Comparison kills the love in me!

September 17, 2021

Hello Church Family—Last weekend I taught the first message in a new series called “No More!” We’re talking about saying ‘no’ to things that might be keeping us from the life God has for us (noise, distraction, comparison, complaint, worry).

Given all that’s happening in our lives and in our community right now, I’m really glad we’re doing this! If you missed last weekend, we talked about the transforming nature of quiet. Reducing the noise is a wonderful way to calm the soul, and a pathway to hear the voice of God. If you missed it, check it out here!

This weekend I’m going to talk about comparison, something which can make me feel inferior, unworthy, and kills the love in me. You may be surprised at how much comparison there is among biblical characters. That is until a superb role model emerges in the New Testament. I hope you’ll be with us online or in-person this weekend.

COVID Update

Speaking of in-person worship, by now I trust that you are aware of the new public health measures announced Wednesday evening, which include guidelines for places of worship. As we’ve done throughout each stage of this public health crisis, we will play an active role in protecting people from the spread of COVID; especially the most vulnerable, including children who do not yet have a vaccine available to them as well as unvaccinated students and adults.

We intend to be hospitable and welcoming at our public gatherings while focusing on the well-being of our church family and community. I’d urge you to be ready to model the way of Jesus by setting aside your personal rights for the well-being of the whole community when gathered.
The new measures will not require radical changes in and around the weekend service atmosphere. Masks will continue to remain mandatory, as was the case last weekend.

We are limited to 1/3 fire code occupancy in our auditorium, but this is where our church is uniquely privileged. Our spacious auditorium can accommodate roughly 375 people per service while also allowing for 2 meters of physical distancing between households, or 2 close contacts for those living alone.

Two other decisions that will impact some of you:

1. In-person Kids Ministry will be postponed for at least this weekend to allow our leaders time to adjust their approach and prepare for a potential shift to a cohort model. We’ll have more info about that next week.
2. Our Legato coffee café and atrium coffee service are temporarily suspended. But when I teach, I always prefer our congregation to be caffeinated, so feel free to bring along your own coffee!

Hang in there everyone! We’re all tired, and as real as COVID is, so is the accompanying fatigue. This remains a time for the Christian community to shine brightly in a world that feels kind of dark. 

I’m praying for you today and would value your prayer for me and my staff colleagues. Be safe and be well.

Greg Hochhalter
Lead Pastor

Join us for our second annual Family Amazing Race on Sept 25th at 10am.

You and your family will follow clues as you race around Sherwood Park searching for an opportunity to snap a selfie with some of your favorite staff members. Open to all ages and prizes available!

Registration is required: https://www.spac.ca/amazingrace

Explore how God is calling Sherwood Park Alliance to grow His ministry in the Millbourne Community. 

The morning of Saturday, October 2, will include a prayer walk around Millbourne. We will be praying for the people of the Millbourne community and asking God to prepare the minds and hearts of ourselves, as well as those with whom we will meet, as we begin the community engagement work.

Register to attend at spac.ca/millbourne.

If you believe in what God is doing at Sherwood Park Alliance Church, take the next step to become part of the team.

During this one-hour session, you will learn more about what Sherwood Park Alliance is all about and what it means to be a member. The class will be offered online on Tuesday, September 28.

Register at spac.ca/membership.

Bring your non-perishable food items to the atrium on Thanksgiving weekend, October 9 and 10. We'll be collecting food for those in need. 

This year we're giving all food items collected to our We Care ministry. 

Life Groups matter because they invite you into a place of deep community where you are known, loved and encouraged to grow in your walk with Jesus. 

We know community begins when we move from sitting in rows, to doing life in circles together. If you’d like to find ways to connect deeper into community and grow in your walk with Jesus, the opportunity to join or lead a life group is one of the best ways to do this! We’d love to help you find a community either in-person or online!

A Life Groups Open House will be held on the September 18/19 weekend. We would love for you to plan to attend and find out more about what Groups we have available in our church and how you can get involved! www.spac.ca/lifegroups