September 13th, 2026
Letting go of hurt, grudges, resentment and hatred is hard work. There are times when anger is warranted and we look for an outlet. The problem is when we end up taking that anger out on others who have not caused the hurt. If we’re honest, it seems that when we get angry, anger threatens to control us.
We understand that anger is quite an appropriate response to certain things. When we see a child on the playground leverage their bigger body size to bully a smaller child into submission, something rises up within us that says “That is wrong!” We get angry. When we think of the evil of human trafficking, we run the danger of being morally bankrupt if we do not get angry. If we decide to re-write history regarding slavery or the Holocaust by the absurd notion that somehow it is less horrifying than it truly is/was, we do a great disservice to those who died as well as the ones who survived.
Righteous anger is different than destructive anger. While destructive anger hurts people, righteous anger is an anger that stems from seeing people getting hurt and wanting to do something about it. We experience righteous anger when we witness injustice motivated by human brokenness, and when we see things happening that are not in line with God’s unconditional love for all people and what God wants for us and the world. While destructive anger is usually driven by our own flawed motivations and sometimes even revenge, righteous anger points outward and is driven by a desire for justice and wholeness.
I must admit that I like action movies where the protagonist challenges systems and people who harass or tyrannize those who have limited ability to control the situations in which they find themselves. I root for the underdog. I want those who have received the short end of the stick to have new opportunities to thrive. Sadly, I too often want those who caused the hurt to have their comeuppance.
Yet, what is needed more is not revenge, or destruction, or a tit-4-tat mentality, but rather forgiveness, accountability, and reconciliation. Let’s see if we can find ways to build relationships based on mutual respect, equitable access to services and just and peaceful ways to solve differences. As disciples of Christ, we have a great teacher and example.
- Rev. Deborah Hoekstra
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FALL FOOD DRIVE: Leading up to Thanksgiving we will be collecting items for the Parkland Food Bank. If you are able, please bring non-perishable food, hygiene products, baby food, pet food and toilet paper. Items can be dropped off at the Stony Plain United Church.
THURS. SEPT 17 1:30 PM - JOINT WORSHIP MEETING: There will be a joint Worship Committee meeting either in the Chapel or upstairs in the boardroom.
WED. SEPT 30 10:00 AM – 12:00PM: TRUTH & RECONCILIATION: Guests are invited to enjoy tea and Bannock, while gathering in the spirit of reconciliation and community. The event takes place at Heritage Park, Stony Plain.
REMINDERS
WED. SEPT. 16 UKULELE GROUP 6:15 PM: Sign up as well as tuning and chords
WED. SEPT. 16 CHOIR PRACTICE 7:00 PM: Choir practice starts.
SAT. 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.
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 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
| 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 |
| Wednesday, September 30 |
10:00 AM - 12:00 - Heritage Park Truth & Reconciliation 6:30 PM - Horizon Stage - Truth & Reconciliation |