Everybody's Welcome. Nobody's Perfect. Anything's Possible.

December 5, 2020

There's a church in the 'states which uses three short phrases to describe what they're about:

• Everybody's Welcome.
• Nobody's Perfect.
• Anything's Possible.

Borrowing their tag lines for my purposes, I want to remind you that Everybody's Welcome to participate in our Annual General Meeting Monday night. While Everybody IS Welcome, participating members of Sherwood Park Alliance will be given an opportunity to vote on a handful of motions, including committee nominees, congregational representatives to our Board of Elders and audited financial statements. Everything you need to know about registering for the meeting, and the corresponding documents and reports can be found here.

In case you don't know this yet: At our church, Nobody's Perfect. We didn't need a pandemic to show us how imperfect we all are, and how imperfect best laid plans can be. I'm proud of how our church has responded to the challenges brought our way by COVID-19 - we've gotten some things right, and some things wrong. I welcome your engagement on Monday as we share some updates about our disciple-making efforts in the last year and speculate about where we're headed next. As always, you'll be given an opportunity ask any questions you may have.

Let me leave you with this. Twelve months ago none of us would have imagined the global situation we find ourselves in. We're in the midst of an experience that's going to change the world (and the church) permanently. While this may seem like a dark time, in the midst of this season there's hope - not just for a vaccine, but for new ways to be the body and presence of Jesus Christ in our world. Jesus said His church would prevail, and I've never wavered in my belief that through Him, Anything's Possible.

I hope to see you online with us Monday night! Be safe, and be well.

Greg Hochhalter,
Lead Pastor

The way we engage in service, in recognition of the Saviour's birth will be done in our homes, online, gathered around a "screen" rather than assembling as God's people, in-person, at the church. While Christmas is very different this year and the way we celebrate will be different, we can still come together in unity and engage in our services together-even though we will all be in different locations. Sherwood Park Alliance Church has created a special, personalized gift box for you to "unbox" just before engaging in Christmas Eve service... It's Christmas Unboxed! We can't tell you what is in your gift, because... well... it wouldn't be a surprise!
There are two ways to receive your Christmas Unboxed gift:

Pickup
Normally, during Christmas Eve service, a photo-booth is set up for you to commemorate the season. This year, a photographer will be available onsite to take your Christmas photo, at no charge, outside the Church at designated times (registration is required). Come, commemorate the season with a photo and pick-up your Christmas Unboxed gift. If you don't want to have a photo taken, register and pick up your gift.

Delivery
If you would prefer your Christmas Unboxed gift delivered to your home, we'd be happy to stop by, have a chat (physically distanced, of course) and pray for you. Please register if you would like to have your Christmas Unboxed gift dropped off.

While we won't physically be together this Christmas... we can still be together, united in Christ's love and peace. As a church, we are alive and as active as ever! Register for pickup or delivery...

Check out our Facebook page or YouTube channel for a Christmas update from Pastors Brody & Luke!

Last weekend Pastor Brody kicked-off Advent with a message that focused on the Christmas Carol, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus where he dipped into the grand narrative of the Old Testament and its anticipation and longing...groaning for the coming Messiah. If you missed it, last weekend's teaching, along with previous teachings are available on-demand.

One of the highest callings we have as followers of Jesus is to be agents of reconciliation and forgiveness. We ought to be bringers of peace...we ought to be the first ones to cross racial, political, and opinion divides. That is the message that Pastor Greg will focus on as he explores the Carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

Online services: Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 9 am & 11 am | Facebook, YouTube and on the website (spac.ca).