The Latest in Three Arenas

Greetings church family:

As we all head into the first full summer weekend, I want to make you aware of the latest in three arenas:

1. During our congregational meeting this past Wednesday evening our membership displayed resounding unity by affirming three motions brought forward by our Board of Elders. Members approved our 2022 Ministry Plan and Budget as presented, as well as two culture shaping initiatives.
   
   The first culture shaper is a regional ministry initiative - the conditional acquisition of the former Millbourne Alliance Church building and property in Millwoods. In the coming weeks and months, we'll complete robust community needs assessments and facility inspections, along with detailed ministry plans which will likely prioritize Justice & Compassion, Children's, and Youth programming. The long-term goal is a fully orbed worshipping community, but today I pause to celebrate the fact that our congregation is taking a deliberate step toward multi-campus ministry in our city! Much more to come.
   
   The second initiative approved by our members is a capital fund-raising project to upgrade our online ministry capacity. This online ministry enhancement project will include significant technical upgrades for our auditorium; the build out of two video capture suites; and a complete overhaul of our church's web presence. This project will impact every area of ministry and is envisioned to be more than the streaming of weekend services. This project is a complete online platform designed to nurture meaningful connection with online participants. Next week I'll be sharing more details about how we can all get involved, so watch for more details.
   
   
2. In online and on campus services this weekend we begin a new message series called 'Biographies'. This summer we'll call out the similarities of age-locked peoples who aren't so different from us. Their stories are life changers. Sometimes they confront, sometimes they comfort, sometimes they inspire. And sometimes they confuse! And almost always, they lead to a continuing love affair with Scripture. If you'd like to participate in person, we've got one more weekend governed by protocols, but starting July 3 & 4, we're looking forward to a more relaxed approach. Watch this space for more about what you can expect in and around our worship environment as we adjust to Alberta's stage 3 reopening plan.
   
   
3. 'Tis the season it seems. I've been hearing and reading about wide-spread people movement across all sectors, and it's taking place in churches as well. This week we said goodbye to our Communications Manager, Nadine Roppo, and we also received the resignation of one of our pastors, Greg Ramsden. I'll get out of the way and let Greg express his feelings in his own words:
   
   I do have some big news to share with you today. God is doing a new thing in my life and my family's life. I have served as the Worship Pastor here with you for the past eight and a half years. I've loved the responsibility and privilege of guiding worship services and releasing others to do the same. It is a joy to do that. But I have a new direction that is clear for me to move forward with. I will be finishing up my time on staff here this summer in August. I had the joy of accepting a new job in a different field this week. I did not come to this decision quickly, to say the least. This has been a long journey over the course of the last year, but my wife Jaci and I both have a great sense of clarity now to move forward.
   I've been in church ministry full time for sixteen years, and several more years before that as a volunteer. Representing Jesus well and doing my part in living as an example of him has been my goal. And that really won't change as I transition into a new career. We are staying in Sherwood Park, which is such a gift to our family. We love it here, though as a Calgary born boy I still really miss being close to the mountains. But this is home, and we love that! We love our friends, our kid's schools, and this community.
   This isn't a full goodbye quite yet as I have some weekends ahead of me to be a part of this summer. They will be rich and full of all of the expected emotions. The Spirit will be our guide today and tomorrow. We don't need to worry about that.
   I pray that the peace of Christ is with you now and always.
   
   Greg Ramsden

In addition to serving in close collaboration with Greg these last almost 9 years, I also partnered with him in Kelowna in the church we both served previous to this one. Greg has been an invaluable partner over the course of more than a dozen years. Together we've facilitated hundreds, possibly close to a thousand worship services, Christmas Eve celebrations, memorial gatherings, and special events. Thank you, Greg, for your influence in my life and for your heart to lead others into the presence of God. I admire your courage to try something new, and I look forward to leading our church in celebrating your ministry with us later this summer.

Have a great weekend everyone and stay cool!

Greg Hochhalter
Lead Pastor

As we anticipate Stage 3* reopening on July 1, 2021 within our province, many of the protocols and procedures we have been following this past year will no longer be required. Imagine gathering once again to worship and be in the presence of our Lord without having to mask-up, socially distance, register, and take your temperature! If all goes according to plan, we can return to life, or a version of the life we once knew pre-COVID. However, just because we are edging toward a Stage 3 reopening, does not mean that respect and care for one another is not at the forefront. Remember that everyone has their own personal comfort levels, so before you hug someone or shake their hand, ask if he or she is comfortable doing so. Please be mindful of others' personal space and proximity, and honour someone's desire to wear a mask and physically distance.

If you decide that you would like to return to church in-person, please only do so if you feel comfortable and ready. Online services will continue to be offered on Saturday at 7 pm and on Sunday at 10 am.

* Sherwood Park Alliance Church will continue to follow the latest government authority COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. If required, a stage may be paused to respond to the direction given at regional or provincial levels.

In summer 2021 as we bridge the distant 'back then' with the not-so-sacred 'now.' This series of messages calls out the similarities of age-locked peoples who aren't so different from us. Their stories are life changers. Sometimes they confront, sometimes they comfort, sometimes they inspire. And almost always, they lead to a continuing love affair with Scripture. Join us online or in-person, June 26/27 through August 28/29.

Saturday at 7 pm | Sunday 10 am

In-person (registration required) and online (YouTube, spac.ca, AppleTV, Roku)

Our Young Adult ministries exists to grow in relationship with each other, thrive in community together, and grow in our relationship with Jesus. We believe that Jesus has called us out of isolation and into a journey with Him and those around us. We strive to be a place where every young adult feels known and loved, and where authenticity and vulnerability help us to walk alongside each other no matter the circumstance.
Join us on Thursday evenings at 7 pm starting July 8.

We gather in the back field at the church for a time of community and chill hang outs.

We're planning several Saturday day trips so make sure you check out our social media or the website (spac.ca/young adults) for details... Coming soon!

Connect on Social For all the latest updates check out our Instagram @spac_ya

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.

Child Dedication will take place the weekend of July 24 & 25. Please register by July 13.

Our Summer Family Challenge is created for YOU as a family to have the most memorable summer ever! Running for the months of July and August these Summer Family Kits include fun, faith-focused activities for all ages to complete together - earning points for every challenge along the way. Our points range from 10 to 150 depending on the activity. At the end of the summer, the family with the most points will win the grand prize. But don't be discouraged, even 10 points will qualify your family to enter our draw to win one of our participation prizes!

Included in your Summer Family Kit will be a guide with all of the activities and points, as well as a fun Kick Start Kit made up of some treats and props to help you complete some of the activities. Register to pick up your kit...