Advent 3 2023

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

Advent Three celebrates joy. We've certainly had lots of joy around SPPC lately. 

The Sunshine Lunch on Monday brought joy to the served and the servers. There were silly hats, carols, good food and lots of laughter. 

On Friday, Janet and Joan hosted a tea for the folks in their elders' districts. Not sure who they catered for, but there was more food than we could eat -- although we all made a valiant effort. 

There was a silly game that kept everyone laughing, we sang carols and had a great party. There were even gifts.

Explain the rules

Whose turn is it?

Silly Hats

 

checking the list

Sunday was white gift Sunday. When I was a kid, we used to wrap canned goods in white tissue paper and place it on the table with the offering plate. The idea was that the gifts were anonymous and went into hampers for those who were having a hard time making ends meet. Anonymity was meant to remove any embarrassment on the part of the giver or the receiver. There was always great excitement as the children of the congregation trooped to the front of the church with their offerings.

Things are a bit different now. Food banks and the like have taken on the role of helping those in need of groceries. White gift at SPPC is now directed at members of our own congregation, many of whom live in care facilities or are on special diets. So, no cans of soup or chocolate bars. Instead, this year, we collected toonies. The Pastoral Care Committee then purchased poinsettias and small gifts appropriate to each person on the list. There is still much excitement about bringing joy to others.

The Mission and Outreach Committee held a bake sale on Sunday as well. The approximately $600.00 raised will be shared between the Session discretionary fund (local missions) and the House Upon the Rock in the Dominican Republic.  This event brings joy to the bakers who donate, to the buyers who snap up the goodies, and to those who benefit from the mission funds. 

Speaking of joy, Christmas Day is almost upon us. Please join us at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church for any or all of our Christmas services.

Dec. 24, 10:00 am. Advent Four - Sunday morning worship.          Dec. 24, 7:00 pm. Carols and Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Dec. 25, 10:30 am Christmas Morning service with lots and lots of carols. 

In this last week before the "Big Day" may you give and receive much joy, in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Joy to the World