May 18, 2025 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
You probably already know the foundational role of love in our Christian lives. Perhaps you have it on a t-shirt or a mug. It’s woven throughout the story of Scripture. It’s found in Leviticus, “…you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD,” (Lev. 19:18). It’s found in the teaching of Jesus when he asserts that all the law and the prophets hang on loving God and loving our neighbour (Mt. 22:40).
Jesus teaches that the life can be summed up in terms of love of God, self, and neighbour. The New Testament understanding of love is based on the Old Testament understanding of covenant love, which is that God's steadfast love will never waver. This is a love of commitment and action.
Pope Leo XIV recently reminded believers that there is no hierarchy to that love. We do not put one group before another. Rather we hold each diverse group to the same standards of respect, dignity and deserving of care.
This is not always easy. When there are fissures in family relationships; divisions among neighbours along political lines; long held assumptions about people of different cultures, backgrounds and nationalities, these and other splits can cause obstacles in the way of Jesus’ call to love.
Yet we are asked to find a way. For better or worse we try our best. This does not mean we excuse hateful or cruel behaviour. Rather we hold each other accountable. Sometimes we even shake the dirt of our feet and say, “not today; let’s try again another day”. Sometimes we are the ones needing to feel the love of Christ through compassionate presence and words. This empowers and encourages us to try again to love self, neighbour and God.
After all, we are in this loving business together.
Rev. Deborah
ANNOUNCEMENTS APRIL 20, 2025
PLANNING MEETING SUNDAY, MAY 25: There will be a follow-up 100th Anniversary planning meeting after church on Sunday
UNITED CHURCH MEMORABILIA WANTED: We are collecting United Church memorabilia from Sunday School, Explorers, CGIT, and other church activities for display at our celebration. Also we are collecting favourite memories/stories from your years associated with the United Church of Canada.
SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2025 AT 12 NOON - UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: There will be a barbeque lunch with a short program to follow. Archived items and United Church memorabilia will be on display. Invite your families and former congregational members!
CHOCOLATE & MUSIC NIGHT FRIDAY, JUNE 20: Catering will be hosting an evening of Live Music and Chocolate on Friday, June 20. Anyone interested in performing a set on event night is asked to call or text Darren 587-926-8898. Performing artists will get a free ticket for the chocolate
buffet. More details will be provided soon!
SUNDAY, JUNE 22 PICNIC AT DEVON, NO SERVICES AT STONY PLAIN OR MEWASSIN: Devon United Church is having their annual picnic on June 22. We all had a good time at the picnic last year, and very few people came to the service held at Stony Plain, so Worship Committee is planning NO WORSHIP SERVICE at Stony Plain or Mewassin United Churches on that day. There will be more information to come, including information about ride sharing. For more information contact any member of the Worship Committee.
REMINDERS
BROADVIEW RENEWAL AND SUBSCRIPTIONS DEADLINE MAY 23!!! It is time for new/renewed subscriptions. The group rate is $30 per year, taxes included. Please give your cash, or cheque payable to Stony Plain United Church, with Broadview in the memo line, to the Church Office by May 23, 2025. Thank you.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or needs a card, please call the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesdays: Ukuleles 6:15 pm; Choir 7:00 pm
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 am
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
| Sunday, May 25 | After church - follow-up planning meeting for 100th Anniversary |
| Sunday, June 8 | 12:00 noon - United Church of Canada 100th Anniversary Celebration |
| Friday, June 20th | Stony Plain - Live Music and Chocolate Night |
| Sunday, June 22 | Picnic Service at Devon. NO SERVICES AT STONY PLAIN OR MEWASSIN. |