Frustrated with God?

July 23, 2021

Hello church family,

In so many ways this should be a celebratory time. Despite the recent heat (and smoke!), it’s summer and the shorts and flip-flops are on, and the masks (mostly) are off. And like many of you, I recently had the joy of having all our kids around the table for the first time since Christmas 2019. And last week we finally got to be eyeball to eyeball with my brother and sister-in-law and their sons. At my stage of life, it doesn’t get much better than being in close proximity with those I love most. What a thrill to be together again!

But as awesome as the last few days were, today I received one more reminder about how quickly emotions can turn, and the fragility of life. My day started with the news of the passing of a good friend. Another life cut down way earlier than it should have. Another frustrating example of God seemingly not answering the earnest prayers of many. I’m grieving deeply with another church family and a close circle of friends today.

It’s a wise reminder about a posture we can hold when God doesn’t seem to be acting or moving in the way we think He should.

It was in May that I decided to teach about Habakkuk this weekend. Habakkuk is not a well-known biblical character, and what little we know of him is described in a tiny work of Hebrew literature we categorize with the rest of the Old Testament’s minor prophets. I like Habakkuk because I relate to him well - most people do. Even though the material dates somewhere between 612 and 589 BC, it’s surprisingly relevant. Most of what I’ll cover this weekend is from chapter 1, where Habakkuk makes some shockingly strong comments about his frustration with his God. And God has some interesting things to say to Habakkuk as well. It’s a text about how to handle frustration, specifically frustration with God. It’s a wise reminder about a posture we can hold when God doesn’t seem to be acting or moving in the way we think He should. I think it’ll be worth the investment of time should you choose to be with us either online or in-person.

For those joining in-person, I’m looking forward to being with you for the first time since the public health restrictions were relaxed. At this stage of life and ministry, it doesn’t get much better than being up close and personal with people I love. What a thrill to be together again!

Greg Hochhalter

Many of the protocols and procedures we have been following this past year are no longer required. We can now gather once again to worship and be in the presence of our Lord without having to mask-up, socially distance, register, and take your temperature! We can return to life, or a version of the life we once knew pre-COVID. However, this does not mean that respect and care for one another is not at the forefront. Remember that everyone has their own personal comfort levels, so before you hug someone or shake their hand, ask if he or she is comfortable doing so. Please be mindful of others' personal space and proximity, and honour someone's desire to wear a mask and physically distance.

If you decide that you would like to return to church in-person, please only do so if you feel comfortable and ready. Online services will continue to be offered on Saturday at 7 pm and on Sunday at 10 am.

Kids Ministry programming is available Sunday's at 10 am for Nursery - Grade 6. Saturday's at 7 pm only Nursery is available. See Welcome Back Families for more information.

Rest assured that even though we aren’t currently streaming our in-person experience, we design all the services with the same content so you’re not missing out. Our hope is to move back to streaming our in-person experience fairly soon, and we’re currently in the process of raising funds to enhance our ability to do that again.

* Sherwood Park Alliance Church will continue to follow the latest government authority COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. If required, a stage may be paused to respond to the direction given at regional or provincial levels.

This summer, as we bridge the distant 'back then' with the not-so-sacred 'now.' This series of messages calls out the similarities of age-locked peoples who aren't so different from us. Their stories are life changers. Sometimes they confront, sometimes they comfort, sometimes they inspire. And almost always, they lead to a continuing love affair with Scripture.

Join us online or in-person Saturday at 7 pm | Sunday 10 am (YouTube, spac.ca, AppleTV, Roku).

Last weekend Pastor Jeremy talked about the mentoring relationship between Paul and Timothy. You too have something to offer. God can and will use you to speak into someone else's life. If you happened to miss it, you can watch on-demand anytime.

Looking for a place to connect with other seniors? Join us on Tuesday, August 10 at 2:00 pm for a fun afternoon of conversation and community. Be sure to register.

Our Young Adult ministries exist to grow in relationship with each other, thrive in community together, and grow in our relationship with Jesus. We believe that Jesus has called us out of isolation and into a journey with Him and those around us. We strive to be a place where every young adult feels known and loved, and where authenticity and vulnerability help us to walk alongside each other no matter the circumstance.

Join us this summer on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. We gather in the back field at the church for a time of community and chill hang outs.

We're planning several Saturday day trips so make sure you check out our social media or the website (spac.ca/youngadults) for details.

Connect on Social For all the latest updates check out our Instagram @spac_ya

Our Summer Family Challenge is created for YOU as a family to have the most memorable summer ever! Running for the months of July and August these Summer Family Kits include fun, faith-focused activities for all ages to complete together - earning points for every challenge along the way. Our points range from 10 to 150 depending on the activity. At the end of the summer, the family with the most points will win the grand prize. But don't be discouraged, even 10 points will qualify your family to enter our draw to win one of our participation prizes!

Included in your Summer Family Kit will be a guide with all of the activities and points, as well as a fun Kick Start Kit made up of some treats and props to help you complete some of the activities. Register to pick up your kit.