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
July 13, 2025
To the saints and faithful siblings in Christ in Stony Plain and Devon:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In my prayers for you I always thank God, for I know of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints.- Paraphrase of 1 Colossians 1.1-4
This is how the letter attributed to Paul begins to the church community at Colossae. This week it is one of our scriptures on which I will be focusing my theme. So here goes!
If we were to sum up the message of the Bible in only one word, what would it be? Well, if you’ve been through Sunday school - or even if you haven’t - you’re likely to say that the primary message is love.
But what does it mean, to love? Both our scriptures this week (Col 1.1-14 and Luke 10.25-37) focus on this topic.
The reading from Colossians tells us that before we can love, we need hope, hope in Christ specifically. Once we have that hope then we can muster the courage to love. And the reading from Luke focuses on radical and abundant love, in the form of the well known parable "The Good Samaritan".
To be honest, this idea of loving radically is pretty overwhelming. Personally, when I’m overwhelmed, I like to break things down into small and manageable steps. What can I do in my ordinary life that shows the love Jesus and Paul are talking about? Those small things, like maybe not rushing through my day, and taking a moment to chat with someone I meet at the library. Or pause to appreciate the flowers in my garden. Or throw the frisbee for my dog. Maybe reach out to a friend via email. Or send a card by snail mail - these days, that’s incredibly radical!! Maybe I’ll even contribute some money to Mission and Service through the United Church. And sometimes, when all else fails, when something terrible happens, like the flood in Texas last weekend, I’ll just pray. And accept that’s all I can do…for now.
Now, none of these actions are big, bold and radical on the scale of the Good Samaritan, but when we all choose to act in the direction of love, working together, we can transform the world into a kinder place, one small step at a time.
Please join me (and Susan in Stony Plain - thank you!!) with the other “saints in the light” (Col 1.12) on Sunday to dig deeper into these scriptures.
I, Lesley, write this greeting with my own hand… Grace be with you (paraphrase of Col 4.18).
Have a beautiful and loving week,
Lesley
ANNOUNCEMENTS JULY 13, 2025
NEW
NEWS FROM THE NORTHERN SPIRIT REGIONAL COUNCIL: The 45th General Council of the United Church of Canada will be held in Calgary from August 7-11, 2025.
ITEMS FOR SALE: Although our Canada Day Bistro was quite successful, we do have a fair number of items (pop, chips, ice cream treats) we are offering for sale. If you are interested, please see Cathy Yamada-Swan after church.
REMINDERS
MEWASSIN SUMMER BREAK: Worship services at Mewassin will resume Sun. Aug. 17, 9 am.
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: On break until September
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 am
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Fri Aug 1 11:00 am Celebration of Life for James Pitout
Fri-Sun Aug 8-10 Mewassin Camping Weekend at Entwistle RV Campground
Sun. Aug 24 SP - Picnic and Paper Bag Communion Service, Potluck Lunch
Sat. Oct 4 Mewassin Bottle Drive
Sun June 22 to Sun Aug 10: Mewassin is on Summer Break – no services (Services resume Sun. Aug 17, 9 a.m.)
Catering Schedule
2025
FEB 28 - Spec Chili Meal
MAR 07 - Spring Fling
APR 11 - Chocolate and Music Night
DEC - Dinner(s)
Tips are donated to Groups:
Youth Centre
Food Bank
Pets in Need