Say No to Religion

October 22, 2021

Hello Church Family—I’m dropping into your pre-weekend inbox to urge you to take part in one of our gatherings this weekend. We’re wrapping up our ‘No More!’ series with a message that might catch you by surprise. I’m going to suggest you say ‘no’ to religion this weekend. Yes, you read that right. I’m a religious leader, a pastor, and I’m urging you to say an emphatic “NO!’ to religion.

If you think I’ve lost my mind, think again. Helping people say ‘no’ to religion was a big part of Jesus’ ministry. I’m going to show you several examples of Him doing exactly this.

At the core of Jesus’ teaching was this: God loves people more than His commandments. God loves human beings made in His image more than conformity. God loves you more than His law. When religious folks get this reversed, people get hurt.

The manipulation of people made in the image of God is the reason why so many have issues with churches, church leaders, and organized religion, including Christianity. Which is why I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to describe what Jesus had in mind for me and you. What He’s after is not religious conformity, but living life in the reality of His Kingdom...a world view, a new way of living, a new way of relating to God the Father.

Hope you’ll be with us online or in person this weekend!

Take care everyone,
Greg Hochhalter
Lead Pastor

The last two years have been tough on our kids and teens, as well as their families. On October 27, we will be hosting a parent discussion with Dr. Shawn Reynolds, a psychologist in our congregation who is also the father of two teenagers.

The discussion will include strategies related to anxiety and building resiliency, along with general family self-care strategies as we manage stress at this stage of the pandemic. Register here.

Missed the Clothing Exchange? You can still participate at the Clothing Exchange being held at Millbourne Community Life Centre on October 30. 

For all the details or to register to volunteer please visit spac.ca/clothingexchange.

When we re-orient our lives around living and loving like Jesus, we are made new. Baptism is a celebration of this commitment and a time to share how God is transforming us. Baptism is this picture of how the gospel changes lives. It’s a remembering of that moment or season where you said ‘yes’ to God – His love, His forgiveness, His purpose for your life.

Baptism Prep Classes will be held in person in the Fireside Room after each service on October 30/31 and November 6/7. Registration not required.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Join us as we pray with others from our Church Family for the Persecuted Church around the World. You will have the opportunity to hear personal testimonies from parts of the world where Christians are being targeted, pray for specific requests, and connect with others from the church family. 

Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 7—8:30 pm on Zoom. Register at spac.ca/acalltoprayer.