Stony Plain United Church

Three Travelers on the road — Photograph: Rev. D. M. Hoekstra April 2026

April 26th, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

The fourth Sunday of this coming Sunday is about community. Community rooted in Jesus Christ. Friends bound together by common beliefs, needs and communal life.

Throughout the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we frequently see Jesus using parables to describe the reign of God. Yet the opposite is true in the Gospel of John: Jesus does not use parables in John’s Gospel at all and rarely talks about the kingdom of God. Nevertheless, at the beginning of John 10, we hear something that seems a lot like a parable.

In the Book of Acts, Luke portrays the early church as an idyllic society marked by shared meals and prayers, awe or reverence, portents and signs, communal sharing and redistributive economics, ritual faithfulness, joy, good will, and growth. Such a portrait points to Luke’s ideals of what a church community ought to be. Beyond the matter of economic sharing, Luke’s idealized vision of the early church is also marked by praise, grace, and growth.

During this time of division within families and communities, in our own province and among the nations, to be a faith community that cares for its members spiritually, emotionally and physically gives us hope, purpose and a blueprint for how we can be the embodiment of Christ’s call to love. Let us do our best to live up to the commandment Jesus gives us as peacemakers, justice seekers, community builders, lovers of all creation in service of the God who calls us beloved one and all.

Rev. Deborah
Source Support: https://www.workingpreacher.org/

See this week's Bulletin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS APRIL 26, 2026

NEW OR REVISED

WED. MAY 6 7:15 PM WHISPERING WATERS: Please join us for our Monthly Communion Service at Whispering Waters at 7:15. The Choir will attend, then come back to the church for the remainder of the practice. This is a great chance to visit with our friends there!

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 SP “FATHER’S DAY SUNDAE SUNDAY”: Instead of Lunch Sunday in June, our Sunday School will be hosting a “Sundae Sunday”. If you have any questions, or want to help, please see Rianna Clark.

REMINDERS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026 UCW: The UCW will meet on Wednesday, May 6 at 1:30 PM.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 “SPRING PRAISE HANDBELL CONCERT” (ST. ANDREW’S): The Parkland Bells Choir from St. Andrew’s UC in Spruce Grove is having concerts at 3 PM and 7 PM on Sat. May 9 at St. Andrew’s. Admission is free, but a ticket is required due to limited seating. You can get your ticket by calling St. Andrew’s Church Office 780 962-0488. Free will offerings gratefully accepted.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:

Sun. April 26, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP

Sun. May 03, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC

Presiders: Mew: Sheri Watson; SP: Linda Maki

Sun. May 10, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP

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: Brenda Cleland

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

Ukuleles & Choir: Wednesdays; Ukes 6:00 PM, Choir 7:00 PM

Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 AM

MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

1:30 PM - UCW Meeting

7:15 PM - Whispering Waters Communion Service

SATURDAY, MAY 9

3:00 PM and 7:00 PM - St. Andrew's, Spruce Grove - Parkland Bells "Spring Praise Handbell Concert". Free tickets available from St. Andrew's.

FROM OTHER UNITED CHURCHES AND THE COMMUNITY

(Posters on the Bulletin Board and on the table in the Narthex)

Spirit West UC “Sounds of Spring” Concert Sat. May 8, 7 pm: Featuring vocals, piano, flute, ukulele, harp and harp ensemble. Free will offerings will be gratefully received to help feed the homeless in the West End of Edmonton.

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.

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