As if we needed another reason to be concerned about the state of the world and the condition of our souls, Monday (January 18) is Blue Monday, the third Monday of January, which is rumored to be the most depressing day of the year. As for me, I'm choosing not to participate, and I hope you'll make the same decision!I've not been able to find any scientific, peer-reviewed data which proves definitively that there is any one day more depressing than others. And there's this: The origins of Blue Monday are actually a PR stunt. In 2005 a British TV channel 'Sky Travel' announced that in partnership with a psychologist, they'd calculated the third Monday in January as the most miserable day of the year. Their formula included a number of factors such as weather and the impact of unkept New Year's resolutions in order to devise the population's lowest point. It went on to analyze when people booked holidays, assuming that many would be more inclined to purchase vacation packages when they were feeling down. Thus, the gloomiest day of the year was born...in an attempt to sell holiday excursions! With that out of the way, it's certainly arguable that there's more general sadness and mental health struggles during the long Alberta winter than other times of the year. And then there's the uniqueness of this year, a winter unlike any other in our lifetimes. Here's my encouragement: On one hand, don't let anyone in conventional or social media convince you to feel extra blue just because of the date on the calendar. The power of suggestion is a real, tangible force, but it can be overcome! But at the same time, it is important to pay attention to your spiritual, emotional, and physical gauges in the winter, especially this year. Exposure to light helps. As does exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping enough when you can, and staying connected with family and friends. Talking to a medical doctor can also help. Some forms of seasonal affective disorders can be addressed with the right diagnosis and treatment plans. And above all else, lean hard into faith in Jesus Christ. A faith which sustains, strengthens, and protects. The Psalmist writes: The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. (Psalm 37:39) A 'stronghold' is a fortress, a shelter. God is our Saviour at all times, including times of trouble. Including times like these. He is your Knight in shining armour. Whatever the condition of your body, heart, and soul this weekend, know that your God is ready to lend a helping, steady hand. Greg Hochhalter, Lead Pastor Our life group started with an email to the church asking if there were any Life Groups in South East Edmonton. The answer was, "not that we know of, but if we hear something, we'll let you know!" About a year later my husband Zach and I invited a couple to our home along with Zach's friend and his fiancé. Between the three families there were four shiftwork schedules to navigate, a baby on the way, an upcoming wedding, and unique faith challenges to wrestle through, but we did it together! We managed to meet once a month for almost two years. During that time one of the guys invited friends from his Edmonton EMS platoon to join us. Then COVID hit just as we'd met as an expanded group of eight for the first time. Meeting online was our only option for a while. Fast forward to the fall months and we made the decision to watch church together as many Sundays as our shifts allowed. The day we decided to make the change we shared how deeply each of us needed relational connects more often. Whether online or in person (usually a mix of both) we needed to worship with people again. I made the invitation to our group to share about how doing life together has shaped our faith and if it's been worth the effort to make time for each other. So I guess you could say we began as strangers looking for connection beyond the Sunday morning hi's and hello's and have ended up as a mini-church family within the Sherwood Park Alliance Church community. Life in groups, for us, is one of those Skype calls worth making. Loree P. Building Your Relationship With God Being a part of a Life Group fosters that relationship with God in the midst of everyday life through connection and relationship with other Christians. It's what drives transformation and discipleship where we become known so our heart and motives are reoriented in response to Christ. On Monday January 18 at 7:30 pm, learn more about Life Groups by participating in an online Open House. Registration is required. After each service this weekend, an online chat will take place to find out more information and answer any questions you may have about Life Groups. The chat will take place on the website. Learn more about Life Groups... We all understand prayer as petition and intercession, but first and foremost prayer is worship. "Hallowed" means praise and adore. It means to be captivated, astonished, and to be melted by grateful joy at who God is and what He's done. This weekend, Pastor Rita will focus on adoration; rejoicing with God and acknowledging that He is our Heavenly Father, who is good to us and loves us. Last weekend, Pastor Greg encouraged us, actually for many, challenged us, to slow-down, so we may be able to hear the gentle whisper of God's voice. Catch-up on this message and any other message you may have missed. Make Prayer Part of Your Daily Routine Want to make prayer part of your daily routine? Signup for the Year Prayer Challenge. You will receive an email with resources to get you started, and an encouragement email with fresh insights every month.