Today we find ourselves uniquely positioned like Jesus and the disciples, the night before.I want to ask you to do some reading in preparation of this weekend. John 13-17 is famously referred to as the upper room discourse. Jesus, with his disciples, after having washed their feet (an act of humility and service - the heartbeat behind this whole mission), then shares a Passover meal, and while reclining at that iconic table, we have John capturing Jesus' last words. Words full of hope, and promise, full of call and conviction. Words about the Fathers love for us, and our invitation toward relationship and mission. Words about the future, about loss, about confusion about promise.In the midst of all the chaos that would define the following 72 hours, we have Jesus make these statements: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me". (14:1), and then later, in 16:33, before His iconic prayer, He reiterates: "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world".There is lots to be troubled about, for sure, but also so much to anticipate, and celebrate. He has risen my friendsAs you prepare for the Easter weekend, read John 13-17; put yourself in that upper room, and hear the words of Jesus, pointing toward the hope and promise of what this weekend is all about.Pastor Brody JespersenSenior Associate PastorStop by tomorrow, Good Friday, after the online service at 10 am to receive in-person Communion from the safety of your own vehicle in the church parking lot. Come anytime between 11:20 and 1:20 pm. Take a few minutes out of your day to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Communion will be about a five minute experience.There will also be an opportunity to receive prayer, again from the safety of your vehicle. Our address is 1011 Clover Bar Road, Sherwood Park, Alberta. We hope to see you tomorrow!Good Friday | 10:00 am, to remember the death of Christ.Online only: Website, Facebook, YouTubeWe'll be walking through a series of scriptures as we reflect on Christ's death. Download the Digital Worship Guide to use during the service or pick up a physical copy at the church office during business hours.Receive Communion in-person at the 1011 Clover Bar Road Campus parking lot after online service. This is a 5 minute experience as those in your vehicle are led in communion. We also have prayer teams who are ready to partner with you in prayer with whatever you might be facing. Registration preferred...Holy Saturday | 7:00 pm, to wait in the in-between. Online only: Website, Facebook, YouTube Easter Sunday | 10:00 am & 12:00 pm, to celebrate new life and Christ's resurrection. Online: Website, Facebook, YouTube & in-person (Registration required)We can't wait to gather as one church family, from all over!We have journeyed toward Easter with several of our families by walking through the Life of Jesus using a paper chain activity in the Family Easter Kit. A few of our families worked through the kit at a faster pace so they could share how they have accepted Jesus' invitation to be apart of His big story and how the power of the resurrection shapes their lives. Dennis Leon shared his family's experience:I was thinking about how we had the opportunity last night to reflect as family on those two fronts: Because of Jesus, I am and I can........ Lessons learnt, we should do that more often and ask ourselves those same questions, if possible every day, every morning when wake up. What a motivation to face the day, right? Thank you for the opportunity.As we sit at the cross, and celebrate on Easter Sunday, we all have the opportunity to reflect on the Life of Jesus, the power of the resurrection and if we will accept Jesus' invitation to be apart of His big story. How will you answer the following today, "Because of Jesus I am...." and "Because of Jesus I can..."The resurrection changed everything. The world, as a result of Christ's death and resurrection would never be the same again. Because of Christ, we can move from despair, to hope and from devastation to overwhelming joy. Pastor Brody leads us through a powerful exercise where we too can experience Jesus' incredible love for us. This was the final sermon in The Cross of Christ series taking us into Holy Week. If you missed this past weekends message, it is available on-demand to watch or listen to at your convenience.This weekend there are three distinct services to remember the death of Christ, the wait in the in-between, and the celebration of new life because of Christ's resurrection. On Good Friday, the Weekends Team will lead a digital Stations of the Cross engaging in a variety of art-forms, Holy Saturday service will be subdued, quiet, simple, prayerful-- the day in-between, waiting and longing for our Saviour. On Easter Sunday, Pastor Greg will tell the story of what took place after the resurrection, the actions of the first followers and the launch of the revolution which is still impacting our world.Following Easter, we begin a new series called My Imperfect Family.We all have a family and it's undoubtedly flawed. Despite the best intentions of our parents or ourselves, family can be messy and the source of hurt. And sometimes our attempts to make things better only makes things worse. Instead of being overcome by defeat, join us as we explore God's power to make our imperfect families a little less imperfect. Series begins April 10/11 until May 8/9. Next weekend, April 10 and 11, we plan to resume weekend service in-person on Saturday at 7 pm or Sunday at 10 am. In-person registration is required. While the option to return to in-person gathering is available, please do so only if you are ready, and feel safe and comfortable gathering again. We take your health very seriously and will continue to comply with the protocols outlined by the provincial government authorities for guidance. We will still worship, pray and learn together in a way that glorifies and honours our Lord and our God - whether you decide to join online or in-person. If you feel more comfortable attending service online, online services will continue on the various platforms (online through the spac.ca/watch, YouTube, Facebook, Apple TV and Fire TV). Kids Ministries Kids Ministry (Ministries) programming starts Sunday, April 11 at the 10 am service! While the option to have your child(ren) return to Kids Ministries is available, all children must register to participate in Sunday morning programming. This is a unique opportunity to commit your child(ren) to a 12-week cohort group starting April 11 - June 27. Information and Registration... The simple why behind building community is this - we're made for it. Maybe we didn't need a pandemic year to make it so obvious, or maybe we did... As humans, we need connection; we need each other. It's when we are in relationship that we can love and be loved, care for and be cared for. Being a part of a Life Group gives you a place to belong and be seen. If you are not already part of a Life Group, come and find out more information about what it is all about. This is your opportunity learn more about Life Groups, meet group leaders, and connect with other people who are ready to join a group. You've got nothing to lose and so much to gain! We have several different options to attend an Open House:In person after a service on Saturday, April 10 or Sunday, April 11Online through the chat after the live stream of the services on Saturday, April 10 or Sunday, April 11Online through Zoom on Monday April 12 at 7:30 pm. Registration is required for this gathering.