Whether through the metaphor of a sunrise, the warmth of a flame, or the spiritual concept of guidance, light serves as a beacon that helps people, especially in challenging times, to find hope, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose.

AN INVITATION to collect for the Parkland Food Bank

 

Week 1 (Feb 22)	Seeking the Light When times are hard, even a small light helps people see the way forward Collection: Canned meals and soups
Week 2 (March 1)	Following the Light Food that gives energy for the road ahead Collection: Rice, pasta, boxed meals
Week 3 (March 8)	Embracing the Light Strength to keep going, day after day Collection: Peanut butter, canned tuna or salmon, lentils
Week 4 (March 15)	Illuminating the Light Healthy food that helps bodies grow and thrive Collection: Pancake mix, syrup, cake and muffin mixes
Week 5 (March 22)	Sharing the Light Light isn't only practical - its kind Collection: Cookies, crackers, hot chocolate, pudding

 

No Collection for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

 

 

NEW

 

LENTEN JOURNEY 2026 “JESUS IS THE LIGHT” – COLLECTION FOR THE FOOD BANK:
Again this year, Mewassin has provided us with a Lenten Journey, “Jesus is the Light”.  As part of this, we will be collecting specific items for the Parkland Food Bank each week of Lent, starting Sunday Feb 22, the first Sunday in Lent, up to Palm Sunday.  An insert is in today’s bulletin listing the items for each week.  Many thanks to JoAnn Hohnstein (and Mewassin Sunday School) for providing us with this year’s Lenten Journey.

 

STARTING SUNDAY FEB 22 FROM 4 TO 5 PM:   LENT PRAYER SESSIONS:

Northern Spirit has organized Lenten Prayer sessions every Sunday afternoon from 4 to 5 PM during Lent (February 22 to March 29).  Various churches in our region are hosting the sessions – the schedule is on the bulletin board and also on the table outside the sanctuary.  You can join the sessions on zoom with this link.  Meeting ID: 864 7516 7860; Passcode: 803578).

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 1 - CATERING SERVICES COMMITTEE: We will have a meeting after church on Sunday, March 1.  We will be going over menus, pricing and scheduling.

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 - UCW MEETING: Noel Cairney is well again and will present her program "The Spirituality of Laughter".  We have our program before the meeting, so any interested woman is invited to attend.

 

REMINDERS

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 4:00 PM - WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: This year’s Annual World Day of Prayer service will be held at St. Augustine’s – Parkland Anglican Church, 131 Church Road, Spruce Grove on Friday, March 6 at 4:00 PM.  This ecumenical worship service is open to everyone and was written 
and prepared by WDP Nigeria.  For more information, please see Karen Fitzgerald.

 

PURDY’S EASTER CHOCOLATES:

As Easter is early this year, now is the time for our popular fundraiser!  Since 1907, Purdy’s fine chocolates have been proudly made in Canada, with premium quality ingredients and sustainable cocoa.  Get your holiday gifts for your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers by supporting our church.  There are no-sugar and vegan options.  Join on-line at Welcome to the Purdy Fundraiser: "Easter Chocolates for Stony Plain United Church" and order at https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000024869.  Alternatively, you may submit a paper form to Cathy Yamada-Swan or the church office, with cheques addressed to Catherine Yamada.

Place Orders & Pay By: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the latest.
Pickup: April 2, 2026 (or earlier - you will be notified when the orders arrive) 
At: Stony Plain United Church, 5012 – 51 Ave, Stony Plain 
Questions: Call or text Cathy at 825-966-8562 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks for supporting our church!  - Cathy Yamada-Swan

 

MARCH 8, MARCH 15 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS: The Community of Faith AGM will be held on Sunday March 8, and Stony Plain United Church’s AGM will be on Sunday, March 15.  Both meetings will take place right after the morning service.

 

PARKLAND FOODBANK LETTERS AND INFORMATION: We received a very informative package from the Parkland Food Bank last week, expressing appreciation for donations, and interesting news about their organization.  Copies are on the table outside the sanctuary and on the bulletin board.  Of 
interest to some of you is their annual “Coldest Night of the Year” family-friendly winter walk on February 28 at Columbus Park, Spruce Grove.  Details available on-line.  Thank-you to our congregations for their continued generosity.  Please note that the Lenten Theme 2026, provided by Mewassin UC, will include donations to the Parkland Food Bank.

 

FEB 2-18 DEBORAH AWAY: Rev. Deborah is on Vacation/Study Leave until Feb 18.  In case of emergency, you may call her, as she will be staying in town.  Otherwise, please leave a message with 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..

 

REVEREND DEBORAH'S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS

Sun Feb 22, 2026 - Rev. Deborah in Devon; recorded service for us.

Sun Mar 1, 2026 - COMMUNION.  Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.

Sun Mar 8, 2026 - Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.

Sun Mar 15, 2026 - Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.

Sun Mar 22, 2026 - Rev. Deborah in Devon; recorded service for us.  Mewassin Presider - Lisa Furry; Stony Plain Presider - Linda Maki.

 

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

 

Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesday, Ukes 6:15 PM, Choir 7:00 PM

Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 PM

 

MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

 

Sunday, February 22 - March 22	Collection for Parkland Food Bank (see Lenten Journey 2026 above)
Sunday, February 22 - March 29	4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Northern Spirit Lent Prayer Sessions (see announcement and poster)
Sunday, March 1	Communion at both churches
Friday, March 6	4:00 PM - World Day of Prayer at St. Augustine's-Parkland Anglican Church, Spruce Grove
Sunday, March 8	Community of Faith Annual General Meeting
Sunday, March 15	Stony Plain United Church Annual General Meeting
April 9-11	Chinook Winds & Northern Spirit Regions Conference & AGM at Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 – 199 St. N.W, Edmonton