Hi Church FamilyYou’ve likely heard of those personality categories that ask - Are you a Starter, a Maintainer, or a Finisher? I’m definitely a starter. I love fresh starts and new things so I’m really pumped looking at the coming fall and all the things that will start up in our church community! This year it feels like everything is a fresh start because for the first time in several years we are heading into the fall with multiple ways for people of all ages to be welcomed, to connect and to grow together!Along with our staples like Groups here’s just a few of the many things I’m thrilled about - A four-week medium sized group called Connections, Daybreak for women is starting again, and in Care Ministry we’re exploring how we best support the mental health of our church family and are offering an 8-week support group called The Sanctuary Course, along with GriefShare and The Identity Course. Along with these, many other areas are ramping up like Youth, Young Adults, Kids, and connections for seniors. If you’re feeling disconnected or disengaged, be courageous. As you think about what’s going to be on your calendar this fall season, why not engage with something new. Or maybe for you it’s serving in a ministry area so others who are ready to cautiously dip their toe into church life and community will be able to find the connection they’re craving. This weekend I’m really looking forward to teaching Psalm 84. Hope to see you in person or online.Grace and Peace,Rita Penner | Care PastorPS: With the other two personality categories - Maintainer and Finisher - I’ve got to confess, I’m pretty terrible at them…if you want examples of that just check in with Lorne! Ha-ha. Just another reminder of the fact that we’re all wired differently and need each.A Summer in the PsalmsWe hope you are enjoying our A Summer in the Psalms series so far. It has been so wonderful to partner with Jason Hildebrand and his team at Jason Hildebrand Creative Arts to share with you some of their Psalms Microfilms. These scripture-based microfilms welcome heart engagement and connection with God, encourage us to reflect on how these living ancient texts can speak to us today.We invite you to write and create your own Psalm this summer - share it with us at [email protected]. We love seeing these creations come in.BaptismBaptism says I believe that Jesus died and rose to new life for me. I want to publicly declare my faith in Him and my commitment to follow Him. Baptism is a celebration of this commitment and a time to share how God is transforming us.On Sunday, August 28 we are celebrating baptism a little differently and will be celebrating this immediately after the service outside. Baptism Prep Classes will be offered: Saturday August 20/27 immediately after the service. Sunday, August 21 immediately after the service. Plus August, 21 at 1 pm online. See spac.ca/baptism for more information.Volunteers Needed - Monumental VBSDo you love hanging out with kids and sharing the love of Jesus? Come be a Crew Leader at our Kids Ministries Elementary VBS Camp. As a Crew Leader, you will have an opportunity to build relationships and share the love of Jesus with our campers, as you move activities and stations. We are looking for leaders that are 16 years old and up. The camp will run at Sherwood Park Alliance Church, from August 22 - 26, 2022 and the volunteer time is 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. If you can come for only part of the week, let us know, we would love to have you join us still. For more information or to sign up please go to spac.ca/serve or email Pastor Kent at [email protected]. Summer Youth Drop-In!Attention Youth!! We are please to let you know we will be holding Youth Drop-In nights with Luke the Intern this summer, on Tuesdays, 7-9 PM, for Junior and Senior High! Youth going into grade 7, and those who recently graduated are all welcome. All events will be outside and focused on building community through fun activities, so invite your friends! For more details on specific events, please follow us on Instagram (spacsrhigh and spachjrhigh). Please see spac.ca/youth for more information and drop-in dates.Summer BBQSAVE THE DATE!!! Sherwood Park Alliance Church is hosting a picnic on Sunday August 28th at 11:30 AM, after the 10 AM service which will include a free hot dog and hamburger BBQ lunch. All food and drinks will be provided (gluten free and vegan options will be available). There will also be games for all ages! Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket to sit on.Come celebrate together, with your church family, as we wind down the summer!Online Ministry EnhancementThe public weekend gathering is no longer the front door - the digital presence and online experience of church is overwhelmingly our first point of connection with the spiritually curious, and an essential method for initiating and fostering discipling relationships within our congregation. Streaming online is more than a broadcast - it's a platform with which to nurture meaningful connections with online viewers.The hybrid church is the new normal.To help support this new normal, we are launching an Online Ministry Enhancement campaign. For more information please see spac.ca/online.