Church Family,

I am a reader. Usually I have 4 or 5 books going at once. It’s not because I particularly enjoy reading as an activity, but because I feel there is so much that I still need to learn. I read something this week that has convicted and inspired me. The book is called Vertical Church by James McDonald.  Personal Disclaimer: I do not restrict myself to just “church” or “pastor” books. Just yesterday, I was reading my daughter’s favourite book about Taylor Swift-a riveting tale, I assure you.

Back to Vertical Church: I haven’t read the whole book, so I won’t send out an endorsement just yet, but this quote is on my heart:

“...church today as a weekly experience with the manifest glory of God is the greatest lack we face. The lost are not found because God’s glory is not revealed in church. Children wander because church is pathetically predictable or shamefully entertaining but hardly ever authentically God. Marriages flounder because arrogance grows unchecked in our hearts and is not weekly cut down by the pride-withering presence of Almighty God...We cannot survive spiritually without that corporate connection in heart, soul, mind, and strength with the One who made us.

The author is speaking generally about the church in North America, but it awakens in me a hunger for the manifest glory of God to be revealed in our gatherings. Not just occasionally, but every time we choose to assemble in the name of Jesus.

Would you join me in praying for this?

Peace,

Wade

Amahoro, SPAC family.

The past twelve days have been some of the most physically and spiritually challenging and yet most uplifting days of my Christian life. I was part of the six-person detour team that traveled to Mufumya, Burundi (Africa) to bless and be blessed by the Burundians.

With all of the challenges the people of Burundi have faced, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I saw there both surprised and inspired me; I met people who love to smile and who cheerfully work to survive. These people lack money and even enough food and water for basic survival, but they are deeply connected to each other and are devoted and thankful to God.

God revealed Himself to us in so many ways over the days, in both Burundi and in Sherwood Park while we were gone. He was in Mufumya with us in the smiles of the mothers and laughs of the children when learning new handshakes. And He was in Sherwood Park with you as 65 people were spontaneously baptized last weekend (we loved getting that news from home!). He is loving and faithful to us, regardless of geography, happiness or sadness.

“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Be blessed, and be a blessing…

Mandy Johnston

Dear Church,

Earlier this week I was reading a passage in Luke 8 that’s been a familiar but frustrating one for me. It’s the one where Jesus is speaking in a crowd when his mother and brothers come by and ask to see him. Jesus ignores them and instead tells the crowd that anyone who hears God’s word and puts it into practice is his mother and brother. Jesus response to his family has always felt disrespectful to me. As I meditated on this passage I asked God if I’m missing something. God challenged my perspective to see that Jesus is actually elevating the relational value of following him to the same level as family; not the other way around as I have often thought. With a fresh perspective in mind this week I’ve seen my teammates on staff and all of you in a new light. My love and affection for our church has deepened and my appreciation of my family (my wife, kids, mom, brother and sister) has been heightened.

This weekend as we gather in a worship service I hope we’ll see and appreciate each other the way Jesus sees and loves us…as family. We have a unique experience planned that I truly hope you don’t miss. Come with an expectant heart that’s ready to respond to and support how God is moving. If you’re the curious type, and wonder what we’re up to, check out Acts 8.

See you soon.

Pastor Kevin

Hey Church Family,

This week I had the privilege of seeing a miracle. It was a relational miracle. Where there had been deep pain and brokenness, there was now love, forgiveness and healing. It was amazing to see how this miracle never would have happened without community…without people willing to listen. It wouldn’t have happened without people speaking words like, “hang in there”, “you can do it”, “God will make a way”, or “I’m praying for you”.

And at the root of it all was a strong belief that even though it looked like reconciliation was impossible, with God all things are possible. Can I share another aspect of this miracle? It didn’t happen overnight – it took years. But it was worth it.

So be encouraged. Our God is a God of restoration and reconciliation. It might be tough, and it might take years, but don’t give up. In a world that tells us to quickly bail on relationships that aren’t working, choose to surround yourself with a community of people who will give you the hope and courage to hang in there.

Whether your challenge is with a co-worker, a friend, a family member, or a neighbour, God’s dream for healthy and supportive relationships is worth fighting for. Remember, Jesus knew that a healthy relationship with you was worth dying for, and He’s with you every step of the way!

Hope you see a miracle this week.

Pastor Rita

Dear Church Family:

Earlier this week, I pulled a book by Craig Groeschel off of my shelf. Its title? One of the shortest I’ve ever seen, simply "It".

Groeschel writes, " It. Some ministries have it. Some don't. Most churches want it. Few have it. When a church has it, everyone can tell. And when one doesn't…everyone can tell. It is unique, it is powerful, it is life-changing. That's its upside. It has another side too. It attracts critics, it is controversial. Many people misunderstand it. It's hard to find, but it's impossible to miss."

If you're wondering what it is, I'll do my best to give you an answer in the message this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, we're starting a new series on the book of Acts called "The Church is Born." Read Acts 2 if you want to be more prepared. This weekend, we'll also describe the rhythm of the next year and some of the unique opportunities provided by a new ministry season. If you're a regular at our first service on Sunday morning, remember our new start time of 9 am (Saturday 7 pm and Sunday 10:45 am times are unchanged).

See you at church,

Greg

Good morning church family…

I’m in my office, having just left a pretty phenomenal meeting. Each year at this time, we have a breakfast for the church and SCA staff. Near the end of our time, we spent a few minutes reflecting on Luke 5:1-11.
 
If you’re finished reading Ruth in preparation for the weekend message (see how I did that?!), spend a few minutes reading about Jesus’ call to some of his first disciples. Whenever I read this text, I’m convicted by Simon’s response when Jesus tells him to fish again after a fruitless night. Here’s this carpenter/teacher/rabbi who says to drop the nets again; most experienced fisherman would tell Jesus to pound sand. Simon doesn’t: “…because you say so, I will let down the nets.” That’s submission. That’s unquestioning obedience.

There’s plenty to think about in this, but if you take the text to the end, there’s another great challenge. Jesus tells Simon, James, and John, “From now on you will fish for people.” Our ministry team was reminded this morning that we’re in the people business. In the middle of a season of start-up, our challenge is to remember that we’re not activity coordinators; we are environmentalists. We create environments where you are known, loved, cared for, taught and served.

So where’s your head space on this Friday before Labour Day? Is your mind on a list? Is it on the Eskimos/Stamp’s game on Monday? Or is it on the people God has called you to know, love, care for and serve? Ask God to give you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart for the people around you.

Have a great day,

Greg

Hey Church,

Wow! The car show and outdoor services last weekend were fantastic! I’m told there were over 300 vehicles (cars and motorcycles) registered for the show. The quality of entries, creativeness, and artistic skill that we witnessed was truly unbelievable. But as much as I enjoy looking at this kind of talent and beauty, I had an experience on Saturday that trumped it all for me.

I found myself in the South Atrium and for a few minutes, I surveyed the parking lot. It was filled with people from our community: families, neighbours, and people who might never otherwise be compelled to step onto our grounds. As I took in this scene, I had an overwhelming sense of pride in our church. I’m so proud that we could open our facility and arms to our community.

Sure, we attracted some beautiful cars (and bikes), and our men’s and compassion teams executed an amazing event and raised funds for worthy charities. But more important even than this, we wove a thread of community and hospitality into the lives of everyone that showed up on the weekend.

When you get a minute, check out this encouraging letter someone from our community submitted to the Sherwood Park News. As a pastor and a brother, let me express to you my admiration of our church and for all of you who served long hours from Friday afternoon right through Sunday afternoon. Well done, family!

See you soon,
Pastor Kevin-