Love is a Warm Sock

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.

Sunday was Reformation Sunday, the day we commemorate Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses. The day that sowed the seeds of the Protestant Reformation, eventually leading to the formation of the Presbyterian church.  Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox are among the better known Reformed preachers. Many a Presbyterian church is called "Knox" because he founded the Presbyterian  Church in Scotland. The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and hence, Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church, is a descendent of that movement. 

There have been many theological arguments over the centuries about the role of the Pope, infant baptism, the sacraments, predestination, Christmas, to name a few. But one thing all denominations can agree on is "Love Thy Neighbour." On Sunday we showed that love with baskets full of warm socks for those who face a cold winter without adequate shelter.

We've been doing the "Cozy Toes" ministry at SPPC for over twenty years, now. In the early days we concentrated on socks and toiletries. The idea was to take a pair of warm socks, stuff the toes with things like toothpaste, soap and shampoo, and present it as an offering.

Over time, the program has morphed into a more general call for warm clothes. Although we still focus on socks, sweaters, blankets, coats and mitts are also welcome. 

Our donations are passed on to the Mustard Seed Street Church in Victoria. On Sunday a representative from there, Janice James, attended service and accepted the donated goods and offered a brief summary of the work they do. 

Winter has come early to Victoria this year, so those in need of warm clothing and dry feet need them now. After all the rain, puddles abound. Most of us are used to wearing rain boots, so puddles don't matter, or having a drawerful of socks if we need to change out of wet ones. For those who don't have those luxuries, the Mustard Seed Street Church, and its "hospitality" shelf are essential. 

The Street Church takes its name from Jesus' parable of the mustard seed. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

If we counted up all the socks that have been donated from our congregation they would likely number in the thousands, yet each one is like the tiny mustard seed, growing and spreading and providing sustenance for many. Sadly, the need for warm, dry clothing continues to grow. Thank you to all the people of SPPC who added warm socks to the Sunday offering. Thank you to the Mustard Seed Street Church for taking our gifts and using them well.  

Dedication of Cozy Toes gifts