Way back in 2007, Stony Plain church celebrated its 100th year anniversary. Note that this preceded the formation of the United Church. Now we get to celebrate again as the national church recognizes the formation of the United Church of Canada by the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist, Congregational, and the General Council of the Local Union Churches.
National Theme
The theme for the Centennial is Deep, Bold, Daring. One of the first “united” churches in the world, from its formation the United Church has been rooted in
Deep Spirituality
The words of Jesus’ prayer that the disciples be one (John 17:21)
Bold Discipleship
The belief that what unites us is stronger than our differences
Daring Justice
The desire to live out the gospel call to love and justice in Canada and around the world
Link to the UCC 100 Year Website
2026 Lenten Journey: Jesus is the Light
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
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Week 2 (March 1) |
Following the Light Food that gives energy for the road ahead Collection: Rice, pasta, boxed meals |
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Week 3 (March 8) |
Embracing the Light Strength to keep going, day after day Collection: Peanut butter, canned tuna or salmon, lentils |
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Week 4 (March 15) |
Illuminating the Light Healthy food that helps bodies grow and thrive Collection: Pancake mix, syrup, cake and muffin mixes |
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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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4 - WHISPERING WATERS: We will have our monthly service at Whispering Waters on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:15 PM. If you would like to help, please contact Linda Macki. The choir will come back to the church afterwards for its practice.
REMINDERS
SUNDAY, MARCH 1 - CATERING SERVICES COMMITTEE: We will have a meeting after church on Sun. March 1. We will be going over menus, pricing and scheduling.
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, February 22, the first Sunday in Lent, up to Palm Sunday. There are sheets on the table outside the Sanctuary and on the bulletin board listing the items for each week. Many thanks to Mewassin Sunday School for providing us with this year’s Lenten Journey.
STARTING SUNDAY FEBRUARY 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.
WED. MAR 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.
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 the church office.
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
Thanks for supporting our church!
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, SUNDAY, 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.
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
REVEREND DEBORAH'S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS
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.
Sun Mar 29, 2026 - PALM SUNDAY. Rev. Deborah in person at SP and MEW.
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 |
| Wednesday, March 4 |
1:30 PM - UCW meeting with speaker Noel Cairney. 7:15 PM - service at Whispering Waters. |
| 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 |