I wish it wasn't the case, but my default mode is living life reactively. Most of us live this way: we act in response to our circumstances. When things go well, we're happy. When it's smooth sailing, we advance. But if things get bumpy, we start to hold back. And when bad stuff happens, we turn irritable. And when things get threatening, we become afraid. A couple nights ago I went on a motorcycle ride with a good friend. We ended up at a Boston Pizza in Beaumont, had drinks and appetizers, and rode home as the sun was setting on an absolutely perfect August evening. Ideal temperatures, light traffic, summer smells around us. I was in a great mood until I got home and saw how unnamed others residing in my home left all their dinner dishes for me to clean up. That's when I got crabby. That's how it goes - I can be upbeat and positive one minute, irritated the next! Most people live life reactively, but I believe one of the Bible's messages is: there's a better way to live. Most people live life reactively, but I believe one of the Bible's messages is: there's a better way to live. This weekend in our Biographies series I'm going to tell you about one of the New Testament's most unflappable characters, and how he was able to model a better way to live. If you want a preview, check out Philippians 1. This weekend will also be a farewell of sorts, as Greg Ramsden leads our church in worship one last time before stepping off our pastoral team. Greg is leaving our staff after nearly 9 years in order to pursue a challenging role with a growing young media company. I'm grateful that Greg & Jaci and their kids will continue to reside in our community and won't be far away, but as they transition, we'll celebrate Greg's time on staff and bless the Ramsden's with a financial gift. It's been our practice to encourage departing pastors with a love offering, and if you'd like to participate in this gift, you can do so here.Before I sign off, I want to remind you once more that we're hiring. We have administrative and pastoral roles open, and if you or someone you know may have an interest in any of these key roles, please make it known.Hope to see many of you in our air-conditioned auditorium this weekend! Greg Hochhalter 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 are offered on Saturday at 7 pm and on Sunday at 10 am.Kids Ministry programming is available Sundays at 10 am for Nursery - Grade 6. Saturdays 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. Join us online or in-person Saturday at 7 pm | Sunday 10 am (YouTube, spac.ca, AppleTV, Roku). Last weekend Pastor Jeremy talked about Priscilla and Aquila, a power couple from the pages of the New Testament. There isn't lots written about them and yet quietly, from behind-the-scenes, God used them in incredible ways! Hand in hand, together they used whatever they had to advance God's kingdom in their lifetime. Their impact is still being felt today. They are an excellent example of our values here at Sherwood Park Alliance. A couple who lived out what it means to be Hospitable, Transformational and Missional. If you happened to miss it, you can watch on-demand anytime. 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_yaOur 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.