New Testament Power Couple

Nerds rejoiced this week as the first photo of the new Lord of the Rings series was released. Amazon has a new original series in the works for 2022, I’m cautiously optimistic. At the news of the date and image being released, I along with my fellow geeks, reviewed the photo for what secrets it might hold!

This weekend I am going to talk about my favorite character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece. This person’s story arc has become my favorite as I go back through the books again. I think this specific character connects well to who we will be looking at from the Biblical narrative, as we continue our Biographies series.

I have been looking forward to this message for some time! I think the story we are going to look at is perhaps the most relatable for us today. While you may not have ever heard of them, they had incredible impact in the growth of the early church.

Hand in hand, together they used whatever they had to advance God’s kingdom in their lifetime.

Priscilla and Aquila are 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.

Can’t wait to tell you more about them in our services this weekend.

If you are ready to join us in person, we would love to have you. It has been amazing to gather for worship and then catch up with one another after the service. If you aren’t ready yet, that’s ok, feel free to reach out to us through our website at spac.ca so we can continue to stay in touch with you as well.

See you soon,

Jeremy

Staff Update

It was in this space in late June when pastor Greg Ramsden let all of us know of his intent to step away from church ministry to take on a challenging new role in a growing local media company. Greg’s final weekend leading our church in his current role is next weekend, August 14 & 15. I’ll have much more to say to Greg and about Greg during both our online and in person services.

I feel every departure, but this one is unique for me in that Greg and I not only worked closely together here these last 9 years, but also at the church we served previously in B.C. I’ve been led in worship by Greg more than any other human being on the planet! Taking the edge off a little bit is the fact that Greg & Jaci will remain part of our community, and their children part of our schools. Processing this has also been made easier by the fact that we have some bench strength in this area, and I’m looking forward to telling you more about how well positioned we are going forward.

It's been one of our traditions to express appreciation to departing pastors through a financial gift. Please consider participating by clicking the GIVE tab on our website homepage. An option to donate to the Ramsden love offering will be active for the next couple of weeks.

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 Greg told the story of Barnabas in the New Testament. Barnabas was a generous, kind man who was full of grace and became known as the 'Son of Encouragement'. His spirit is sweet and his words powerful. He's an optimist who speaks well of others, and as a result, his ministry is that of words of encouragement. If you happened to miss it, you can watch on-demand anytime.

Looking for a place to connect with other seniors? Join us on Tuesday, August 10 at 2:00 pm for a fun afternoon of conversation and community. Be sure to register.

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

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.