In the Year of . . .

The link for this week's streamed service is here

According to the lectionary, we are now in the third week after Epiphany. Or, if you count time by recent history, we are now in the 98th week of the COVID-19 Pandemic. But, most importantly, we are in the two thousand and twenty-second year of our Lord. I find it reassuring to use the "year of our Lord" designation when current events seem overwhelming. Whatever is happening moment by moment, our times are still with the Lord.

So in this week in the year of our Lord, 2022, here's what's happening at SPPC.

• On Saturday, Jan. 22 there was a memorial service for Norma Joan Aitkin. The link for her service is here. Norma was a long-time member of our congregation. I knew her best through the Wednesday morning Bible Study where she was a regular participant and a cheerful presence. 

• 
  Joan reminds us that, as of Feb. 1, milk cartons are included in B.C.'s recycling program. She asks that you give the cartons a good rinse before dropping them into the church recycle bin. Each one is worth a dime toward our Dominican Republic mission fund.

• On Wednesday at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm we will resume Bible Study. It has been 98 weeks since our last session! The study will be different from others we have done. This time we will be doing a book study of The Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. The book is available at the Christian Book and Music Store in Victoria. Electronic copies can by ordered at
  amazon, https://www.amazon.ca/Celebration-Discipline-Special-Anniversary-Richard-ebook/dp/B07CRKXMB7/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=                                                      or at Chapters/Indigo books https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/celebration-of-discipline-special-anniversary/9780062843555-item.html?ikwid=Richard+Foster&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=18#algoliaQueryId=1c84225346cef5f639e6c86185f075af

I've missed our church newsletter and Blanche's sense of humour. If you feel the same way, here are a few church bulletin bloopers to give you a smile.

• The sermon this morning: Jesus walks on Water.                             The sermon tonight: Searching for Jesus.

• At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

• Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

• Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the Church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

• Low self esteem support group will meet Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door.

As the pandemic stretches on, it is easy to be discouraged, to think only of this time. The Bible speaks to us, reminds us that we live "in the year of our Lord."

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope

Psalm 31:14-15 ESV / 

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!

Genesis 1:1 ESV /

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV / 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.