The Art

Hello friends –


Two matters off the top today: First, I’m looking forward sharing the last message in our ‘Broken’ series with you this weekend. Your feedback in conversations, emails, and even social media posts has been so helpful and motivating. Thanks to those of you who have trusted me with some tender stories and for indicating your resolve not to let some important relationships fade away...at least ‘...as far as it depends on you...’ I’ll give this content one final go at our Saturday and Sunday gatherings, hope you can join us either online or in person as I describe some biblical instruction on the art of reconciliation.

The second matter is also an invitation, and this one has to do with baptism. Water baptism has been practiced by Christ-following people since Jesus modelled this sacred ritual for us. Baptism is a way for you to do the same and participate in a common experience with the millions who’ve gone before us. Baptism is a way to make your faith known and to demonstrate that you’re pursuing Christ and his way. It’s a practical way to live out and experience tangibly your relationship with him. Baptism isn’t necessary for salvation, but it powerfully symbolizes the new life you began when you started following Jesus. It symbolizes your old life dying (going under the water) and your new orientation, centred on Jesus (coming out of the water).

Whenever baptisms are celebrated in our church, it’s a highlight event for everyone! We’re planning for baptisms during May 28 & 29 weekend gatherings, and now is the time to consider whether this might be a positive faith step for you. Following each in person service this weekend we’ll be hosting a short Baptism Prep meeting, where we’ll coach you up and answer any questions. To register or to learn a bit more, check out the baptism page on our website, and you’d like to consider an online version of Baptism Prep we’ve got you covered there too. Unfortunately, we’ve yet to figure out how to do digital baptisms...but give us time!


Take care everyone,

Greg Hochhalter | Lead Pastor

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Baptism

When we re-orient our lives around and loving like Jesus we are made new. Baptism is a celebration of this commitment and 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 you life. 

Baptism weekend will be May 28th and 29th. Baptism Prep Classes will be held in the Fireside Room after each service on May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd. Registration is not required.

There will be an online Baptism Prep class offered on May 22nd at 1 PM. If you are interested in this, please register here to receive the Zoom link for the online class.

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Grade 4/5/6 Fun Night - Color Me Crazy

Grade 4/5/6 Fun Night is a great time for kids to connect with others, bring friends and have a blast.

Back by popular demand…on May 27th, we are excited to hold another COLOR ME CRAZY! Dress to be outside and wear old closed toe shoes, clothing that can get messy and bring eye protection! Invite your friends too. Registration is required.

Drop off begins at 6:15 PM and pick up will be at 8:30 PM. All children must be signed out by a parent, guardian or designated adult at the end of the evening.

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General Assembly Volunteer Opportunities

General Assembly is a national gathering held every two years by The Alliance Canada. This year, General Assembly will be hosted, in-person and online, at Sherwood Park Alliance Church on July 5-8.

In order for General Assembly to run smoothly - we need you! Consider some of the volunteer opportunities and register today! After each of the services this weekend, head out to the Atrium and connect with a General Assembly volunteer coordinator for more information.

For more information about General Assembly, schedule, attending etc., please visit allianceassembly.com

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Burundi Project

In 2008, Sherwood Park Alliance Church, along with Food for the Hungry (FH), partnered with the community of Kayanza Burundi as they began their 10 year journey out of poverty and into sustainability. In 2018, we rejoiced with the community as they accomplished their goals and began to thrive!

To look back on our journey with the community of Kayanz and FH, please see this video. To learn more about FH Canada, please visit www.fhcanada.org 

Many of our Sherwood Park Alliance Church families were connected to this project either through child sponsorship, donations, prayer and opportunities to visit Burundi.

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Online Ministry Enhancement

The public weekend gathering is no longer the front door - the digital presence and online experience of church is overwhelmingly our first point of connection with the spiritually curious, and an essential method for initiating and fostering discipling relationships within our congregation. Streaming online is more than a broadcast - it's a platform with which to nurture meaningful connections with online viewers.

The hybrid church is the new normal.

To help support this new normal, we are launching an Online Ministry Enhancement campaign. For more information please see spac.ca/online.

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