Love Each Other Well

July 9, 2021

It was so good to see your smiling faces at church!

You know, when Jason Kenney announced the impending removal of all restrictions, part of me wanted to leap for joy, while the other part of me (probably the lingering long-haul Covid part of me) wanted to lock my doors and throw away the key! For 16 months we have been told to make space, mask up, don’t touch, stay home. We have been asked to limit numbers in every regard and wash our hands till the cows come home. And then – suddenly, as quickly as Covid seemed to spread, we are given this new “freedom”.

Each of us are going to process this differently. When the employee now hands me my coffee at the drive through, I watch where their hand has touched – and determine whether I need to put it in a travel mug or can drink as is. We have been shaped and changed through all of this. And it’s why we have talked to great extent that we are not returning to old normal but embarking on new normal.

So here is my ask – love each other well through this time. Some of the greatest damage I have seen Covid-19 do, has been division. As the world around us is divided, let’s remember the instructions of Jesus to his disciples:

As we gathered this last weekend, there was great joy in being together, in seeing smiles, in shaking hands again, in hugs and welcomes. Not everyone is ready for return yet, and that’s ok. Not everyone will be vaccinated, and that’s ok. Not everyone can separate the disease from the politics, and that’s ok. But let’s continue to remember that the way we love each other, especially during this time, reveals to the world around us, that we belong to Jesus. So, let’s live into our discipleship this way!

Brody Jespersen

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.

Saturday at 7 pm | Sunday 10 am

Join us online or in-person, June 26/27 through August 28/29. In-person and online (YouTube, spac.ca, AppleTV, Roku)

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

There is no manual for raising kids, but God has given us something far better - the Holy Spirit, and community. Child Dedication is a way to acknowledge our dependence on the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we do our best to be an example and lead our children into a relationship with Jesus.

Child Dedication will take place the weekend of July 24 & 25. Please register by July 13.

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.