Living Wisely

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is here

Bible Study started this week. We are looking at Proverbs--Learning to Live Wisely. 

The introduction to the study points out the numerous books that are published every year teaching us how to "do it yourself" or to practice "self-help." In reality, those books teach wisdom, whether it is the mechanical knowledge of how to fix a sewing machine, or the emotional wisdom to recognize depression and seek help.

The Book of Proverbs, in the Bible, teaches wisdom for living.

The Proverbs is often ascribed to King Solomon, but there were other authors as well. The intent of this Book of Wisdom was to instruct the sons of leaders from different backgrounds on the ways to live and prosper in this world. Thanks to the Bible, that manual of instruction is available, not just to the elite, but to all of God's children. The opening verses lay out this purpose --

for attaining wisdom and discipline/for understanding words of insight . . . for understanding proverbs and parables, /the sayings and riddles of the wise. Proverbs 1: 2-6

Since proverbs are usually one or two lines long, looking at a whole book of them may seem daunting, but don't despair, the study presents wisdom in easily digestible bits.

The first lesson was on Proverbs 9,  a comparison of Wisdom and Folly. Interestingly, the two characters invite "the simple and those who lack judgement" to a feast. They seem to offer comparable opportunities, but a closer look reveals that Wisdom cares for her guests and wants what is best for them. Folly . . . not so much.

Coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 20, is an examination of gullibility vs prudence.

Each lesson in the study can stand alone, so if you missed session one feel free to attend session two. The coffee is hot, the goodies plentiful, and the encouragement of fellow students priceless.

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• Congratulations to Bill and Margaret on the occasion of their 68th wedding anniversary. 
  
  
  
  
• There will be some maintenance work at SPPC in the coming week. Watch out for detours in the parking lot, and missing front doors. Despite that, the church will be open at the usual times for meetings, services, study sessions.

• Next Sunday, Sept. 24, is Food Bank Sunday. Any donations are welcome. Place them in the bins in the Narthex for pick-up on Monday.
• The 24th is also Presbyterians Sharing Sunday, an opportunity to share with our fellow Canadians. Drought and wildfires this summer has placed enormous strain on many communities, in B.C. and across the country.

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Last week we sang "Let All Things Now Living," a hymn of thanksgiving for the wonders of creation. We've had a week of beautiful sunshine, clear skies, and cool evenings. Let us give thanks to our Creator.