A Week in the Life

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

A social week at SPPC this time. On Thursday, Friendship Coffee gathered in the Ross Lounge. It was crowded and loud but enjoyable.

Thanks to Brian and Vivien, Al and Irene for continuing to host this popular ministry.

On Friday afternoon, the "Out to Lunch Bunch" ten of them, met at the Thai Corner restaurant. They had such a good time, no one remembered to take pictures! No one forgot to eat.

Also on Friday afternoon, about 25 people from the Parkinson's Disease Support group used our building for a meeting and a slide show.

I mentioned that Friendship Coffee met in the lounge instead of in the hall, as usual. The reason for the change was heat. Our brand new heat pump was hooked up using our really old breaker box. Early in the week the breaker box shut off the power. This has happened before and a little judicious jiggling has made the system work. This time, the breaker box was well and truly kaput. 

Old breaker box

Shiny new breaker box

Since the issue with the breaker box had been developing for some time, the replacement had been scheduled for Monday. However, since we had no heat on Thursday, V.I. Electric moved us to the front of the line, expedited the delivery of new parts, and worked all day on Friday to ensure the congregation could meet in comfort on Sunday morning.

Many thanks to Todd, Aaron and Derek for their understanding, expertise and great service. 

Notice the bright red lever -- new breaker switch                                                                        

New breaker box installed along with enhanced railing.

Annual Congregational Meeting 2025

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

Nothing like Canada winning a hockey game over the USA to lift the mood of the country and the mood of the congregation. We approached our 2025 annual congregational meeting with light hearts. 

Actually, the dates are confusing. We held the meeting in 2025 but we were discussing the life of the congregation in 2024.😕

So, in 2024 our fellowship lost three members through death but we added three members through transfer. In addition, we had one infant baptism -- a cause for much celebration -- so we ended the year at +1.

The year had some significant costs on the property side. We replaced our old (32 years) heat pump with a new one. We also did roof repairs and demossing. The money that had been sitting in the property account met its "rainy day." The congregation has been fund-raising to meet those extraordinary costs. 

On the mission and outreach file, SPPC worked hard to support the House Upon the Rock ministry in the Dominican Republic. In a couple of weeks four of our members (including Rev. Irwin) will join a mission team heading to the DR for two weeks of hard work. 

We've also continued to contribute to the Mustard Seed church with our "cozy toes" project. The Blue Bus ministry receives assistance and volunteers from SPPC. We held two food drives for the Sidney/Lions Food bank, in addition to our regular donations to them. Now that the Compassionate Resource Warehouse is open again, we collect useful items for their overseas mission.

Throughout the year, I've reported the many occasions our congregation finds to have a meal together. Not suprisingly, the report from the Fellowship Committee included a long list of parties, meals, cakes, hot dogs, outings and coffee times. And that doesn't include the choir party, or the Sunshine lunch events or the Friendship Coffee meetings. Obviously, we eat well, laugh often, and hold each other close in times of celebration and in times of sorrow.

The annual report highights the "weekday" events of our church life, but Sunday morning worship gets only a brief paragraph. That is a skewed view of our church life. Sunday morning is the centrepiece of our week. We come together to worship because we love the Lord and because He first loved us. Everything else flows from that central truth.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

How to Brighten Grey Days

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

Our cold, bright days are moving toward warmer and darker. Last week we huddled together for warmth. This week, we'll huddle together for company. At SPPC we can find a good excuse for fellowship and food at any season of the year.

The fundraising lunch last Saturday was a success on two levels -- diners had a good time and good food, and the event raised $500.00 toward the cost of our new HVAC system. By the way, the building has been cozy and warm through this cold spell. 

A jolly bunch

Ever helpful Bin Sie

For once, Joan is not in the kitchen

This is the kitchen help! Actually, Barb was the motivating force behind the luncheon, but, as usual preferred to remain behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera. Thanks, Barb.

Sunshine Lunch day was Monday, and this time, Joan was back in the kitchen. We know this, even if she doesn't take her own picture. She also plans the menu, cooks, arranges rides and keeps the books. Joan is our bit of sunshine at these events.

Nice to see Elizabeth enjoying hot soup. 

 

Don't be alarmed if you missed these events, our Annual Congregational Meeting is coming up next Sunday, Feb. 23 after worship, and the Friendship Coffee crew meet on Thursday, Feb. 27. No need to be hungry or lonely with Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church in the neighbourhood.

Hebrews 13:2

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Whatsoever Things are Lovely

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

Ever find your mind running on a hamster wheel of doom and gloom? I have. This week, I kept myself in a futile state of anger and despair. I couldn't focus on anything but my worry. Then, finally, another voice spoke through my darkness.

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

This has long been one of my favourite verses, as much for the poetry as the content, I confess. But, this week, I took it a step further and made a list of the specifics I could think about. 

True -- family ties. My birth family is far away. Whenever we get

together I am reasurred by the bonds of love and shared history we value. In my world, family is "true." 

Honest -- my cat.

This one is for comic relief, but you have to admit that a cat expressing her wants is very honest!

Just -- Filling the Food bank bins at SPPC

Pure -- The joy of children playing in the snow 

Lovely -- The beauty of creation in all seasons, but this week in particular I revelled in our lovely snow. 

Good report -- Search and Rescue saved a man caught in an avalance near Campbell River last Sunday.

Virtue --  One of the seven virtues is hope. For me, hope is planting a garden. Even with snow on the ground, I know spring is coming.

It is time to sit by the fire and lay out the plans for this spring's seeding. 

Praise -- Our hymnbook is officially titled "The Book of Praise." When I can't sleep, I silently sing through as many hymns as I can remember. "The Lord is My Shepherd, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, O God, Our Help in Ages Past. . ."  I always fall asleep before I've exhausted my repertoire. Our God is worthy of praise at all times, especially when we're beset with worry.

So, that's my list of "lovely things" to think on. I invite you to make your own -- feel free to borrow from mine. 

O Worship the King, All Glorious Above

Comfort Food

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

Amidst bad weather and bad economic news, it is only natural to turn to comfort food. My favourite is cream of tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. It tastes good, makes me feel full, is hot (comforting) and easy to make.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at noon, there will be a soup and sandwich lunch on offer at SPPC.  I see it as comfort food you don't have to prepare yourself. It comes with the company of other folks. It will help pay for our new heat pump, giving a whole new meaning to "comfort" food. 

Our new HVAC system is designed to bring physical comfort to our gathering space, warm in winter, cool in summer. 

The term, comfort food, in its current meaning began to circulate in the mid 1960's but the connotation behind it has a long history, including in the church. 

 

During our Wednesday study last week, we talked about Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9: 10-17) and feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15: 32-38) In both cases, Jesus offered food and comfort to a multitude because they were hungry. These events were miraculous, pointing to the Divinity and power of Christ, but, primarily, they were examples of comfort food. Christ felt sorry for the people because they were hungry. He had compassion on them and gave them bread.

We also talked about the food from heaven, manna, that fed the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering (Exodus 16). God did not let His people go hungry. He comforted them with manna and quails. 

Comfort food is more than just calories. It sparks feelings of security and being loved and cared for. Jesus speaks of Himself as the "bread of life." On Sunday, Feb 9, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper, "in remembrance of Him." We will turn our eyes to Jesus, and receive the ultimate comfort He offers through the remediation of our sins.

All are welcome on Sunday morning -- no reservations required.

If you want to come to lunch on Saturday, cost $20/person, please put your name on the sign-up sheet in the narthex, or call the office, 250-656-2241 to secure your place.

Blue Monday?

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

Have you got the January blahs? Did Blue Monday hit you like a ten ton truck? Don't despair. SPPC can help.

Last Thursday about thirty people gathered at the church for Friendship Coffee. One of the best ways to beat the blues is to get out and about and to engage with other people. Here is a sample of the non-blue folks at coffee. 

One of the best ways to beat the blahs is to do something for someone else. I've heard that the folks at Friendship Coffee raised $449.00 for PWS&D during 2024. 

Coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 29, our Bible Study returns. A bit of mental challenge may be just the thing to lift your spirits. We're doing a "Drive Thru' History" and the discussions take many twists and turns. Everything from "Did the Romans shoe their horses?" to "just who were the wise men?" are questions thrown out following the video. Learning, fellowship, coffee and goodies. Who can stay blue with all that on offer.

And don't forget Sunday morning, 10:00 am. Brighten your day with worship. Sing praises to God, listen to the Word read aloud. Pray for each other and the world. Listen to a challenging sermon. Experience the joy of corporate worship.

Speaking of sermons, when I was without a voice my friend came to visit. Since we couldn't chat, we listened to Rev. Irwin's sermon when he filled in at the pulpit at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Nanaimo. On hearing of our visit, our book club members rolled their eyes and remarked that only my friend and I would listen to a sermon for fun. And it was fun, and stimulating, and thoughtful, and worth hearing. You can check it out here. The sermon starts about 37 minutes into the video.

So, there you have it -- how SPPC helps you beat the January Blahs.

Voice

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

I have had a most unusual week. I lost my voice -- not just my singing voice -- my whole voice. On Sunday afternoon I began getting hoarse and by Sunday evening I could not make a sound. Dr. Google explained that I had aphonia. 

In the spirit of "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone," I've brooded on my voiceless status.

As we've just finished the Christmas season, my predicament brought to mind Zachariah. He was struck dumb because he did not believe the angel, sent to him by the Lord. In my case, the affliction was more likely the result of a viral infection than Divine judgement, but the consequences could be viewed as similar.

• Being mute is dangerous. I could not call out a warning. I had to bang something, or throw something or make physical contact with my audience to get attention. If I had seen a truck bearing down on an unsuspecting pedestrian, disaster would have overtaken us before I could sound the alarm. Similarly, I could not call out for help if I were in dire circumstances.
• It is isolating. I could not take part in conversation except by nodding and shrugging and pointing. Not a very effective way to communicate complicated thoughts. I missed book club for that reason.
• It damages relationships. My brother phoned from Ontario -- Christmas mail had finally gotten through-- but I could not talk to him. I could listen, but someone else had to relay my gesticulated responses.
• Being unable to speak is frightening. Again, Dr. Google suggested two to three weeks of silence. I have many plans for the next three weeks that include visiting with friends and family from away. What if I couldn't speak when we met? 
• My sense of identity suffered. Voice conveys so much more than mere words. We speak of an "author's voice" that indefinable something that marks their work as unique to that writer. All the colour, nuance, inflection, tone, rhythm of speech -- or singing--mean as much or more than our words. Without a voice, all those communication tools are lost. 

Apart from Zachariah, the Bible has many references to those who do not speak. Sometimes they are struck dumb as a punishment from God. Sometimes they are possessed by demons. Sometimes it is through ignorance. Sometimes it is by choice .
I have read and heard these passages many times but "mute" didn't carry a lot of weight in my mind, certainly not as awful has having your mouth burned with a live coal!

Given my silent week, my understanding has changed dramatically.

Fortunately, I did not suffer the full three weeks suggested in Google. After three days of playing charades -- only fun at a party -- my voice began to return. The first sentence I spoke without effort brought such joy. Only three or four small words, but I was released from my prison of silence. I know that sounds a bit "over the top," for a bout of laryngitis, but it is true.  

I've always loved the scripture of Isaiah 35, especially the part about "then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."

My voice is coming back, although I am still careful not to put strain on the vocal cords. 

My friend says every trial contains a lesson. In this case the lesson was to increase my empathy for those with no voice, both literally and figuratively. 

***

For those who can talk, a reminder that Friendship Coffee takes place this Thurs. Jan, 23, at 10:00 at the church. Come along to visit with your church family, bring a friend, enjoy your voice.

***

Ann is celebrating a special birthday this week. She got cake on Sunday -- at least the congregation enjoyed cake on her behalf. Happy Birthday, Ann. 

All creatures of our God and King,                                                           Lift up your voice and with us sing,                                                Alleluia, Alleluia!