Stony Plain United Church

*The Dorothee Baars mug. Photograph by Rev. Deborah Hoekstra, April 2026*

May 3rd, 2026 – Fifth Sunday of Easter

The Cost of Discipleship is Persistence.

When I was 12 years old, I found myself in the 6th school in 2 years on the third continent. I had switched from Dutch to English back to Dutch.

I said goodbye to friends I had known for 5 years. I made new friends only to say goodbye after a few months. I went from being a student in 5 elementary schools to a student in a completely new environment in the “middelbare” (junior/senior) school.

I made new friends only to be dropped by them because I refused to spend my limited allowance on cigarettes I was never going to smoke. I remember coming home from school that day and proclaiming to my parents that I was never going to make friends again.

And then along came Dorothee, 12 years old and determined to be my friend. Nothing could deter this girl! I do not know if she saw this lonely girl and felt sorry for me or if she saw a girl who shared mutual interests. Even when we were no longer in the same classes after that first year, she invited me to go sailing with her family, come over for sleepovers and remained a steady presence in my life. I reciprocated by inviting her over for sleepovers/outings at both my home and on trips to my mother’s home town. For 3 years we were inseparable. And then another move across the ocean back to Canada.

Dorothee gave me a mug as a parting gift. That mug is still in use after almost 51 years. It is called the Dorothee Baars mug. Over time it shifted from regular use to my brother’s coffee mug whenever he visits. There is not a chip or a crack in it. It has pride of place in my home. And while we are careful with it, it is still being used. It is a reminder that one persistent 12 year old can have a profound impact on another child.

This spring after 51 years, I got to thank Dorothee for her friendship and her persistence so many decades ago. She changed my life and she will always hold a place in my heart.

Discipleship is like that. It is persistence in the face of hurt, fear, vulnerability, anger. It doesn’t give up. And while we may never know the impact our justice seeking, peace making and community making have on someone, if we are blessed someone will let us know decades later that they felt our care and our love and the difference it made in their lives.

Rev. Deborah

See this week's Bulletin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS APRIL 26, 2026

NEW OR REVISED

SUNDAY, MAY 10: MOTHER’S DAY BBQ (Stony Plain): On Sunday, May 10 after church, the Men’s Club will be hosting their annual Mother’s Day BBQ lunch. All are welcome!

SUNDAY, MAY 10: MEWASSIN-ONLY SUNDAY: Rev Deborah will be staying at Mewassin after their service next Sunday to enjoy fellowship with their congregation. We will have a recording of Deborah’s Reflection.

FRIDAY, MAY 8, 7:00 PM VOCAL COLLECTIVE CONCERT: Please join Vocal Collective for their spring concert, "Soundscapes", on Friday, May 8 at 7 PM in the Parkland Hall at the Heritage Pavilion in Stony Plain. This celebration explores choral art and its magical and expressive sounds and messages, and features the world premiere of a poem, set to music by Edmonton composer Margaret King. You may also recognize some familiar faces from the SP Community of Faith! Tickets are available at the door, with a suggested donation of $20 (Cash only).

REMINDERS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 UCW: The UCW will meet on Wednesday, May 6 at 1:30 PM.

WED. MAY 6: 7:15 PM WHISPERING WATERS: Please join us for our Monthly Communion Service at Whispering Waters at 7:15. The Choir will attend, then come back to the church for the remainder of the practice. This is a great chance to visit with our friends there!

SATURDAY, MAY 9 “SPRING PRAISE HANDBELL CONCERT” (ST. ANDREW’S): The Parkland Bells Choir from St. Andrew’s UC in Spruce Grove is having concerts at 3 PM and 7 PM on Sat. May 9 at St. Andrew’s. Admission is free, but a ticket is required due to limited seating. You can get your ticket by calling St. Andrew’s Church Office 780 962-0488. Free will offerings gratefully accepted.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 SP “FATHER’S DAY SUNDAE SUNDAY”: Instead of Lunch Sunday in June, our Sunday School will be hosting a “Sundae Sunday”. If you have any questions, or want to help, please call the church office.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:

Sun. May 03, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC

Sun. May 10, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEWASSIN ONLY

Sun. May 17, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP

Sun. May 24, 2026 Pentecost: Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC

Sun. May 31, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesdays; Ukes 6:00 PM, Choir 7:00 PM

Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 AM

MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6	1:30 PM - UCW Meeting 7:15 PM - Whispering Waters Communion Service
FRIDAY, MAY 8	7:00 PM - Vocal Collective Concert "Soundscapes" at Parkland Hall, Heritage Pavilion.
SATURDAY, MAY 9	3:00 PM and 7:00 PM - St. Andrew's, Spruce Grove - Parkland Bells "Spring Praise Handbell Concert". Free tickets available from St. Andrew's.
SUNDAY, MAY 10	Stony Plain - BBQ Lunch by the Men's Group after church.
SUNDAY, JUNE 16	Stony Plain - "Father's Day Sundae Sunday"

FROM OTHER UNITED CHURCHES AND THE COMMUNITY

(Posters on the Bulletin Board and on the table in the Narthex)

Spirit West UC “Sounds of Spring” Concert Sat. May 8, 7 pm: Featuring vocals, piano, flute, ukulele, harp and harp ensemble. Free will offerings will be gratefully received to help feed the homeless in the West End of Edmonton.

Town of Stony Plain Community and Social Development: Several programs are being offered in the next couple of months, including Mental Health Week Events, Sketch Book Club, Women’s Support Group, and many more.

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