Monday, July 29, 2019

Celebration


A lovely, sunny Sunday in July seems like a good time for a celebration and SPPC took up the challenge. This time we took note of Joan's 90th birthday.
      Joan is a long-time member of SPPC. When I first came to this congregation she was the unofficial hostess, along with Archie and Vic. If ever there were to be a party, Joan would organize it and cook for it. At her instigation there were St. Patrick's Day pot-lucks, Robbie Burns musicales, International nights, a "just because" BBQ. At the time the congregation was paying off its mortgage and all these occasions helped raise funds toward that goal. They were also great mixers for people new to the congregation. 
     Joan used to cook for the sunshine lunches as well. That torch has been picked up by Darlene and others, but it is a tribute to Joan that her endeavours are carried on.
     She sang in the choir, looked after the choir gowns and managed the music library. I've inherited that job and follow many of her practices. Hey, if it ain't broke . . .
     She also started a band called "The Joyful Noise." They entertained at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and other care facilities in the area.
     She served as an elder, and treasurer, and organized counters for the offering plate. In her spare time she managed the flower roster.  
     When the Living Flame put on their Christmas musicals, Joan used to bake up a storm for the reception afterward. She wasn't above roping in her family to help out, either. Here they are celebrating her birthday with her. 

     How many families celebrate a major birthday by attending church? I guess the cake says it all.



     It is a proven fact that people who belong to a church, and take part in the life of the congregation, live longer and more healthy lives than those who do not. One only has to look at the list of ninety plus birthdays that we've marked at SPPC to see evidence of that fact.  Helen, Blanche, Barb and Joan had Sunday cakes, but I know there are many others in our congregation who have passed the ninety milestone -- Don, Frank, Betty, Gladys, Emily, and Cedric to name a few. I'm sure there are others. If you want a mention on the blog, just let me know.
     So congratulations to Joan and all our senior seniors. May you continue to be blessed as you have blessed SPPC.




Monday, July 22, 2019




SPPC played host to Raven Baroque earlier this month. Our music director, Larry, is a member of the ensemble and dressed the part. That's him in the white wig and hugging a cello.

 

There were about 55 people in attendance, one lady came from Edmonton and another drove down from Nanaimo.

The ensemble has been a fixture in Victoria for a number of years, most visibly on the July 1 holiday when they present a free concert at the reservoir on Mt. Tolmie.

As well as playing instrumental music made famous by the likes of J.S. Bach and George Frederick Handel, the group includes a singer.
It was a treat for music lovers on the peninsula to come to a concert close to home. Sometimes the drive to and from the city is just too much. Part of our outreach program includes providing a venue for groups like Raven Baroque who would like to perform on the peninsula.

If you missed the Raven Baroque at SPPC, or you want to hear them again, their summer schedule includes Nootka Court on Aug. 3, Mt. Tolmie Reservoir on Aug 5, Victoria Public Library on Aug. 8, the Sidney Bandshell on Aug. 9, Christ Church Cathedral lawn August 10 and Willows Beach on Aug. 11.
For more details, check here.


Monday, July 15, 2019

SPPC's Soon to be Famous

Raptors, shmaptors, Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church has its own stars. 

Watching Chek TV News a few weeks ago, I was startled to see Max walking across the screen. The story was about the university, not Max, but he was there as an example of the student body. Of course, if the news team had been on their toes, they could have related how Max won the ultimate Canadian travel prize -- a weekend in Winnipeg in January. His trip wasn't just for pleasure, he was in an engineering competition. Maximilian went to the Western engineering competition

Erin, Diane's niece and sometime visitor to our congregation has earned a chance to represent Canada in cycling at the Pan Am Games this summer. This was also reported on Chek TV. You can see it here.

Finally, Benjamin is off to Nova Scotia! Last weekend the Victoria Capitals Senior Little League Team won the provincial championships in New Westminster. They travelled to  Sydney Mines in Nova Scotia for the Canadian Senior Little League
Championships. We've been hearing about Ben's competitions at church, but once again, I got the official word on Chek television news. Not only are there pictures of Benjamin and his team, he is also interviewed for the camera. Watch it all here (It's the whole newscast. Ben's bit is about 50 minutes in if you want to fast forward.) We wish Benjamin and his team all the best on this  adventure. Godspeed!

Congratulations to all on their success so far. We'll be cheering for you all the way.




Monday, July 8, 2019

Season's Round-up

The end of the school year signals the end of regular programs at SPPC as well. We are now all on summer schedule. Among other things, that means no choir on Sunday morning. Of course, before we went on holiday, the choir went out to dinner. 
At Mary's where the servings were generous!

Speaking of eating, the out-to-lunch-bunch had their second outing on July 4th. Some wore red,white and blue in honour of the US holiday. This time we were at the Spitfire Grill with 21 attendees. 
Next month, August 1, we'll be at the Beacon Landing in Sidney's waterfront hotel. But sure to sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you plan to attend. Obviously, the event is popular and we need to give enough notice to the restaurants we patronize.

When we're not eating out. We're celebrating with food after service. There have been a number of special birthdays lately. 
Carla invited us all to share a cake with her. 

Barb Chorlton celebrated her 102nd birthday, with help from some of the congregation at the Sunshine lunch earlier in June.
 And, finally, Helen Ewing celebrated her 97th birthday on Sunday. Both the cake and Helen look terrific.
The flowers in the sanctuary on Sunday were dedicated to God and in thanksgiving for family. At SPPC we are blessed not only with our birth family, but with the family of believers that make up this congregation. Loving hearts who share joy and sorrow, laughter and singing and occasional tears. Let us give thanks for all those who make up the family of God. Ephesians 2: 19-22








Monday, July 1, 2019

Picnic 2019

I missed the church picnic this year but Janet and Tore and Diane have shared their pictures. Hope you all enjoy them.






Ecclesiastes 8:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

15 And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.