What's Your Legacy?

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

In keeping with the theme of the month, SPPC finished out May with more food, specifically coffee and goodies with Friendship Coffee on Thursday morning.


As usual, the coffee was hot, the goodies delicious and the time all too short. Thanks to Janet for sharing her pictures.

Kudos to those who maintain this valuable ministry.

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On Friday, there was a memorial service for a long-time member of SPPC and a Sister-in-Christ. There is always sadness associated with these farewells, but also an element of joy and connection. Our friend had lived a long and full life, and her final gift to those left behind, was the order of her service. As we fulfilled her wishes, we shared a sense of completeness. Her life within the congregation had come full circle and we were blessed to be part of it.

We sang the hymns she had chosen, listened to the Scriptural passages she had designated, and heard a solo, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" that she had requested. It made for a very comforting time together.

We also heard a little about her life from friends and neighbours. Amidst all the individual stories, kindness was a recurring theme.  What a legacy! So much of life concerns material things -- to make a good living, to own nice things, to visit exotic places -- but at the end of 90+ years, our friend was remembered for her kindness. 

Hardly surprising that she chose Philippians 4 as one of her readings, especially the bit that says "whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely . . .think on these things." There is nothing wrong with material things, they make life comfortable and enjoyable, but they must not take the place of spiritual things. When we come to the end of our earthly journey isn't it better to be remembered for  kindness and hospitality and generosity than for the for the "stuff" we accumulated along the way?

Having been a church-goer all my life, I've attended many, many memorials. All emphasise the people who have been touched by the loved one throughout life's journey. They remind me that "a life well-lived" really means the relationships developed along the way, and the memories left behind. I'm inspired to emulate those saints who have gone before.

Farewell, dear friend. It's been good to know you. See you later.