Psalm 1

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

This week we began a new Bible study on the Psalms. We began with Psalm 1 (a very good place to start.) That psalm was also the text for Sunday's sermon so those who were at Bible study went to the head of the class on Sunday morning. 

A version of Psalm 1 from the Scottish Psalter, is the first hymn in our Book of Praise. So we really are starting at the beginning.

We are using a study guide, Psalms - Prayers of the Heart, written by Eugene Peterson. He's maybe best known for his translation of the Bible called The Message. In our small group discussion we used various translations including The Message,  the NIV, the English Study Bible and the Good News Bible. 

For many of us, the language of the King James Version of the Bible is deeply rooted in our memories and brings comfort to our hearts. For study purposes, though, it is useful to read the same passage in different versions. Just the change of one word can bring out a whole other meaning. e.g. one translation of the first line of Psalm one reads "happy  are those. . .," while another reads "blessed is the man." The Message uses "How well God must like you—" The Scottish Psalter sings "That man hath perfect blessedness, Who walketh not astray."

"Happy" and "blessed" are both useful translations but there is no English word equivalent of the original Hebrew.  This is but a small example of how study of the Scripture can enhance our understanding and remind us that -- unless we can read Hebrew and Greek -- we are always reading through the lens of a tranlator.  

If you really want to delve deeply into translations, the website biblegateway.com has sixty-two versions of the Bible available with the click of a mouse.    

This week we move to lesson two of our study, and Psalm 2. One of the advantages of studying Psalms is that each one can stand alone. So, if you skipped last week, there is no reason you can't join in this week. There is a choice of class time, Wednesday at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm -- or go to both.                                                                                                                    

    Psalm 1 as a hymn.                                                                                                                                               

Knit a Prayer

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

Once upon a time, in the days before COVID-19, there were many busy knitters at SPPC. They usually worked during Friendship Coffee and produced thousands and thousands of cotton squares which were sent to the Compassionate Warehouse and distributed in Africa. The little squares, when hung in the sun, were sterile enough to be used to clean the eyes of newborns. One of our members loved to knit teddy bears for children in need of a toy or a cuddle. These two were distributed by the CRW.  

Then the pandemic came and friends couldn't gather in groups. The Compassionate Warehouse had to stop accepting donations as they couldn't distribute goods. Life changed.

The good news is that CRW is back up and running. SPPC is collecting goods once more and Friendship Coffee is back on a monthly basis. Brian and Vivien can tell you about both.

However, the busy knitting needles seem to have been packed away and forgotten. 

But if you are a knitter and in need of an easy project, let me suggest a prayer or healing shawl. These are simple to do -- knit three, purl three, for the width of the shawl, then turn and knit the purls and purl the knits. What makes these projects special is the love and prayer that go into every stitch. My friend, who has knit many shawls says they are "like a hug" to the recipient who may be feeling lonely or afraid.

I made one as a trial and gave it to our pastoral care committee to pass along to someone in our congregation who could do with a tangible reminder of our love and care for her. The gift exceeded all expectations.

So, I made another, which is on its way. As well as praying for the recipient while I'm knitting, I write out a little prayer and attach it to the shawl when it is sent off. It is that personal touch, and the reminder that we are all part of the Christian community that makes the shawls special.

The internet abounds with articles about forming knitting clubs for the purpose of making the shawls as a group. Other sites give you patterns and prayer suggestions and yet others will sell you a kit! 

While these resources may be helpful they are not necessary. What matters is that you imbue your work with love and ask God to bless it. Then give it away, trusting that the Holy Spirit will use it for good.

Just a reminder, Anna, Joan, Linda, Norma and Pam are on the pastoral care committee. They'd be glad to accept your knitting project and to supply you with names of possible recipients. More information is available from the office, 250 656-2241

A "New" Mother's Day

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

Sunday was Mother's Day. In the church we call it "Family Day," but everyone knows that Mom is the star of the show. How fitting, then that we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism at SPPC on that day. We welcomed baby Owen William Dean into the family of God and into the fellowship of Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church.

And we celebrated his Mom and his whole extended family as all of us together promised to uphold them as they raise, this child, offering guidance, teaching and support in Christian love.

We've had other baptisms at SPPC but more often than not, our connection to the baby is through grandparents or other relatives. Many times, the child doesn't live on the Saanich Peninsula, so our involvement is by long distance.

Owen, on the other hand, has been attending SPPC since he was only a few weeks old. His parents, his grandmother, and his aunt, his uncle and his cousin are all faithful members of our congregation. We look forward to watching him grow in "wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man."

Of course, we celebrated with cake. 

And for those who may be missing their mom at this time, I found this little fragment of poetry.

. . . She taught me all of beauthy that I know 

The deathless creed of blossom and of wing

And still I find her love's reflected glow

      In every lovely thing.

Love never ends. 

Thanks, Mom.

forget-me-not

Presbyterian Women’s’ Retreat -- A Mountain Top Experience

 

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

 by Linda Cliff

I have been home from the retreat for a week and can still feel the joy of being in a Spiritual Community.  For those of you wadding through Larry Crabbs’ book The Safest Place On Earth, it is worth the work!

Rev. Mona Scrivens helped us to look at who we are in Christ… we are the children of God.   She looked at this in four parts.

You are IN:

INvited Luke 7:37-47

You are invited into the family

Invaluable:  1Corinthians 12:12-22

We have been created with a purpose, we each have our gifts, and we are the body of Christ

INfluencial:   Matthew 5:13-16 and John 4:9-39

We are the salt and the light. We have no idea how we can influence and change someone’s life. We are Influencers!

Invested: Luke12: 17-21 and Matthew 6:19

Don’t horde what you have.  It is better to give than receive.  Pour out don’t store.

Each session with Mona was powerful, she demonstrated through the scriptures each of her points in a way that was understandable and attainable.  There were opportunities for us to meet in groups and discuss topics such as Christ in the everyday, or go for a nature walk or visit the craft or puzzle table. Another opportunity the weekend offered was to meet people of different ages and from churches on the island. (7 decades were represented)

The organizers of this retreat wanted the participants to feel cared for and honoured.  They showed this in the decorations of the venue, the many treats, the hilarious movie they showed, the opportunities for quiet time, the worship music, the games we played.  I have not mentioned how wonderfully Camp Imadene met our needs.  The cabins were comfortable, there was a hot tub and the food was outstanding.

We ended the weekend with communion and on my part a desire to attend the next year. I hope you will accompany me!  This is an opportunity to be in a spiritual community:  to pray, sing, worship, play.

Please feel free to talk with Joan Adamcsack, Norma Scott or myself; we would love to talk to you!