December 14, 2025
ADVENT 3
There is a difference between optimism and hope. At times we can be filled with optimism. At others we find our optimism smoldering in the ashes of despair.
Source: https://reformedworship.org/resource/advent-hope-gods-promises-are-people-fresh-out-optimism
Peace:
Most often, the word “peace” is used as a greeting and a blessing: “Peace be with you.” The primary Greek word for “peace” in the New Testament is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), meaning wholeness, completeness, tranquility, reconciliation. This is derived from Hebrew shalom, signifying a state of well-being, harmony and right relationships.
Source: https://baptistnews.com/article/upside-down-advent-anxiety-versus-peace
Joy:
The Church of England’s Advent and Christmas theme for 2025 revolves round a single word: Joy! Joy is sometimes hard to find in these days of uncertainty and global divisions. And yet as people of Christ, we seek to find joy in the midst of difficult situations. Joy is not some happy-go-lucky rose-coloured glasses way of seeing the world. Rather Christian Joy is making space for all at the manger so that everyone may experience if only just a glimpse of the kingdom of God.
Source: Rev. Deborah M. Hoekstra
Love:
Advent love signifies God's immense, sacrificial love demonstrated by sending Jesus, culminating in the fourth Advent candle symbolizing this divine love, calling believers to reflect, receive, and share unconditional, active love (agape) through kindness and service to others as the ultimate fulfillment of Christmas. It's about God's enduring, redeeming love, exemplified by Jesus's life and teachings to love all people as ourselves, a love that transforms hearts and actions.
Source: Rev. Deborah M. Hoekstra et al
Rev. Deborah
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW
Christmas Season Services
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Christmas Eve: Mewassin - 4:30 PM, Stony Plain - 7:00 PM
Thursday, December 25, 2025 Christmas Day - no services at either church
Sunday, December 28, 2015: Mewassin - no service, Stony Plain - regular service at 10:30 AM
DEC 25 FREE CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY DINNER: The annual free Christmas dinner for the community will be held again at Stony Plain United Church, but is organized and catered by Doreen Coenen. For information, please contact Doreen at 780 937-6053. Poster
REMINDERS
(Please also check the “Meetings & Special Events”)
CARD RECREATORS TAKING A BREAK: The Card Recreators will not meet again until Jan 8, 2026, but you can still buy cards!
ADVENT DINNER AND CHOIR CANTATA SUNDAY, DEC 14: Tickets are available at the Church Office for this year’s Christmas Cantata and Advent Supper on Sunday, Dec. 14. General admission: $27.00; Children 6 to 11: $13.00 and Children 5 & under: Free. Dinner starts at 5:00 pm (doors open at 4:30) and will include Ham, Scalloped Potatoes and all the trimmings. Carol Singing and Special Music starts at 6:30 followed by the Cantata, “Glory to the Newborn King!” by Lloyd Larson.at 7:00 pm. Plan to stay afterward for fellowship, coffee and dessert As always, we depend on volunteers to make the dinner a success –there will be Sign Up sheets in the atrium.
MEWASSIN: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21: Mewassin will have coffee after the service.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 21 STONY PLAIN SUNDAY SCHOOL: During church at Stony Plain on Sunday Dec 21, Sunday School will be doing its Christmas Presentation. There will be coffee after the service, thanks to our Sunday School group!
JANUARY 11, 2026: Communion at both churches.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or needs a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah or call the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesday. Ukes 6:15, Cantata 7 pm, Choir 8 pm
Card Recreators: RESUME JAN 8, 2026 Thursdays, 10 am
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
| Sunday, December 14 | Advent Dinner and Choir Cantata (at SPUC) - doors open at 4:30 PM |
| Sunday, December 21 |
Mewassin: Coffee Sunday Stony Plain: Sunday School Christmas Presentation during church - coffee to follow |
| Wednesday, December 24 |
Christmas Eve Services: Mewassin - 4:30 PM, Stony Plain - 7:00 PM |
| Thursday, December 25 |
NO SERVICES |
| Sunday, December 28 |
No service at Mewassin. Stony Plain service at 10:30 PM |
AN EVENING OF FELLOWSHIP, FOOD, MUSIC & FESTIVITIES
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Advent Supper - 5:00pm - Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, and all the trimmings
Caroling - 6:30 pm
Cantata - 7:00pm - Glory to the Newborn King! by Lloyd Larson
Afterglow to follow Cantata
Dessert Coffee Cookies Squares
Doors open at 4:30PM
___________ DINNER TICKETS_____________
General Admission: ..................$27.00
Children 6-12: ...........................$13.00
Children 5 and Under: .................. Free
Dinner tickets are limited and may be purchased in advance. Contact the SPUC Office by Phone or Email
STONY PLAIN UNITED CHURCH
5012 51 Ave, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1C2
phone: 780-963-4745
email: