Rev. Barbara Young in Memoiriam

Reverend Barbara was born in Windsor, Ontario on August 10, 1938. Growing up in a family with three sisters, Barbara’s childhood years were spent in Southern Ontario. She trained for the teaching profession in London, Ontario, and took a position as an elementary teacher in the public school  system. She married a young teacher, Doug Young, and after their first child, Heather, was born, Barbara became a stay at home Mum for a few years. Barbara then took a position in a local private school and she taught there for many years, and was much loved by students and colleagues alike.

In her early forties, Barbara felt the call to train for the ministry and entered Knox College, Toronto where she gained her M.Div. degree. After ordination, Barbara served as minister in Knox Presbyterian Church, Bayfield, Ontario and in St. Andrew’s PC Ailsa Craig, Ontario.

Meanwhile,  Barbara’s daughter, Heather had moved west to British Columbia and Barbara wished to be near Heather and her young family. The vacancy at Saanich Peninsula PC was an opportunity to be nearer to Heather, and Reverend Barbara answered the call to SPPC where she served from August 1998 to September 2005.

During her ministry at SPPC, Barbara and Doug faced a long and difficult struggle with her husband’s cancer which became terminal.

In September 2005, Barbara retired from ministry, a misnomer of significant proportion! Always active and enthusiastic, Barbara was heavily engaged by the churches of the Presbytery in pulpit supply. Her friendly manner, positive and hopeful sermons, delivered with a sense of humour, enabled her to engage with congregations as a welcomed visiting preacher. Her passion for preaching the gospel was evident. In the “Children’s Time,” her experience and skill as an elementary teacher was clear to all as she told the stories of Jesus.

In 2012, Barbara was married to Chuck McCaffree and she and her new husband enjoyed an active life travelling and spending time in the sunshine of warmer climes. On her return from Arizona each Spring, Barbara was immediately available for pulpit supply, much to the delight of her colleagues in ministry and the congregations she visited, including some community church congregations on the Gulf islands.

Again this summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming Barbara to the pulpit of SPPC, and there was a noticeable  gathering of old friends, both at the service and for the after service coffee hour, where many lingered to chat.

On August 25th, Barbara was scheduled to preach at one of her favourite churches, Trinity, Victoria, but had to cancel at the last minute, as she was experiencing some discomfort. At the urging of her husband, Barbara went to hospital. Later that day at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Barbara passed away. Her passing was a terrible shock to her family and to all the congregations she had served so well.

The service of Celebration of Life for Reverend Barbara was held at Saanich Peninsula PC, with Reverend Irwin Cunningham and the Moderator of Presbytery, Rev. Reid Chudley, officiating. Reid was in the  unique position to share that Rev. Barbara had officiated at his ordination, some fifteen years earlier. The congregations of many friends and colleagues in ministry joined to celebrate the life and service of Barbara Young. The service of celebration had the joyful and uplifting hymns that reflected the spirit of Barbara’s ministry.
Barbara's life of service to the churches of this Presbytery will no doubt, be remembered with gratitude. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a good and faithful servant, serving her Lord faithfully "all the day long."

submitted by Roy Napier.

Bible Study with a Twist

Bible Study begins this week, but it will be a little different from our usual sessions. With Rev. Irwin on leave, the students are in charge of the classroom. This is not an opportunity to throw spit-balls. Rather, it is an invitation to take part in the study as part-owner, sort of like a Bible study cooperative.

We'll use a video-based approach starting with "The Lives of the Apostles Paul and Peter." The film is hosted by Rick Steeves.
Rick Steeves! I never knew he did Bible based programs, is the usual reaction when I mention this. However, rest assured, he has -- and very well, too. Follow the link above to see a brief preview.
If you want to get a headstart, read chapters 13, 14 and 15 in the Book of Acts. 
Don't worry if you haven't had time to do the reading. Come anyway.

Many of us have been in Rev. Irwin's Bible study class for years. At the end of each session he inevitably reminds us that Biblical knowledge is not to be hoarded, it is meant to be shared.  
This is an opportunity to share in a very safe environment. 
Whether you're a theological scholar or someone exploring the Bible for the first time, please join us. You are very welcome. 
There will be coffee.
Wed. at 9:30 am at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church, 9296 E. Saanich Rd. N. Saanich. For more information call the church office at 250 656-2241.

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Hot Dog Lunch

The weather reports kept us all guessing for days, but in the end, the clouds broke up for just long enough. We had our hot dog lunch outdoors and no one got wet.

Our chefs were particularly grateful for no rain, as they were stuck outside regardless.

It was a fun way to kick off the new term at church. Most of us are beyond school age, but the school calendar is so ingrained in our culture, Sept. feels like a time for beginnings. 

Thanks to all who helped, all who organized, all who came, and all who stuck around afterward to clean up. What a great congregation.

The young and the young at heart

Lots of food!

Just a reminder, Sunday School is now in session, choir practice has recommenced and on Sept. 25 Bible Study will start. We're more than just hot dogs!

Food Fests

On Sunday morning, our clerk of session announced that we eat too much but we enjoy it. I'll say we enjoy it. Here are a few examples of our gastronomic indulgence.

Betty had her 90th birthday, so we had cake.

We began the "out to lunch" program as an experiment in June. It has definitely been successful. Last week there were 16 people enjoying food and fellowship at the Waddling Dog. Our next event will be Oct. 3 at Good Fortune Restaurant in Sidney. Sign up in the narthex.

June at Smitty's

July at Spitfire

August at Beacon Landing

Sept. lunch at Waddling Dog

Don't forget, next Sunday, we're celebrating fall with a hot dog lunch after worship service. 

They say an army travels on its belly. I have a notion that Presbyterians do too. 

Fall into Fall

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is over and we're in back-to-school mode.
At SPPC we're really into back to school as we welcome a pre and after school program from Kelset school. The service is provided by Beacon Community Services and will operate out of SPPC for a trial period this fall.
This is an important support for families-- the school day is much shorter than the working day for parents. 
Pray that the trial period is successful and we can support this important ministry in our neighbourhood.

Hot-diggity-dog

On Sunday, Sept. 15 there will be a hot-dog lunch following worship. Everyone is welcome. We have shelter if it rains, and shade if the sun shines. We have tables and chairs. We have hot dogs, snacks, drinks and desserts. We have parking lot games. 

YOU are invited to all of it. 

The BBQ will be warmed up and the first hot dogs ready to eat around 11:30. 

Bring your appetite. Bring your best shot. Bring a friend. 

Celebrate Fall!