Simply Christian -- Book Review

 

The link for this week's worship service is here

Simply Christian by N. T. Wright

 

                “Simply outstanding. It will confirm, challenge, and deepen your grasp of Christian faith and practice.”  Christianity Today 

 

Simply Christian is divided into three main parts.  The first part “Echoes of a voice” contains four chapters that explore: the longing for justice, the quest for spirituality, the hunger for relationships, and the delight in beauty.  This first section raises questions which are then bit by bit addressed and tied together throughout the book.  The handling of these voices is well done and will resonate with unbelievers anywhere.

 

Part two explores the central Christian belief about God.  This section is titled “Staring at the sun” and discusses God, Israel, Jesus and the coming of God’s kingdom, Jesus: rescue and renewal, God’s breath of life and living by the spirit.  In this section he discuses how heaven and earth overlap and intersect, and claims that the most important point of intersection is Jesus.  I very much enjoyed the chapter on Israel as it was like a short history of the Old Testament and how it relates to the coming of the Messiah.

 

Part three,” Reflecting the image” is where Wright describes what it looks like in practice to follow Jesus, to be energized by the spirit, and to advance the plan of creator God.  Wright again emphasizes how heaven and earth intersect by exploring worship, prayer, Scripture and the sacraments.  He looks at the Church not as  a building or even an institution but as the company of those who believe in the God we see in Jesus and are trying to follow. 

 

The structure of the book is logical and follows the themes introduced in the first section; however I would not say the book is simple to read.  I found some portions very interesting and informative but others were disturbing.  The chapter on Jesus: rescue and renewal, painted a picture of Jesus that I had never considered.  I will not go into describing what was written as I suggest you read this chapter then call me so we can discuss it together!

 

The secondary part of the title of this book is “Why Christianity makes Sense” and I feel that Wright has presented a logical argument for why we need God, why Jesus was sacrificed on the cross, why we need worship, the Spirit and the Church.  So stretch yourself and give this book a try.  Read it with a friend so together you can look at each section and dive deeper into living a Christian life.

 

Linda Cliff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compassionate Warehouse Reopening

 The link for this week's livestreamed service is here

I received a note from Brian this week informing me that he and Vivien were once again acting as a pick up service for the Compassionate Warehouse. They have already delivered some bags of donations from the church.

CW has been in hiatus for a long time due to COVID 19, but last Monday Brian learned they were reopening.  They still had to telephone ahead to the Warehouse at:  250 - 381 - 4483, to be given a suitable time to bring the stuff to them, but the doors were open at last.
They were pleased to receive our items and are hopeful that they
will be able to keep going, as restrictions begin to ease for exporting.

Brian says, "usually our church members would drop off items at the church for us to collect and deliver to the Warehouse.  However, given these still uncertain times, it would be best for anyone wishing to donate household items to first contact Darlene Crawford, or Joan Adamcsak, 250 656 6130, to find out if space is available in the nursery to store these items and when the church would be open to accept them. [If you prefer, call the church office at 250 656-2241. Our church secretary, Patricia, is always ready to help.]
If, however, anyone wishes to make a donation directly to the Warehouse, they should first contact them at the above number and make an appointment for delivery.  The Warehouse is situated on Devonshire Road in Esquimalt."

On Sunday I tested the system and asked Joan if I could leave a small item and she said yes. My linen closet desperately needs a clean out but before I tackle that I'll have to make sure the church and the Compassionate Warehouse are able to handle a really big box of stuff.

Brian's closing line read: I trust this will be an acceptable item for the Blog.
Yes! Yes, yes, yes! The church blog is meant to represent the many aspects of life at SPPC and all of its members. Send along anything that interests you. It's a great way to connect with the larger community.

Thanks Brian for sending along the information and thanks Tore for giving him a nudge.

We're Open -- a Little

 The link for this week's livestreamed service is here:

Last week, on the first Sunday of in-person worship since November, we had 38 people in the pews. It was lovely to see some familiar faces, even if they were wearing masks. This week we had 36, including Will who has grown so much since we last saw him I think he should count as two!

The only mid-week events at the church so far is the Tai Chi class that meets in the parking lot, and rehearsal with the week's soloist. Rev. Irwin was attending the virtual General Assembly in the first half of the week. (This page features highlights from the meeting.) Tore has made use of the lack of activity to do some painting. 

Inside, he has painted the conduit and electrical outlet that was exposed when the front of the church was rearranged. I am very grateful for this touch up as I found the industrial look irksome and distracting.

Outside, he has painted the wood on the office side of the building. Last summer and fall he and Al had replaced the rotted boards but now they have a fresh coat of paint to complete the job.

If you think our building is brick and stucco, have another look. There is a lot of wood panelling and trim that needs regular painting. This photo shows the outside of the lounge -- windows, panels and a door all freshly painted.

The cross on the north side of the church was a bigger challenge. Not only does it require the tall ladder, but the inside edges had to be hand sanded before new paint was applied. The ring on the cross is metal so it too had to be sanded, the area covered over and some trusty Tremclad paint sprayed over it.

One of the fruits of the spirit is hospitality. Keeping our church building safe, clean and attractive extends hospitality to friends and strangers alike. As the doors open wider when COVID-19 restrictions ease, we'll welcome each other with smiles and hugs and a cup of coffee. Until then, fresh paint, a tended flower bed, and a tidy lawn offer a welcome to all. 

Celebrate!

California Lilac at SPPC

 Link to our live-streamed service is here.

 This is a week for celebration.   Barb C. turns 104! I'd love to see a   cake with 104 candles but so long   as COVID restrictions are in   place,  we'll have to make do with   this photo.

Frank is turning 95, quite an age. Too bad he's sharing billing with Barb.

We have further reason for celebration. Dr. Bonnie has eased the restrictions on church services, so for the first time since early November, we are allowed to gather as a congregation, indoors. There are still requirements for social distancing, masks, no congregational singing and no socializing, but it is a start. BTW, even if we can't have coffee hour in the hall, you are able to meet with others not of your household at a restaurant or coffee shop. So, if you want a little after service socializing, book a table and meet a friend or two.

We can also celebrate that the new case counts for COVID on Vancouver Island have dropped substantially. There were only 3 new cases reported on Saturday.

In Sidney and North Saanich 77.5% of adults have had at least one shot. Within our congregation, many have had a second shot. I'm booked for mine on June 26. As the cases go down and the vaccinations go up, we can look forward to an easing of more restrictions over the summer.

And speaking of summer -- haven't we had a gorgeous week! The weeds in my garden are flourishing. Linda and Tore have been trying to keep up with the church grounds but it is a race. But, just look at the lovely California lilac in our hedge.

Last week I read a blog titled "We Only See the Weeds." This line stood out for me particularly, Instead of admiring the beautiful plants that remain, or patting myself on the back for blending shades of purple and synchronizing bloom times, I immediately look for more weeds.The post was actually about creative writing but the analogy of looking for weeds is true in many walks of life. This week I'm going to try to admire the good things around me and stop looking for weeds. 

• Instead of bemoaning the "no singing" rule at church, I'll give thanks that 50 of us can sit in the pews. 

• Instead of comparing our broadcast technology unfavourably with the CBC, I'll give thanks for our fantastic volunteers who make it possible to have a broadcast. 

• While I'll miss greeting Rev. Irwin after service, I'll say a prayer for the success of the virtual General Assembly.

When I concentrate on the weeds I get discouraged and feel like giving up. When I smell the roses, I know God's love. 

 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Isaiah 54:10 KJV