Easter Sunrise Service

   Cold and damp on Easter morning in Cy Hampson Park.  No sunrise, but the Son has risen.  He is risen, indeed.

What a glorious morning!

Easter Week

We began Easter Week yesterday with the celebration of Palm Sunday, that strange day in the Christian calendar, which begins with the shouting of Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, and ends with Holy Communion, a remembrance of the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples.  From here on, we move through Holy Week, descending to the pain of betrayal, entering into the fear of the upper room, sharing the darkness of Gethsemane and huddling in despair at the foot of the Cross.
    But for us, an Easter people, the Cross is not the end of our journey.  Out of the darkness, we move forward into light, celebrating the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and the proclamation that "He is Risen.  He is risen indeed!  Hallelujah."

   Listed below are opportunities at SPPC to share the moments leading up to that joyful Easter morning.  All are welcome.

Mon., April 19, 9:00 am      -- Devotional time in the sanctuary
Tues., April 20, 9:00 am      -- Devotional time in the sanctuary
Wed., April 21, 9:00 am      -- Devotional time in the sanctuary
Thur., April 22, 6:00 pm     --  Maundy meal, Molloy Hall
Fri.,   April 23, 10:00 am     --Good Friday church service with
                                                community churches held at
                                                Fellowship community church,
                                                7820Central Saanich Rd.

Sunday, April 24, 7:00 am    -- Easter Sunday sunrise service in
                                                  Hampson Park.
                           9:00 am     -- Breakfast Molloy Hall
                          10:00 am     -- Easter Sunday Worship

Bible Study continues on Wed. April 20, 9:30 am . in Ross Lounge and 7:00 pm at the home of Edna Kirk

Why SPPC?

 I think I have been at SPPC about 14 years, give or take a few. ( I came just after Rev. Barb became pastor.) .My background is long and varied,(including time in the mission field) however, I moved to the Island from Abbotsford when I retired from my job as office clerk in my daughters business. I came to SPPC because my son, Hugh, really liked the people and the service. He was living with me and he felt accepted and loved by the people of the church.  Also, my background is Presbyterian  so I also felt “at home”.
   My favourite part of SPPC is the Wednesday morning Bible Study.  The in-depth study of God’s Word under the insightful explanations of  Rev. Irwin are so meaningful.  The small group discussions are most helpful and a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other and offer personal experiences we can apply to everyday living. 

All the Bible Studies are excellent, but this current study of Romans is special as it is a difficult book to understand.  It is spelling out our need for salvation and how to obtain it in a very clear and understandable way.  Rev.Irwin takes the hard parts and makes them clear. It is the best day of the week. 

Warm Toes Month

   by  Norma Scott

Twice a year, in April and October, the Mission and Outreach Committee of SPPC promote the "Warm Toes" project.  Warm Toes consists of a pair of warm socks (Capitol Iron or Mark's Workwear World are good places to shop). 

 Lay one sock out flat, roll up the other and stuff it into the toe of the first sock. 

 Fill the rest of the sock with small size personal care items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and the like.   Shopper's Drug Mart has lots of sample sizes for sale, or travellers may have picked up soaps and shampoos at hotels. 

Knot the top of the sock and, behold, one completed "warm toes" offering.  Bring your socks to the church anytime during April.  By the end of the month SPPC expects to have several large bags of socks.  Once they are dedicated by Rev. Irwin, they will be delivered to Our Place in Victoria.

   The Our Place centre includes a health and hygiene area where those living on the street can come for a shower --as many as 50-70 a day. Each person is offered a change of clean clothing and warm socks.  That's where our "warm toes" offerings end up.
   There is also a Foot Care Program offered for those with foot problems.  Twelve health care students from the University of Victoria give foot care four mornings a week.  Clean, dry socks are supplied following treatments.  So the need for socks is great.  Used clothing and towels, are also welcome.
   To learn more about Our Place, visit ourplacesociety.com.

Norma Scott is an elder, a Sunday School Teacher, and a passionate believer in the church's mission to serve the world.