Report Card?

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

Did you achieve gold stars on your report card in school? Were the teacher comments glowing? Like Ralphie in A Christmas Story, did you see A+ + + + running off the page of your assignment?  Or did report cards fill you with dread? Did you hand the document to your parents with a sinking heart, head bowed, waiting for words of disappointment, or punishment?

Whatever your experience in school, forget it. This post is not about winning or losing, excelling or failing. This post is about the challenges Rev. Irwin has presented to the congregation over the past few weeks leading up to Easter. 

In case you missed them, here they are in simplified form:

• Service: Christ washed the feet of His disciples, a lowly servant's task. The challenge: Look for and do one hidden act of costly service in the next seven days.
• Truth: Identify an area(room) in your life, that you have been avoiding. Write down why you don't want to go there. Then invite Jesus to go into that room with you. Just stay there, in His presence. Maybe say a prayer. Remember His kingdom is not of this world.
• Name your Caesar: At this point in the trial of Jesus Christ, the chief priests reject Him as Messiah, assuring Pontius Pilate "we have no king by Caesar." Before we pass judgement on the Jewish officials, we must remember that we too have other kings, e.g. security, comfort, ideology, the church institution itself.  Now, quietly, name your other "king." Write it down. Sit with the knowledge for a time, then complete this sentence "Jesus, I trust you with everything except . . ."
• Proclaim: Pilate wrote "King of the Jews" on the plaque above Jesus' head on the cross. The Jewish officials wanted him to change it to "He says, he is King of the Jews," but Pilate insisted, "What I have written, I have written." Now look for your own "cross" moment. Identify a place where God is at work in your life. Then tell that truth to one person. Don't worry about sounding profound, or crazy,  or naïve, just bear witness to one person. Proclaim that Jesus is King.
• Transformation: Easter Sunday, the empty tomb, He is Risen. This is not the end of the story, this is the beginning of something new. Homework: Whatever burden you carry, name it. Bring it to God. Pray it out loud if you can. Then make space, sit quietly, listen for God's response, be present and expectant for what the risen Christ will do.

Although these "assignments" have been couched as "homework," this is not school. There is no judgement here, no grades attributed. But, if you attempted the tasks, there is Jesus, present in your life, taking your burdens on Himself, cheering your feeble efforts, shining through your clumsy words.

Thanks for the challenges, Rev. Irwin.  To listen to previous services from SPPC, go to our youtube channel.

When we walk with the Lord

In the Light of His Love

What a glory He sheds on our way

When we do His good will

He abides with us still

And with all who will trust and obey.

Editor's Note: Thanks to Linda for suggesting this topic.

Easter 2026

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

In case you missed the one for Good Friday, you can find a video of the service here

As usual, SPPC held a "Sonrise" service in Cy Hampson park at 8:00 am Easter Sunday. In a very unusual way, the weather was lovely -- sunshine, no rain, and mild temperatures. Wow!

The photo above shows all the happy faces squinting into the sunshine. 

Another happy participant was this little bird. Every year since Rev. Irwin began this custom there has been a songbird in a nearby tree. Last year I noted the tree had died and I worried about a twig for the songbird. This year we found him in a different tree, still singing to the morning light. 

Upon returning to SPPC we enjoyed coffee, fruit, hot cross buns, eggs and other breakfast goodies. 

Then we repaired to the sanctuary for our usual Sunday service, ending with a celebration of the Lord's Supper. 

Happy Easter, everyone,

He is risen.
He is risen indeed.
Hallelujah!

                                              

The Lord's House

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

The term "Lord's House" is more Old Testament than New. Among other references, the Bible gives a detailed description of God's instructions to Moses, after the Israelites were delivered out of slavery in Egypt for the building of the Tabernacle, a tent where the Ark of the Covenant was housed, a place of worship, sacrifice and divine revelation. 

The Tabernacle was to serve as the dwelling place of God among His people. 

In indication of the importance of this dwelling is given in Exodus 25-31-- six chapters of precise instruction from God.

Later, in Israel's history, Solomon built a temple to be "The Lord's House." Again, our Bible, in 1Kings 6 gives a blueprint of the construction of this place. Most importantly we learn that God promises to dwell among His people. 

if you follow my decrees, observe my laws and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfil through you the promise I gave to David your father.  And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.’  

When that was destroyed a second temple was erected, when the exiled Jews came back to Jerusalem. The prophets Haggi and Zechariah encouraged the building of the second temple, but the Roman emperor Cyrus decreed that it should be built. "in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, King Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. (Ezra 5: 13) You can read all about it in Ezra 5-6.

In the New Testament, the concept of the LORD's House transitions from a physical structure to a spiritual one. Believers in Christ are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16  The Church, as the body of Christ, is seen as the spiritual house where God resides, with Jesus as the cornerstone.

The church is NOT a building but “a people who gather to worship and serve Jesus Christ” and that gathering can occur anywhere. 

So, while we recognize that it is faithful followers of Christ who make up the church, we also know that "wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I also, in the midst of them." Matt 18:20

Our church building has been dedicated to be one of those gathering places. 

The Presbyterian Church in Canada declares:

 

A Service of Dedication in The Presbyterian Church in Canada is a formal worship service conducted by the Presbytery, typically with the Moderator presiding, to set apart a building for worship, thanksgiving, and mission The service of dedication is primarily one of thanksgiving to God for all the gifts given to the people and which they in turn return to God with joyful and grateful hearts.

Thus, although our building is not the Lord's House in an Old Testament sense, it holds a special place in the life of our congregation and merits our care and attention. In the past few weeks we've been doing just that.

Our building is cleaned weekly, but we held a spring deep cleaning bee with extra volunteers to scrub out the forgotten corners. We washed windows, polished the wood fixtures and scoured the kitchen and bathrooms. Spiders are the fastest spinners in the West, but we swept out their webs, at least for the moment.

We had a good time doing it, too.

  

The light on the outdoor cross has not worked for a while. In the month of March, that was rectified with the installation of strip lighting around it. What a striking addition to our building!

Finally, since the rain has, at last,  let up for a bit, the skylights are being replaced. One in the sanctuary had cracked and several had broken seals, so the time was right. We now have new glass installed in 28 sealed units.

Our Book of Praise includes a hymn for the dedication of church buildings. It could also serve as a reminder to dedicate ourselves as the spiritual house of God.

Be with us, gracious Lord, today;

This house we dedicate to Thee;

O hear Thy servants as they pray,

And let Thine ear attentive be!

Within these walls let holy peace,

Let love and truth be always found;

May burdened hearts find sweet release,

And souls with richest grace be crowned.

Yesterday, Palm Sunday, was the start of Holy Week. 

SPPC offers these special services as we mark Jesus' road to the Cross.

• Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room—April 2 at 6:00 p.m. This service of readings and communion will take place in the Ross Lounge (classroom).
• Good Friday Service of Hymns and Readings—April 3 at 10:00 a.m.
• Easter Sunday “Sunrise” Service—April 5 at  8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park (8891 Lochside Drive, North Saanich)
• Easter Morning Breakfast—April 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Molloy Hal. All are welcome!
• Easter Sunday Celebration and Communion Service—April 5 at 10:00 a.m.

Legacy

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

During the days of endless rain last week, I dutifully wrote in my gratitude journal, praising God for filling the reservoirs, restoring the rivers and streams, and degrading the risk of drought and wildfire this summer. All good reasons to be thankful. Yet, I confess, that was a more intellectual gratitude than a visceral one.

Then, on Friday, the clouds lifted. I took myself off to the Butchart Gardens and filled my senses. The fragrance of hyacinth lifted my spirits with every breath. The daffodils nodded their heads, cheering my soul. Blossoming trees against a blue, blue sky invited me to look upward. No need to work at gratitude when visiting the Gardens in spring. God's goodness is on full display.

The story goes that Jennie Butchart was appalled at the ugliness left behind from the family business of quarrying limestone and making cement. Then, one day while surveying the limestone pit, she had a vision. 

"The perpendicular quarry walls, twisted from dynamite blasting, dropped sixty feet to a quagmire of two and a half acres of clay. Out of a subterranean spring percolated a muddy creek which fed a deep pond on the quarry floor. A hummock of grey rock, unfit for cement, rose like a spire from the centre… Jennie Butchart stood and cried.

It was then an inspiration came to her, ‘Like a flame’ she was to say, ‘for which I shall ever thank God.” 

It was in that moment that the seed of what would become the world famous Butchart Gardens was planted.

I also gave thanks for Jennie Butchart and her descendants for making this jewel accessible to local residents. The cost of a yearly pass (equivalent to two regular admissions) is the best deal around. In the spring I can visit for the daffodils, a week later for the tulips, and a week after that for the azaleas. In summer I can enjoy the many concerts as well as the rose garden, the lilies, the sweet peas, and the zinnias. Come winter, I'm welcome to take in the Christmas light up or the Spring Prelude in February. All on my yearly pass.

The home the Butchart's built on this site was named "Benvenuto," meaning welcome in Italian. A highly fitting name since they welcomed thousands of visitors to enjoy the garden. The transformation of the limestone quarry began in 1904 and by 1915, they reported 18,000 visitors. By 1925 the yearly total was more than 50,000. During that time, the Butchart's did not charge admission, but offered all these visitors a cup of tea.

On Saturday we held a funeral at SPPC for Erma, a member of our congregation who had lived a "long and adventurous life." The pews were filled with folk from many walks of life -- Erma had broad interests. There were young and old and in-between. There were relatives by blood and "family" by choice. She left a legacy of affection and example.

We heard over and over that she greeted life, whether it be hard or pleasant, with a smile on her face. We heard of the stream of people who passed through her front door and shared a meal at the family table. We heard of her general belief in "love your neighbour" and we heard of instances when that love was shown, as a teacher, a volunteer, a shoulder to lean on. 

She lived life with kindness, curiosity and love for others. 

In an age when one the world's richest men is campaigning against philanthropy, we need role models like Jennie Butchart and Erma. We need the example of those who walk with God and hold out a helping hand to a neighbour.

When our time on this earth ends, would we rather be remembered  for amassing measureless wealth or for our kindness, and generosity, and faithfulness? 

Rooted in Faith

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

Browsing through the latest edition of Presbyterian Connection I noticed a familiarity about the shared photos of church life. There was the Sunday School Pageant, the candlelight service, the white gift packaging, the neighbourhood lunch, birthday cakes . . . It struck me that the church names under the photos could be rearranged, and the story would still make sense. All that baking, knitting, quilting, feeding, nurturing--it's what we as churches do.

Then an article on Elmvale Presbyterian Church caught my eye. The congregation is 165 years old. It existed before the Presbyterian Church in Canada was formed. History fascinates me, so I read the article in full. The writer pointed out that the long history of this congregation, was a history of faith. No doubt they have been involved in "works" but what has sustained them and kept them vibrant for generations is their faith. They be before they do.

Last week we held a memorial service for one of SPPC's long-time members, Anne MacKinnon. The words spoken reminded us of her long service and the "works" she performed, as greeter, elder, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, and as a welcoming presence in our fellowship. Her legacy shows in our library, in the piano in the hall and in the lives of those she touched.

The service contained several hymns, hymns that Anne selected. Here she revealed what lay closest to her heart.  If we consider the words of her choosing, we see again, that "works" flowed from faith. 

"He shall not suffer that thy foot be moved/Safe shalt thou be."
"O Thou who changest not, abide with me."
"Death's mightiest powers have done their worst;/But Jesus hath His foes dispersed;"
"Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale, /Yet will I fear none ill;/For Thou art with me:"
"Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,/All who live in love are Thine."

Our Sister, Anne, had busy hands and an active mind, but when we examine her choice of hymns, we see she had a heart for faith that triumphed when her hands lay still and her mind slowed.

As our congregation seeks to serve and encourage at home and abroad, we must remember that our works must flow from our faith, or we become just another helping agency. Works are important, no doubt about that, but they are for a season. Faith is eternal. Like Anne and like Elmvale Presbyterian, let us hold that faith as a high beacon to light the ways of our doing.

 

Conversations

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

 The photo at left shows a letter written to SPPC from Zach, age 8. Zach attends Jesus is Lord congregation, that meets in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoons. 

Zach says he "works" at JIL. I think there is a lesson for us there. Most of us "attend" church, a much more passive activity than "working" at church. I know, lots of us, maybe all of us, volunteer in some capacity, but the idea of working during worship intrigues me. Do we work at listening to the service? Do we work at taking the message from Rev. Irwin's sermons? Do we work during the prayers and hymns to make the words our own? Do we work to make our corporate worship a true connection to God and His people? Does Zach have something to teach us?

Zach says he loves to "praise God and that is all," but it is not all. He goes on to ask God's blessing and Jesus' protection on SPPC. 

Last Sunday, Rev. Irwin challenged us to do "one hidden act of costly service" over the week. Zach's letter of encouragement is not hidden, but his costly service of penning it brought cheer to my heart. Thank you Zach, and to the congregation of JIL for their praise to God and their prayers for SPPC.

                                                               

This Sunday, SPPC received another blessing, Rev. Wes Denyer filled the pulpit while Rev. Irwin ministered to St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Victoria. 

The sermon was "Talking about important things." Those important things turned out to be conversations about faith. Those are difficult discussions to have at the best of times, but when folk are divided by age, or gender, or nationality, or traditions, they can be even more fraught. 

We often avoid those talks by changing the subject, remembering an "urgent errand," or hiding behind a coffee cup. 

The scripture passage for the sermon was John 4, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. Here a Jewish man and a Samaritan woman -- that's an enormous social gulf -- have a meaningful conversation about faith. Not a lecture, not an argument, not a trial -- just a conversation, both spoke, both listened. 

Next time the topic of faith arises in discussion, we would do well to remember Jesus' example, and engage in meaningful conversation. 

Zach has done that, reaching across a gap in ages, a difference of denomination, and a difference in culture. (The JIL congregation comes mostly from a Philippine background.) He speaks of faith with a heart for praise and prayer. Zach's note is the start of an important conversation.

***

On a side note, I wish to commend everyone who moved the clocks ahead on Saturday night and still made it to worship on Sunday morning. Praise God the day was filled with sunshine.

Family Time

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

I went away for a few days last weekend for a family event in Ontario. As the picture at left shows, the snow was deep and soft and beautiful. Fortunately, it was not falling on our travel days so we only experienced the gorgeous landscape not the frustrating, dangerous slipping and sliding and heart-in-your mouth driving.

I had a wonderful time catching up with three generations of family and even some old high school buddies. Mostly we gathered around a table, whether for dinner, brunch, coffee or snacks. It seems food draws family together.

When I returned to N. Saanich, I found several sets of photos in my e-mail. Apparently SPPC had been using food to draw the church family together.

Thanks to Joan, I have these photos of the sunshine lunch, with its Valentine theme.

Janet sent me these pictures of the out-to-lunch bunch at Good Fortune restaurant. It was quite a bunch, eighteen to be exact.

Then one more photo from Friday's Friendship Coffee. This time there were 25 present, a high turnout, even for this popular program.

Building family memories together is a boon to the heart. It would seem the same holds true of our church relationships.

Despite the beauty of the snowy woods of Ontario, I couldn't refrain from sending back this photo of blooming Victoria in the month of February.