”

After the church service, there will be lots of “good eats.” Folks are invited to bring finger foods, either hot or cold, such as sandwiches, vegetable tray, snacks, fruit, cheese, crackers, desserts, sausage rolls, spring rolls, etc.

This Sunday is also an opportunity to show support and to give thanks for some of the leaders in our congregation. Following brunch, there will be a short congregational meeting to elect the board.

Thanksgiving Sunday Oct 10, 2010 10:30 AM

2010-10-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

We have a wonderful Thanksgiving service planned for this Sunday. Bring your visiting family and friends with you! We have some amazing audio and video Thanksgiving related material to share with you.
The choir anthem is called “The Thanksgiving Garden.” The pastoral reflection is “Gratefulness in the midst of struggle.” I’m hoping the service will help each of us to appreciate what we have, by looking at some of the poignant as well as humorous sides of life.

Hope to see you this Sunday.
Yours in faith and joy,
Rev. Garth Bogart

World Wide Communion Sunday October 3

2010-09-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

This week, we will join with over a billion Christians around the world, and celebrate Communion together. Worship will feature the musical renderings of “The Beat Goes On” drumming group, as well as the Jr. Music and drama group, who are playing partly in support of education in Angola. Communion will feature different breads and juices and even languages of the world! The title of the sermon is “The things we share.” We will explore some of the similarities and differences in the world’s denominations, using humour and poignant audio and video.
Hope to see you this Sunday.

Yours in faith and joy,

Rev. Garth Bogart

Blessing of the Animals

2010-09-14T16:12:00.001-07:00

Sunday Sept 19 “Blessing of the Animals” Service 10:30 AM
This Sunday at 10:30 AM is our annual “Blessing of the Animals” Service. This was one of folks favourite services last year! And also one of our most memorable church services ever!
Invite your friends for this unique service! Believe it or not you are encouraged to bring your good natured pets to church! Either leashed or in a carrying case please! No camels or cougars (Ha! Ha!) If you don’t currently have a pet, you could bring a picture of a pet who was previously an important part of your life. At prayer time we will remember those pets who have died. Those of you who have allergies, bring your antihistamines just in case! The service will be a hoot! A cacophony for the five senses! Humorous videos as well as a poignant story sermon leave you in stitches one moment, and near tears the next. Don’t miss this memorable moment in the life of our congregation.

Labor Day Sunday

2010-09-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is the long weekend, and on Sunday Sept 5 at 10:30 AM we will be celebrating Holy Communion, as well as reflecting a little bit on our labor day tradition and work – blessing or curse?

Next Sunday, Sept 12 is a special “Welcome back” Sunday, as well as grandparents day and apple Sunday. Lots of special things happening on this day – a don’t miss Sunday!

The following Sunday, Sept 19 is our annual Blessing of the Animals Service. One of our favourite services last year. A definite don’t miss!!!!!

And finally, don’t forget to tell your friends about our 1000 wedding dress extravaganza, happening Sept 22-25. See our website for more info.

August 22 is Camping Sunday

2010-08-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is camping Sunday for Spirit West. Some of our congregation will be camping at the Lion's campground in Devon, while the rest of us will be experiencing a camp-like experience right here at church. We will be celebrating the four elements of air, earth, water and fire in the round. Come and join us for a unique experience.

Mountain Sunday August 15

2010-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Our minister this Sunday is Roger Manuel. He will be showing us the mountains of his home in Grande Cache. Our scripture is Mark 16 verses 14-18.

His meditation is titled: Mountains, Spiritual and Metaphorical

Come and celebrate the song of the mountains!

August 1 Reflection

2010-07-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

This week Anne Dingwall will be our minister. Her topic is Where is the Kingdom of God?

Finding Joy in your life today

2010-07-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

This Sunday the theme of the service is “Finding Joy in your life today.” There has been lots going on in the lives of some of our congregational folks these last few weeks, and so I thought a theme on how to find more joy in our lives in the midst of struggles, would be a timely theme. For heavenly humor, we have a series of amazing pictures entitled “Pictures you will not see twice!” My sermon is called “Finding Joy in the journey.” There is also a profound video clip called “Finding Joy – simple secrets.” And to bring more joy into your life in surprising ways, a clip about “Finding Joy with Strangers.” And finally bring your hanky, when you see and hear the joyous stories of reunions. This should be another good service.

Sunday July 4 at 10:30 AM - Pancake Breakfast and Canada Celebration at Spirit West

2010-06-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well it is the Canada Day weekend, and we have a special service planned to motivate you to get out of bed early this Sunday! For those who like to eat, we are having a pancake breakfast before church starting 9:30-9:45 AM. Our church service at 10:30 AM is a fun service called “God Bless Canada, eh!” It will be a day to celebrate God’s blessings upon us and our country. Music will range from Stompin Tom Connor’s “The Hockey Song” to “O Canada” to “This land is your land.” We have two wonderful heavenly humour videos “I’m glad I live in Canada” and “I am Canadian.” The sermon is called “God bless Canada and all Canadians.” Holy Communion gives us another opportunity to give thanks to God, and the service ends with the “I believe” video helping us to remember the Olympic moment that we all celebrated at the beginning of this year. It should be a wonderful service. Hope to see many of you folks this Sunday.

Scripture reading for this week: Luke 9: 51-56

Welcome to Spirit West United Church, Edmonton Alberta

2010-06-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog for Spirit West United Church in west Edmonton.

We are the congregation at Spirit West United Church, a vibrant community of faith located in a brand new building at the west end of Edmonton. Our minister is Reverend Garth Bogart.

We worship every Sunday at 10:30 AM. If you like to sing, come a little early and join us for some gathering songs.

We are located west of Anthony Henday drive and south of Whitemud Drive. The two access routes are south on Guardian Road (opposite the entrance to Lewis Estates on the Whitemud) or enter on 62 Avenue (which is Callingwood Road to the east of the Anthony Henday) and turn north to 199 Street.

Phone us at (780) 481-1406 or email us at spiritw@telus.net