Yesterday I came across a really helpful post by a friend----Be a Hope Hero at Christmas. Shirley Thiessen lost her young adult son in a tragic accident 7 years ago and has dedicated herself to helping all of us be better at expressing meaningful care to those grieving. All of us are experiencing grief and loss this year but for people who've lost a loved one Christmas is often the most painful time of the year and this year that pain is only heightened. Here's an abbreviated adaptation of Shirley's suggestions. (see the full post and other resources). I pray they'll be helpful and maybe spark an idea for how you can effectively care for someone in your circle whether it's at work, a neighbour or someone in our church family.Send a message by text, email or an old fashion card in the mail to let the person know you're thinking of them this Christmas. It's meaningful to use the name of the love one they lost and if possible, include a memory you have of that person or even a photo. Call or Video Call and spend some moments acknowledging their loss and remembering their loved one together. If you're wanting to do something more, include a gift card to a favourite restaurant and encourage them to get take-out and as they eat to remember they are loved. Another monetary idea is to make a donation to a charity in their loved ones honour. For those grieving here's something else we're offering as a church-----A Blue Christmas Prayer Service this Wednesday night, Dec 16 at 7 pm ONLINE. This short service has been especially designed to minister to anyone grieving. Please share this Blue Christmas link to someone or join us yourself. I pray that this Christmas we'll all find creative ways to be Hope Heroes to each other---to comfort each other and remind each other there is nothing that can ever separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus---our Immanuel.Grace and peace, Rita I'm delighted to share with you that Pastor Jeremy Cook will be away on Sabbatical leave (with some accrued vacation tacked on the end) from mid-December until just after Easter. Don't take that the wrong way, I'm not delighted to get rid of him for a while! My joy comes from the fact that we serve a church which practically demonstrates love and care for its pastors and staff.If you're unfamiliar with the concept, Sabbaticals are rooted in the Old Testament Sabbath laws. In addition to observing Sabbath, ancient Jews would forgive debts, release indentured workers, and free slaves every 7th year. The practice of letting land rest was also part of the routine. It had been determined that this practice allowed the land to regain its potency and allowed the soil to restore its nutrients and minerals. It's in the spirit of these ancient practices that Sabbaticals, extended season of rest and renewal, have contributed to sustaining the spiritual, emotional, and physical vitality of ministers and Christian leaders. The idea is to replenish soul nutrients and restore hunger for life and ministry.Jeremy has served on our pastoral team for over 11 years. He began his ministry as a Youth Pastor (Junior High) and in early 2020 was tapped to serve in a Senior Associate role. Jeremy was originally approved for a Sabbatical in the spring of this year but deferred as we moved quickly to adapt our entire ministry for the COVID-19 era. Jeremy has played a big role in helping us adjust to this new reality. Even though we're still in uncertain times and headed into a winter dominated by public health and travel restrictions, we've determined that it's in his and our church's best interest not to postpone a second time. After this weekend, Jeremy's 'off the grid', 'out of pocket', 'left the building' - pick your favorite cliché. We hope and pray this time away is significant in preparing him for a new era of ministry upon his return. Your prayers for Jeremy, Heather, and their children are most appreciated!Greg Hochhalter , Lead Pastor Christmas isn't the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. In fact, for those in pain because of the loss of a loved one, or other significant loss, this season can intensify the pain.Our prayer is that this will provide an opportunity to address the sadness, the pain of loss, and even the anger that can accompany the season. This online service will include Scripture, music and prayers. We'll be asking God to bring His comforting presence to our grief and loss and remembering that God is with us in our pain.Registration for this evening of comfort and hope is required. Once you register you'll receive the instructions for the online gathering. The way we engage in service, in recognition of the Saviour's birth will be done in our homes, online, gathered around a "screen" rather than assembling as God's people, in-person, at the church. While Christmas is very different this year and the way we celebrate will be different, we can still come together in unity and engage in our services together-even though we will all be in different locations. Sherwood Park Alliance Church has created a special, personalized gift box for you to "unbox" just before engaging in Christmas Eve service... It's Christmas Unboxed! We can't tell you what is in your gift box, because... well... it wouldn't be a surprise!To receive Your Free Christmas Unboxed Gift, schedule a time for pick-up or arrange to have your gift dropped-off.While we won't physically be together this Christmas... we can still be together, united in Christ's love and peace. As a church, we are alive and as active as ever! Registration is open until December 17.COVID-19 measures will be followed while on the church property. As the photo-booth requires the close proximity of individuals, only those from within the same household are permitted to have their portrait taken.One gift box per household.I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day was the Christmas Carol Pastor Greg focused on last weekend, and specifically on these words in the carol, "And in despair I bowed my head; 'There is no peace on earth,' I said; 'For hate is strong, and mocks the song, of peace on earth, goodwill to men.'" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the author, was lamenting about how foreign 'Peace on Earth and Goodwill to men' was to his actual experience...something that a lot of people feel during the holidays. Something a lot of people are likely to be feeling this year. If you missed last weekends service, it is available on-demand.This weekend, Pastor Jeremy's message will center around the George Whitefield carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing! Whitefield was an 18th century Anglican pastor who modified the original words and included the carol in his 1754 publication, Collection of Hymns for Social Worship.Online weekend service: Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 9 am & 11 am on spac.ca, Facebook and YouTube. Traditionally, Sherwood Park Alliance Church has encouraged you to invite your friends, family and neighbours to celebrate the joy of Christmas Eve service. Although we cannot invite people to physically participate in Christmas Eve with us, we can still encourage others to get caught up in the glory and wonder of Christmas with great music, art, and word. Invite people on your social media accounts or send them an email inviting them to online Christmas Eve service. Simply click-on the "share" button at the bottom on the Christmas Eve web-page, select your invitation and follow the prompts. Christmas Eve Services are broadcast on our website, on Facebook, YouTube and AppleTV.