When Two or Three Gather, God Is There

Happy Friday Everyone!

Last weekend I shared message 1 in our new series Phantom Passages and in my intro I described how some of the talks are intended to address some of the quips and quotes incorrectly attributed to the Bible, while others will poke at subtle misquotes. This weekend’s teaching is one of the latter. Can you spot the mistake in this sentence? “For when two or three gather in my name, there I am with them...” (Matthew 18:20).

It is subtle, but there is just one word off in this English translation, it’s the word ‘...when.’ The NIV translation says: “For WHERE two or three gathered.” I recall hearing this verse quoted during small groups, church services and prayer meetings. And I have heard both ‘where’ and ‘when’...and most often the application is: “Even though we may be few, God is still here.”

Is that right? Is this verse about the presence of God in small gatherings?

To be clear, I believe God is present in small gatherings, but I don’t think that’s the subject in this section of Matthew 18. This text deserves a closer look because it is frequently misquoted, and in extreme cases, dangerously misapplied. Which is a shame, because this segment of the teaching of Jesus is one of the most powerful and practical passages of Scripture, one which can have tremendous benefit to us. That is what’s on tap for the teaching this weekend, and I hope you’ll join us in person or online, Saturday at 7pm or Sunday at 10am.

Keep scrolling for more info on groups, connecting, and much more!

Greg Hochhalter | Lead Pastor

Pizza with the Pastor

If you are new or feel new, join us to learn more about our church. Discover how to get connected and enjoy the opportunity to meet others.

Pizza with the Pastor is a regular event we hold, as a way for you to meet others who are new(er), as well as some of the pastoral team.

Pizza with the Pastor will be held after each service on January 14 or 15. When you register you can select which class you'll be attending.

If are unable to join us in person please email us for an online option.

Child Dedication

There is no manual for raising kids, but God has given us something far better - the Holy Spirit, and community. Child Dedication is a way to acknowledge our dependence on the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we do our best to be an example and lead our children into a relationship with Jesus.

Our next Child Dedication is scheduled for January 28 & 29. To register by January 15 and for more information, please see spac.ca/kids. 

Groups Open House

Groups matter because they invite you into a place of deep community where you are known, loved and encouraged to grow in your walk with Jesus. We know community begins when we move from sitting in rows, to doing life in circles together.

Immediately after the service, over the next 3 weekends, we want to invite you to our Groups Open House hosted in the atrium, where we want to help you journey into deep community.

For more information on all Groups, please contact groups@spac.ca

TreeHouse Open House

TreeHouse Preschool is a fun place where three and four-year-old's get their first experience of going to school and learn that school is a great place to be!

TreeHouse Open House is on January 24, 2023 - from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Bring your child and and meet the teachers, check out our classroom and ask your questions!

Registration is required.

If you aren't able to to attend on January 24, email Heather Spronk and we will arrange another time to meet you.

General registration for the 2023/24 school year opens on February 2 at 7pm.

Alpha

Explore life, faith and meaning together.

Alpha will take you on a 10-week journey with others on an adventure to explore the questions of life, faith, and who this Jesus is -- and how it all comes together. It is here, that you’ll begin to develop on going community with those you meet in Alpha and your discipleship journey with Jesus!

Alpha is open to everyone, for those who are looking for life answers and to those who are new in the faith. We’ll connect over a meal, watch a short thought-provoking video, and jump into real authentic conversations around tables! Starting Thursday, January 26 at 6pm.

Check out more about Alpha here and register to join us!

Family News - Pastor Del McKenzie

We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Pastor Del McKenzie, on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Pastor Del passed away while attempting to exit their smoke-filled home due to a fire.

Pastor Del served here at Sherwood Park Alliance Church as Lead Pastor from 1984 to 1998 and had a significant impact on our church and community.

Del’s wife Jane remains in an adult care facility for dementia in Moses Lake. Their son Tim lives in the state of Washington and their daughter Melodee and son-in-law Pat live in Calgary and would very much appreciate your prayers for them and their four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27 at 1pm at Moses Lake Alliance Church in Washington. There will be a livestream available, and a possible in person gathering here at SPAC to watch the memorial together. More information to follow in the weeks to come.

Other January Events

Please make sure to check out our events page for all the latest activities around here!

-Youth starts back up on January 17/18 - Welcome Grade 6er's!
-Young Adults - meets Thursdays at 7pm!
-Woman's Café - meets once a month