Jesus Is Our Hope

March 26, 2021

Welcome to the 'in-between days.' Just when the days get warmer and we head outside, the cold and grey returns. As fast as COVID case numbers are trending down, the up and to the right trend returns. So much of what we're looking forward to is in the category of 'soon, but not yet.'

Last weekend, Pastor Rita talked about finding peace at the foot of the cross; being comfortable in the waiting. We'll experience some of that sense again this coming weekend as we walk through the three days of Easter, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Perhaps Saturday is the day you'll connect with best, the day in-between Jesus's death and His resurrection. As Easter approaches, we're reminded of Jesus' brutal and violent death, but before His return, we are forced to sit in the despair, the discomfort and uncertainty of what is to come. Right now, we want COVID restrictions to be lifted, we long for brighter, warmer days, we want to hug, and having meaningful conversations with our friends and loved ones in-person without fear of making them sick, or worse. However, at this time, we are forced to sit in the in-between, that time in-between death and resurrection. As we do, we can find hope in the here and the now. We know that Jesus will rise, but for now we wait in anticipation of His return to celebrate His resurrection.

God be with you in this season of waiting. My prayer for you today is that you find peace while you wait in anticipation for the better things to come; Jesus is our hope.

Greg Hochhalter,
Lead Pastor

On the cross, God's plan is accomplished, Jesus' mission is complete. At the foot of the cross is the place we can find peace with our human condition. This past weekend, Pastor Rita examined two of the last statements Jesus made on the cross, "I am thirsty" and "I am finished". God's solution to conquering evil, which is the root of all problems, is self-sacrificing love. Through Jesus' death, we are redeemed and we can begin the path to healing. If you missed last weekend's message, or would like to hear it again, it is available on-demand to watch or listen to at your convenience.

This weekend, as The Cross of Christ series comes to a close, Pastor Brody will move toward the event that changed the world forever - the resurrection of Jesus.

Weekend Services are online via the website, Facebook, You Tube on Saturday 7 pm and Sunday, 9 am & 11 am.

On Easter weekend we will journey through three important worship services to end Holy Week.

Remember the death of Christ.

The worship team will lead us through a digital stations of the Cross which will engage a variety of art-forms. We'll be walking through a series of scriptures as we reflect on Christ's death. Download the Digital Worship Guide to use during the service or pick up a physical copy at the church office during business hours.

Receive Communion in-person at the 1011 Clover Bar Road Campus parking lot after online service. Pre-registration is required and opens today, March 26. The opportunity to request and receive prayer will also be available.

The wait in the in-between.

Celebrate new life and Christ's resurrection.

Easter Sunday services will be held online & in-person registration is required and is now open!

We will be celebrating communion during Sunday services. Please prepare to have crackers/ bread and juice to share with one another during our online gathering.

We are excited to be able to welcome you back to in-person gatherings starting Saturday April 10 at 7 pm and Sunday, April 11 at 10 am. Registration is now open!

Kids Ministries will also resume programming starting Sunday, April 11 at 10 am. While the option to have your child(ren) return to Kids Ministries is available, all children must register to participate in Sunday morning programming. This is a unique opportunity to commit your child(ren) to a 12-week cohort group starting April 11 - June 27. If you are interested in registering your child(ren) for Kids Ministries, would like more information, or would like to serve in Kids Ministries, please visit the Kids Ministries Welcome Back page!

We take your health very seriously and will continue to comply with the protocols outlined by the provincial government authorities for guidance. We will still worship, pray and learn together in a way that glorifies and honours our Lord and our God - whether you decide to join online or in-person.

Find out more information about in-person gathering and what you can expect... Welcome Back!

We all have a family and it's undoubtedly flawed. Despite the best intentions of our parents or ourselves, family can be messy and the source of hurt. Sometimes our attempts to make things better only makes things worse. Instead of being overcome by defeat, join us as we explore God's power to make our imperfect families a little less imperfect. Following Easter weekend, we will begin a new series, My Imperfect Family.

My Imperfect Family series April 10 - May 9.

Life Group Open House

Life Groups are the key to spiritual growth. Through spiritual growth, we can change our lives and learn to live and love like Jesus. It is when we are in relationship that we disciple each other, where we love and care for each other, and serve together. This is your opportunity learn more about Life Groups, meet group leaders, and connect with other people who are ready to join a group. We have several different options for our Open House:

• In-person after a service on Saturday, April 10 or Sunday, April 11
• Online through the chat after the live stream of the services on Saturday, April 10 or Sunday, April 11
• Online through Zoom on Monday April 12 at 7:30 pm. Registration is required for this gathering.

Learn more about Life Groups or form a Life Group by contacting: [email protected]

PALM reaches those who are new to Canada coming from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. They have a focus towards reaching those from a Muslim background as God has placed this people group on their hearts. Building relationships with everyone who enters their doors is important to them as well as assisting with practical needs.

For a glimpse into what PALM does, here is an example of some of the work that Ron and Lois do:

Monday at 6 pm, just as we're sitting down to supper at home the phone rings. One of our volunteers, a retired public health nurse, is on the line, "'Ina' just called me. Her husband called her and said she had better be gone from the house when he gets home from work. I'm sitting outside her apartment. What should I do?"

Thankfully, such calls are not daily, nor are they that unusual. Getting up close and personal in people's lives can be messy. The truth or the whole situation is often not known to us. We regularly need God's wisdom to know how to proceed. Your prayers for us are crucial as we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus to hurting people.

Sherwood Park Alliance Church has been involved with PALM for many years and has been a part of several initiatives. Previously, Sherwood Park Alliance Church contributed toward the upkeep of their building. There is a core team of committed volunteers involved mostly in the English programming as well as with their homework club.

Join Christians around the world in prayer for our Muslim neighbours April 13 - May 12, 2021. Follow together with believers around the globe using the Muslim World Prayer Guide that will inspire you as you discover and learn about the unique challenges faced by our Muslim friends. This prayer time coincides with Ramadan which is a time of prayer and fasting for Muslims.

Registration is required for either a digital or printed copy of the Prayer Guide.

Those who register for a digital copy will be sent instructions with a download code. Physical copies are available for pick up at the church office Monday-Friday 8:30 -3:30 pm.

Kids versions are also available for purchase on the 30 Days of Prayer website.