Grraduation

On Sunday we marked Rebekah's graduation from high school.  Over the past number of years the congregation has had the privilege of watching her grow from a very junior student to a composed and devoted young woman. 

In her time at SPPC she has been part of the Living Flame Choir, a faithful member of the Sunday School, a leader/camper at Camp Imodene and a member of the mission team that visited the Dominican Republic this spring.  

We have celebrated with her at each milestone of her Christian life, from being a student in Sunday School, to serving coffee after church, to partaking in the Christmas pageant, to reading scriptures from the pulpit. Not long ago we rejoiced as she  completed her membership classes and became a full member of the congregation. 

As she takes this next step in her life journey, we wish her well and hold her in our prayers, remembering always that "God knows the plans He has for her.  Plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29:11

Busy, busy

star weed-puller

June has been a busy month at SPPC.  Must be something about the end of the school year -- even though church does not take a summer vacation.

clean-up team

At the beginning of the month, there were a couple of work bees outside.  Volunteers pulled weeds, hacked down blackberry vines and trimmed back overgrown shrubs.  Many thanks to all.  Our property is looking very neat and tidy.

On Tuesday of this week, another group of volunteers (actually, there was overlap with the weeding volunteers) spend a morning deep cleaning the kitchen, reorganizing and cupboards and labelling the doors and drawers.  The work was just in time for the strawberry tea on Saturday. 

Well, set up actually began on Friday.   

The event was well attended and the food was beautifully presented.  Thank you especially to Diane and Darlene for that.

lady-in-waiting

ready for topping

assembly line sandwich-making

Craig Henderson Trio

Finally, on Sunday, we relaxed with the church picnic at Island View Beach.  Leftovers from the tea were a welcome bonus to the picnic lunch.  

girl with a pretty hat

welcome shade on a hot day

serious game of bocce

Next week we have the last Bible study of the season.  The choir goes out to dinner.  We lead worship at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Sunday afternoon.  Like I said -- busy!

The Anchor

Thanks to Judith for this week's post.

What a beautiful day it was.  We left a harbour and headed out to sea.  The ocean was calm, with gentle rolling waves.  However, as the day wore on the rollers started showing a bit of a white cap and we knew it was going to get rougher.  
     Our chart showed a small semi-protected cove not too far away that had an anchorage.  We set our course for there, but the going was hard.  By the time we reached the anchorage, it was just about dark.  As we didn't have radar, we eased our way in carefully, watching for other anchored vessels.  
     Hooray!  We found a spot to moor, without swinging into another vessel.  We heaved a sigh of relief and dropped the anchor.
     We spent a miserable night, rocking and rolling.  It felt like morning would never come.  At the break of day, we gave thanks that our anchor had held all through the night, keeping us, and the boats around us, safe.  

     Remembering that particular journey, I got to thinking about the anchor, plus the line and chain attached to it, and how they had held us to the bottom of the cove we were in. Our safety had depended upon that piece of equipment, and it had held fast.
     I wondered, what anchor am I attached to in my life?  A house? A bank account? Things? Relationships? Family?  Is my anchor secure? Will it keep me safe through the storm?
     I came to the conclusion that all those anchors and lines and chains will let me drift if I'm not anchored to Christ, my Saviour.  He keeps me fastened safe to Himself and I never have to worry about drifting onto the rocks, maybe some close calls, but always anchored.

Will Your Anchor Hold in the Storms of Life?

Funds and Food

During our recent fund-raising efforts for the mission team going to the Dominican Republic, we discovered an unmet need in our church.  Many of our members love homemade soup but don't have the time or inclination to make it themselves. So, by popular demand, the soup fund-raiser is back.  There are other offerings on the menu, but soup is the big ticket item.The proceeds from this round will go to missions that our church supports.

And speaking of those who enjoy food with friends but find it difficult to organize a party, the Sunshine Lunch is here to fill the gap. Today, Monday, June 4, Joan and Darlene and their helpers play host to about two dozen or more members of our congregation.  Guests are welcome. Even if you don't know anyone in the congregation, drop by and we'll make room.

If that's not enough food, we have a strawberry tea coming up on June 16, as well.  This is the full-tea-deal, fine china, fancy sandwiches, savoury treats, sweet delights, all finished off with fresh, local strawberries.  Call the church office to reserve your ticket.  250 656-2241. 

Isn't it wonderful when "good works" i.e. support for missions, match our personal inclinations, i.e. good food!

And speaking of food, we had birthday cake on Sunday in honour of Abigail's sixth birthday.  Pictures speak louder than words.  Happy Birthday, Abigail.