Big Day for Lunch Bunch

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

It was a busy Tuesday for the out to lunch bunch from SPPC this week.  They began with a visit to the Mary Winspear Centre to take in a sister-city display. Sidney has paired with several cities around the world, last week the focus was on Cairns, Australia. Although Canada and Australia are on opposite sides of the globe, we are both members of the British Commonwealth, so share many commonalities -- except the weather. While we are heading into the winter season, the folks in Cairns are gearing up for spring gardening. I find it hard to imagine Christmas with a beach barbeque!

Then, it was on to the Sidney Museum for a display on the War Measures Act. 

The War Measures Act has been used three times in Canada's history. First in 1914 at the outbreak of WWI, again in 1939 as WWII loomed and finally in 1970 during the October Crisis in Quebec that culminated in the kidnapping and murder of Pierre Laporte, a Quebec Cabinet Minister.

The War Measures Act was replaced in 1988 by the Emergency Measures Act. Under the War Measures Act, many Japanese, Ukrainian, German and Austrian nationals living in Canada were sent to intermnent camps.

This puzzle was an opportunity for visitors to imagine packing a suitcase for a stay at a camp for an unknown length of time.Try to pack everything you need into one suitcase. Hard choices deciding what to leave behind.

Public opinion has changed since wartime when most Canadians agreed with internment of citizens from hostile nations. Now, we are more apt to hear about the injustice of imprisoning those who had done nothing illegal, but it is naive to judge the actions of a generation at war by the ethics of generations that have known only peace. 

As we head toward Remembrance Day it is fitting that the museum remembered those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom in the Canada's wars. 

From there, the group headed off to lunch at the Harbour Restaurant. They ate well.

Thanks to Janet for sharing her pictures.

The Morning After

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

This is not an ice pack!

These past few days at SPPC have felt a bit like the "morning after." For weeks the congregation has been immersed in preparations for hosting Synod. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we hosted Synod. We engaged with representatives from all over B.C. We served a banquet. We stood by with coffee and snacks at all hours. We joined in heartfelt worship. Then it was Monday and there was nothing left to do but clean up. What a come down!

Reports are that the members of Synod were thrilled with SPPC's hospitality, so we can preen a little. But what should we do now?

Well, there is no time to rest on our laurels. The cozy toes project wrapped up on Sunday. We had baskets and bags and boxes of warm socks, hats, sweaters and coats to send to the Mustard Seed.

The lunch bunch has plans for this Tuesday. There is another Sunshine Lunch coming up in November. A cleaning bee is planned for November as well, and our Wednesday study sessions continue.

All in all, SPPC is a hive of activity. 

But what does all this busyness have to do with Jesus?

We are commanded to "love thy neighbour."

• supporting the Mustard Seed is active love of our neighbours
• extending hospitality shows love for each other
• fellowship together supports members of the congregation who may be suffering
• visiting the shut-ins spreads the love of God to our lonely neighbours
• offering comfort to those who grieve is an act of Christian love

We are also commanded to "love the Lord with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind." Matt. 27:37  Our modern culture lauds "love thy neighbour" but the "Love the Lord," part is often overlooked. 

Jesus put love of God ahead of love of neighbour. At SPPC we gather to worship the Father, God Almighty, the Great I Am, and His Son, Jesus Christ, Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace, Saviour and Redeemer.

On Wednesdays we gather to study His Word, to discuss the hard questions of Christian living, and to grow in knowledge and understanding of our God.

SPPC knows how to throw a great party, we open our arms to our neighbours -- because we love God first.

Come and join us.

Synod at SPPC

 The links for this weekend's worship services are here.

  -- Friday evening 

  -- Saturday morning

 --Sunday morning

Whew! What a weekend. The Synod of B.C. of the Presbyterian Church met at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church this weekend. Representatives of all the congregations in the Presbyterian Church in B.C. send representatives to meet, worship and conduct the business of the church. Pretty straightforward.

What SPPC did, as host congregation was much more colourful and tasty! The hall, sanctuary and narthex were resplendent with flowers. Thanks to Pam, our resident expert, for creating such beautiful arrangements.  

On Friday evening, there was a beautifully arranged table groaning with meats, cheeses, muffins, fruit, chocolate . . . well, you had to be there.

veggies and dip formed as flowers

Of course, the food did not appear by magic-- many, many hands made it happen.

Taking a break

  

Goodie bags - never go hungry!

A little behind the scenes chaos

The finished product was stunning

That's Lorna and Jerusha and Linda and Norma and Darlene and Joan -- some of the heavy hitters in the kitchen.

But, that was only Friday, then there was coffee and snacks on Saturday, culminating with a feast on Saturday evening. 

Our friends from Jesus is Lord Congregation helped serve

A professional chef at work in the kitchen.

probably enough food!

The food came out piping hot.

What a pretty setting

I

On Sunday morning we had a full sanctuary for worship. Many of the presbyters stayed over and the congregation of Knox Presbyterian, Victoria, joined us. You can hear some glorious congregational singing by clicking the link at the top of this page. Rev. Dale Wood was our guest preacher. If he ever seeks a second career, he might consider being a stand-up comic. During a thoughtful, scripture-based sermon, quoting the apostle Paul, he still had the congregation chuckling.

It was a very full weekend, lots of work for many people, especially, Rev. Irwin, Darlene, and Roy at the organizaational level of things. It was great to see their smiling (relieved?) faces during coffee hour on Sunday morning. Praise God for using this building and these people to serve Him.

Thanksgiving and More

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

Thanksgiving Sunday saw the front of our sanctuary transformed to display the fruits of the harvest. Many have noted that this was not a good year for the garden -- mine included. With less bounty to enjoy, I took particular pleasure in what did make it through the cold spring, the heat spell, the marauding deer, the ravenous rabbits and the slimy slugs!

The Bible reminds us over and over that God cares for us and will provide. A glance at this year's Thanksgiving Table offers us reassurance of His love, even in hard times.

Our cozy toes project running through the month of October is a perfect way for us to share that love with others. The warm socks and small treats are sent to the Mustard Seed and distributed to those who in need.

Remember, Synod of BC meets at SPPC next weekend. Meetings on Friday evening, Saturday morning are open to all. Visiting clergy will be part of our service on Sunday morning. 

Just to put the icing on the cake, so to speak, we rounded off our Thanksgiving coffee hour -- with cake!

This week, I'm delighted to share a post written by our own Jim Dallimore. 

This year on Sunday September 29,2024 I attended the British Columbia Police Memorial Parade which took place at the BC legislature in downtown Victoria.

After church, I took the bus from Mctavish to near the Empress Hotel.

I was a Peace Officer, a member of the Criminal Investigations branch of Canada Border Services Agency in Toronto, retiring in October 2007 after serving 34 years. During that time I served alongside with many Police Agencies including the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and United States agencies including Homeland Security, the FBI, Buffalo Police and United States Coastguard.

Although never shot, I faced many unpleasant situations on the job.

This day means a lot to me to honour the men and women in law enforcement who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This year 132 BC Law Enforcement Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice serving the citizens of British Columbia including the Ridge Meadows RCMP Constable Rick O'brian whose name will be added to the Roll of Honor. He was the tenth officer to be killed in the line of duty this year.

The parade started in front of the Empress Hotel at 1 PM. In front there were flag bearers, followed by Police on motorcycles, bands and contingents of Police and Law Enforcement Officers from a variety of agencies including CBSA.

The parade proceeded south on Government Street to the rear of the BC Legislature where the Police memorial is. . 

Here a ceremony took place which included reading of the names of officers killed in the line of duty since 1860, a gun salute, the laying  of wreaths and speeches by the Lt. Governor of British Columbia and the Police Chief of Vancouver.

Below are a couple of pictures

Jim at the memorial

Start of the parade

Ed. Note:  Thank you, Jim. On this Thanksgiving weekend, we can remember our dedicated police, and other first responders, and be grateful for their dedication and service.

 

Our design artist

October 2024

 

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

October is shaping up as a very busy month in the life of our church. Here are a few  highlights.

• Synod meets at SPPC on the weekend of Oct. 18-20, 
• October 12-14 is Thanksgiving weekend
• on Saturday the 12th, at 10:00 am we'll decorate the harvest table. Offerings of produce, flowers and labour most appreciated. 
• Friendship coffee on Thurs. 10th at 10:00 am. 
• Choir meets that day but earlier than usual because the church will be used for an all-candidates meeting in the evening. 
• If you have questions about the people running for election in our area, this is your chance. Thurs. Oct. 10 at 7:00 pm
• On Wednesday, Oct 9, we begin our new season of Bible Study. Whew!

You'll note I've listed the October events in reverse order. That's because I want to focus this blog on the Bible Study. 

Our study uses videos, https://drivethruhistory.com/thegospels/ by Dave Stotts. Many of us are familiar with Stotts' hair-raising drives through the Holy Land and the landmarks he points out, often related to Old Testament events. 

In this series, his focus is on the Gospels and the life of Jesus. The video begins with the question "Who would you say is the most significant person who has ever lived?" For him, the answer is Jesus. Stott  still bounces along in his ramshackle vehicle, raising a dust and running out of gas, but the narration is firmly fixed on the life of Jesus. He references all four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to get a complete "biography" of our Saviour. 

If you click the link above you can view the trailer for the series as well as individual lessons.

We meet in the lounge at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Wednesdays. All are welcome. Coffee's on. Discussion is thoughtful, funny, poignant. Bible study at SPPC is a safe place to share your thoughts, your questions, your experiences, your doubts, and to explore your faith with other seekers. Please come.

Rescued Food

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

On Sunday morning, Janice James visited the congregation and made a presentation re the Mustartd Seed Church.

Since 1975 the Mustartd Seed has been the largest and most accessible Food Bank in the region. According to their website, their Food Security Distribution Centre rescues and receives over 10,000 pounds of food each weekday from over 32 local grocery stores and donors. All that food nearing it's expiry date, or looking a little wilted would go to waste, if it weren't "rescued." Imagine all that good, nutrious food going to the landfill when many struggle to put enough food on the table. 

I love that word, rescue. In my home garden I "rescue" imperfect fruit and vegetables all the time, cutting off the damaged bits and using the rest. The good half of a bruised apple makes a pie that is every bit as tasty a pie as the one made with whole, undamaged fruit. It feels to me  a bit like hating the sin (the damaged bit) but loving the sinner, (the wholesome part of the fruit.)

All of that resued food is distributed to 75 local social service agencies, easing the burden of food insecurity for approximately 70,000 of our neighbours. These are staggering numbers. No wonder our Sidney Food Bank is grateful for the stream of donated food and cash from SPPC.

Although the food bank branch of the Mustard Seed is its most visible ministry, they also run a hospitality program. This service provides healthy lunches, coffee, snacks and a place to meet and visit and receive spiritual care in their Queen Street location. In the fall they offer free clothing, as well as hair and foot care.

It's that free clothing/foot care part that SPPC supports with our cozy toes project. For the month of October we collect good, warm socks to donate to the Mustard Seed. As the cold weather settles in, a pair of clean, dry socks for someone in need, is a concrete and much appreciated example of Christian love.

Let's fill those donation baskets with warmth.

National Centenarian Day

 

Link to this week's live-streamed service is here

According to Statistics Canada Vancouver Island has one of the oldest demographics in the country. Parksville tops the list with the most people aged over 65. Sidney outdoes our up-Island friend in the over 80 category. If you think you notice a lot of grey hair when you walk down Beacon Avenue, you are correct.

Given our aged population it seems only appropriate that the Peninsula News Review, ran a story on national centenarian's day. Did not know there was such a thing but someone somewhere has decided that we need a day to honour those who have lived for 100 years.

National Centenarian’s Day is observed annually on September 22. It is a day set aside to celebrate and honour those who have reached the age of 100. The day was originally proclaimed as a time to partake in the rich history and wisdom shared by centenarians. Listening to their life stories is ever so inspiring, and this is one day to be cherished by everyone to honour those among us who have seen a century go by.

In our congregation we have two members who have passed the 100 year mark. Happy Centenarian's Day to Emily and Helen.

We don't often celebrate old age. In our culture we are much more eager to embrace youth. If you want to sell a cosmetic, promise that it will eliminate signs of aging. If you want to sell a vitamin, promise that it will restore youthful vigor.

Even in the church it is not uncommon to hear a plea for "more young people," especially when there is heavy furniture to move!

And yet, God intends us to grow old. He has a purpose.

Proverbs 16:31

Grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained in the way of righteousness.

Companies like Clairol would go out of business if we regarded grey hair as a crown of glory. But scripture says it marks a righteous life.

Isaiah 46:4 reminds us that God doesn't stop caring for us after the age of 21 or 65 or even 80.
Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Some have said that old age is a time of loss--loss of friends and loved ones through death, loss of dreams, loss of strength, loss of health. But, against those losses, old age is also a time to reflect, to pass on to another generation the wisdom gained over a lifetime, and to spend time talking with your God. A time of renewal.

2 Corinthians 4:16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

As eyes dim, knees stiffen up, and climbing a set of stairs steals our breath, it may seem like we have outlived our usefulness. But the Psalmist reminds us that the righteous will bear fruit, even in old age.

Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’

So, happy National Centenarian Day to those who have reached the 100 year mark and to all those who see that milestone on the horizon. Rejoice in the Lord, give thanks for your years and your grey hairs.

For those who think old age is some distant land irrelevant to you, take some time this week to seek out your elders, to listen to them, to share time with them, maybe even to ask for advice.