Hi friends - (I hope it's a) happy Friday, When it’s my turn to write in this space I usually preview the weekend and try to offer up an optimistic nugget of encouragement. Depending on what’s going on in the world, some weeks are easier, while others present more of a challenge. Today is an example of the latter. The images of the carnage and human suffering brought on by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have been haunting. I’m privileged enough to have traveled to this region and have experienced first-hand Turkish hospitality and zest for life. My heart hurts whenever I see this kind of suffering and death, but I feel it at a slightly deeper level with a nation like Turkey. There’s not much any of us can do personally. We can pray...we can extend best wishes and optimistic nuggets of encouragement. And we can give a few dollars in support of relief efforts. One way to do that is through our Alliance Canada partners, and the Global Emergency Relief Fund. If you’re looking for a way to support the rescue and rebuilding efforts, I’d encourage you to consider a gift through this portal. Check out the links below for more information on how to play a part. This weekend I’m wrapping up our Phantom Passages series with a talk that’s going to drill down on a phrase that some people assume comes from the Bible, but most definitely does NOT! I hope you can take in one of our worship gatherings this weekend, either in person or online. Greg Hochhalter | Lead PastorPray for Turkey and Syria The Alliance Canada is quick to respond to crisis when it happens around the world and we can give to their Global Emergency Relief Fund to help bring needed relief to those suffering from a destructive earthquake in Turkey/Syria. We can also pray. Pray for those who are working to find survivors in the debris, for those who are treating the injured, and for those who are still in need of care. Pray that the Lord’s compassion would be upon the people of Syria and Turkey. Pray that He would bring comfort to them in their grief, that He would encourage and empower those who are coming alongside the hurting, and that He would direct helping hands to serve in the ways that He’d have them serve.Seniors Connect Calling all Seniors! Join us for a time of connection and fellowship on February 14 at 1 pm. Registration is requested.Kids Ministries Family Devotional Guide for Lent We invite your family to focus on Jesus this Lenten season with 40 devotionals focused on the deep love of Jesus poured out for us on the cross! We will provide a short daily reading on a path as you follow Jesus to Easter. This will give you an opportunity as a family to think about Jesus and His love for you through this season. Kits will include your daily reading cards, a Jesus print out and string to hang it all up in home as you journey through this Lent season. You can journey with us digitally (if you sign up before Feb 21, the guide will be sent to you digitally that day, or if you join us along the journey it will come right to your inbox upon registration) or come during any one of these time slots to pick up your Kit: -Kids Ministries kiosk before/after weekend services -During the office hours of 8:30am-3:30pm at the Church Office front desk Family News - Pastor Del McKenzie Sherwood Park Alliance Church will be hosting a viewing of the live-streamed service for Del McKenzie on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm, followed by a standing reception. All are welcome to attend.Pastor Del passed away on January 7 at his home in Moose Lake, Washington. He served here at Sherwood Park Alliance Church as Lead Pastor from 1984 to 1998 and significantly impacted our church and community.