May 17th, 2026 – Ascension Sunday
Ascension Day 2026 is on Thursday, May 14, 2026. It is a Christian holiday observed 40 days after Easter (or 39 days after Easter Sunday) to celebrate Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven. It is a public holiday in several countries, including France, Germany, and others
Significance: Marks the end of the Easter season, 10 days before Pentecost.
Observance: Frequently celebrated with special church services.
Although Ascension Day holds great significance in some denominations and is even a public holiday in some countries, in the United Church of Canada it is just another day in the week. Falling forty days after Easter, Ascension Day has never held that important a place in the Church Calendar.
Imagine my surprise when I started my ministry with the Josephburg congregation in April 2001 and I was asked what the plans were for Ascension Day. As a regular run of the mill united church minister, I had never been asked to do an Ascension Day service.
In Josephburg the tradition was to gather at the cemetery. Folks would bring their lawn chairs, hymn books and Bibles. We would honour all those who had died, both recent deaths and generations past. We would have moments of silence during which time the only noise was the sound of the wind, maybe the soft patter of rain, the birds singing their songs and the occasional vehicle driving by. Following the service, people would visit the graves of their loved ones. Once all were gathered back at the church building, a meal would be shared.
As I am writing this week’s letter on May 14th, I am finding myself wanting to gather with others to remember all those we have lost. It has been almost 25 years since my mother died. My father died on Palm Sunday 8 years ago. My son died 4 ½ years ago on this Sunday. I miss them all.
Grief hits in different and unexpected ways. I made it through Mother’s Day without that feeling of deep emptiness. Imagine my dismay when grief struck like a punch in the gut on Tuesday morning. I am not writing this to elicit sympathy or pity. We all know the reality of grief.
What I do know is that grief is like this big ball of yarn that is all over the place. It has sections that are rolled up nicely and other sections that are a tangled mess or a strand that extends beyond our reach.
Whether we recognize our grief journeys on Ascension Day or at our Endings and Beginnings service, we know that sharing our grief can lessen the pain and allow us to cope with it all.
When I remember the following “grief is love not having had the chance to be expressed”, I find comfort in my grief. I find myself able to smile even in the midst of tears, to find rest even in the midst of turmoil.
There is a reason we gather with family and friends to celebrate a loved one once they are no longer here with us. We cry. We laugh. We remember. We hope. We express disbelief. We comfort. We embrace. We give thanks. We find strength.
We draw near to the Holy. In our doubting and in our believing, God is with us.
Thanks be to God.
Rev. Deborah
Photographs provided by Rev. Deborah Hoekstra
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS MAY 17, 2026
NEW OR REVISED
SUNDAY, MAY 17 SP CAR SHOW PLANNING MEETING: If you are interested in helping out with our activities for the Canada Day Car Show on July 1, please stay for a meeting after church May 17.
SUNDAY, MAY 24 CELEBRATE PENTECOST! Our congregations are encouraged to wear Red, Orange or Yellow to celebrate Pentecost.
SUNDAY, MAY 24 SP “SUNDAE SUNDAY”: Due to conflicts in scheduling, our Sunday School will be hosting the “Sundae Sunday” to celebrate fathers after church on Sunday, May 24. If you have any questions, or want to help, please see Rianna Clark.
SUNDAY, MAY 31 MEWASSIN: We will be having a planning meeting for our 100th anniversary (August 15, 2026) after church on Sun. May 31.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21 DEVON PICNIC AND SERVICE: Our congregations are invited to join Devon United Church for their Sunday service in the Park on June 21! Not all details are finalized, but the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with games and then picnic lunch to follow. A reminder to bring lawn chairs is on the invitation. We have lots of kites for the children to decorate and fly after the service, and the parachute games were a hit last year, so that is on the games agenda again 🙂
Potluck items are welcome if people wish: salads or dessert/fruit or finger foods... whatever they are comfortable with!
There is a sign-up sheet available – please add your name if you’d like to attend or talk to Sandra at Mewassin, or Terry or Lesley at Stony – we need to RSVP with our numbers of attendees by June 7.. Looking forward to being together with you there! - Marla Schumacher, Devon United Church
NEWS FROM THE M & P COMMITTEE: Sue Dugal is retiring from the position of Church Administrator, effective as of July 31, 2026. Sue has played an important role in keeping our Community of Faith running smoothly and she will be dearly missed. Fortunately, Sue intends to stay involved in the church and will remain in the Ministry of Music. We are sure you would like to join the M and P Committee in wishing Sue a fun filled and well deserved retirement. - M and P Committee
M & P ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are looking for a new Church Administrator to fill this position. If you are interested or know of someone who may be interested please contact Allan Scherlie for more information.
Cell 780 984 5074 Home 780 892 3259
REMINDERS
SUNDAY, MAY 24 PENTECOST: The Stony Choir will be joining Mewassin for their Pentecost Service (then coming back to Stony!). Mewassin Sunday School will be serving special treats!
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
REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:
Sun. May 17, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP
Sun. May 24, 2026 Pentecost: Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC
Presiders: Mew: Lisa Furry; SP: Rev. Sharon McRann
Sun. May 31, 2026 Trinity Sunday: Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP
Sun. June 7, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC
Presiders: Mew: Fran Scherlie SP: Lesley Janke
Sun. June 14, 2026 Communion Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesdays: Ukes 6:00, Choir 7:00 pm
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 am
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Sun. May 17 Mew: NO Coffee Sunday
SP: Planning meeting for Canada Day Car Show
Sun. May 24 PENTECOST: All are encouraged to wear red, orange or yellow
Sun. May 24 SP “Sundae Sunday” to celebrate fathers - NOTE DATE CHANGE
Sun. May 31 MEW: Planning meeting after Church for 100th Anniversary
Sun. June 21 Devon Picnic and Service – SP and MEW are invited!
FROM OTHER UNITED CHURCHES AND THE COMMUNITY
(Posters on the Bulletin Board and on the table in the Narthex)
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.
July 1st - The Stony Plain Canada Day Car Show
- Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 AM
- Lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM
- and Concession - Ice Cream, drinks, chips from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.