Septemberth, 2026
Greetings, friends!
As I write this letter today, Percy and I have just returned home from a weekend in Jasper, the first time we've stayed there since the catastrophic wildfire tore through in July 2024.
The devastation of the fire is still very much evident, but if you look closely, there are clear signs of new life - the fireweed is blooming and spreading its seed, the wild roses are setting rosehips, and the poplars are returning.
The lands of the former Jasper United Church are being used for temporary housing, and the Anglican and United communities are in discussion about how the future may look together.
"What does this have to do with this week's scriptures?", you may ask. In our reading from Exodus (12: 1-14), we are journeying with Moses and the ancient Israelites through their time of slavery in Egypt. Before the tenth plague is announced, we pause for the instructions of Passover, a sacrament that brings people together in a shared ritual, a ritual that reminds the Israelites of this painful time in their history and looks forward with hope to the deepening of God's covenantal relationship with them.
Matthew's gospel (18: 15-20) also includes instructions on relationships, specifically in dealing with conflict and challenges. Where two or three are gathered, God is present.
Join with me this Sunday to explore how these instructions - from both Hebrew and Christian scriptures - can shape our lives today in times of trouble as well as times of joy. When we experience challenging times, sometimes God opens our lives to new ways of being in our world. Like the folks in Jasper who are exploring new possibilities, and the natural world that is continually regenerating, may we also work together in community to deepen our relationships with all of God's creation.
See you soon!
Lesley
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY, SEPT 6 - HARVEST FEAST PREP MEETING: There will be a brief meeting right after the service to discuss the Harvest Feast on October 30/26. Anyone interested in helping is invited to attend this meeting.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16, 6:15 PM - UKULELE GROUP: Sign up as well as tuning and chords.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16, 7:00 PM - CHOIR PRACTICE: Choir practice starts!
SATURDAY, SEPT 19, PILGRIM UNITED CHURCH is hosting a Hawaiian Lunch and show fundraiser. Everyone is invited. Doors open @ 11:30 AM, show and lunch noon - 2:00 PM. More details on poster on bulletin board in foyer.
THURSDAY, SEPT 24, 1:30 PM - WORSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING: The Worship Committee will meet in the Chapel at 1:30 PM. This meeting will also be available on Zoom.
REMINDERS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 9, 1:30 PM - UCW MEETING: “Truth and Real – Reconciliation”. All women are welcome.
SATURDAY, SEPT 12, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM - UCW Fall Rally: All women are invited to the Fall Rally, at St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive. St. Albert UCW is the host. Theme: "Hope in Our Changing World". Speaker: Rev. Chelsea Masterman of Grace United Church in Edmonton. It will follow the format of previous Fall Rallies. Cost: $10. There will be a book exchange table if you wish to contribute to that. Bring your own lunch. Coffee, tea, water and muffins will be available. We need to know who plans to attend so we can convey numbers to St. Albert and arrange for car pooling. We look forward to sharing a wonderful day together.
TUESDAY, SEPT 15, 7 PM: TOWN OF STONY PLAIN – LET’S TALK CAREGIVING: The Town of Stony Plain is facilitating a Community conversation hosted by Caregivers Alberta to share your experiences, connect with others, and help identify the supports caregivers need most in our region. The event is free, the location is 107, 4613-52 Ave Stony Plain, AB.
Please RSVP: 780-963-8583 or connect@stony plain.com. Light refreshments will be provided.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 - LUNCH SUNDAY: Please join us for lunch after the service as we celebrate a retirement. This is our chance to say thank you for many years of service as our Church Administrator. Please let the Office know if you can help with the Lunch.
WED. SEPT 30, 6:30 PM: HORIZON STAGE - NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION: Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove is hosting an evening of reflection and connection as we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Through stories, reflections and open conversation, we will honour the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples. This is a time to listen, learn and explore how each of us can commit to the work of healing and reconciliation. Tea, Bannock and light refreshments will be served. This event is free, but you must reserve tickets. For more information and to reserve tickets, see the following:
https://www.horizonstage.com/season-shows/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah or the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:
Sun. Sept 6. 2026 Rev. Deborah away. Pulpit Supply Lesley Janke
Sun. Sept 13, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC. Presider SP Darlene Nelson
Sun. Sept. 20, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Sept. 27, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Oct 4, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
Sun. Oct 11, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Practices start Sept. 16, 2026 at 6:15 PM for Ukuleles and 7 PM for Choir.
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 AM
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
| Sunday, September 6 | Harvest Feast prep meeting after Church |
| Wednesday, September 9 | 1:30 PM - UCW meeting |
| Saturday, September 12 | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM - UCW Fall Rally at St. Albert United Church. All women welcome. |
| Tuesday, September 15 | 7:00 PM - Town of Stony Plain "Let's Talk Caregiving" |
| Wednesday, September 16 |
6:15 PM - Ukulele Group signup 7:00 PM - Choir practice starting |
| Sunday, September 20 | SP - Lunch Sunday after service |
| Thursday, September 24 | 1:30 PM - Worship Committee meeting |
| Saturday, September 26 | MEWASSIN Bottle Drive |
Wed. Sept 30 6:30 pm Horizon Stage – Truth & Reconciliation