Party Time

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

As the end of June approaches there is a "school's out" feeling around the church. The choir has stopped wearing gowns on Sunday morning -- it's too hot! Session has held its last regular meeting until September and, on Monday, the Sunshine Lunch group held its last gathering of this term.

From all reports, it was a bang-up lunch with lots of Hawaiian type clothing. I hear the grass skirts were a hit.

Thanks to Joan, I have pictures to share. 

The Sunshine Lunch is for singles in our fellowship, but another social event, Friendship Coffee on Thursday morning, was open to all. No fancy lunch at that gathering but lots of coffee, baked goodies and lively conversation.  Thanks to our faithful hosts, Brian and Vivien, Al and Irene.

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And the good news is that another volunteer gardener turned up at the church on Friday. Welcome to the "work force," David B. and thank you.

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Sunday, Rev. Irwin was ministering at Trinity Presbyterian in Victoria. We were grateful to welcome Pastor George to the pulpit again. He is a great friend of the congregation and brings his own brand of wisdom and humour to Sunday mornings. 

The picture at left shows him in summer mode too.

Food Bank

 

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

A busy Sunday, which included Father's Day cake and a picture of our newest Daddy. 

Congratulations to all the Dads out there, and a hug to all who are missing their Dad today.

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During worship we celebrated the Lord's Supper at SPPC. We came together as a community of believers, broke bread and ate it, as Christ commanded "in remembrance of me." The morsel of bread fed our souls.

How fitting then, that at the same service we looked to our neighbours who are physically hungry. 

Anyone who watches the nightly news or reads a newspaper, or eavesdrops at the coffee shop will know the stories about the  need at food banks in B.C.  The Food Bank B.C. website reports a 57% increase in usage since 2019. One in three users is a child. The number of seniors seeking help has increased 20%. In March of this year 98000 individuals sought help from food banks in B.C. Donations have dropped 30%.

At a local level, we support the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.  They report that demand is increasing month over month. The SPLF serves 1500 - 1800 people per month, about 500 households. Last Wednesday was their busiest day ever recorded with 57 households being served. 

Most of their clients are working people, some with more than one job. More and more seniors are showing up at the door, especially after the death of a spouse, and the loss of that pension income.

The Food Bank partners with local grocery stores to recover fresh produce and dairy products that are still usable. As garden season picks up, they will welcome donations of fresh vegetables and fruit, but please call ahead to be sure there is capacity for storage. 

If you check those collection boxes in the narthex, you will find that our congregation gives to the Food Bank every week.  Our bookkeeper reports that in the last 12 months, we have collected nearly $2500.00 for the food bank. 

In addition, we collect food items every week. We don't need a bribe! But, just for fun, twice a year we put on a drive to increase our givings. A donation earns a ticket in a draw for a hanging basket. At Christmas, Margaret S. won. On Sunday the generous winner was Karen R., a friend of the congregation who helps out in the kitchen on occasion. 

She received this lovely hanging basket. 

Congratulations, Karen, and well done everyone who filled the collection boxes with food and cash. 

Sadly, the need, as noted above, does not end with our draw. Now that school is out, there is an even greater demand for snack food. Those  kids are now cleaning out the fridge at home -- juice boxes, granola bars, peanut butter sandwiches-- all are in greater demand than ever. 

When you do your shopping, please remember to add an item or two for the food bank.

We Give Thee but Thine Own,

Friends and Family

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

This weekend was busy for me. I had family visiting. Since they live four provinces away, such get-togethers are special moments. My visitors included a couple of children and I want to thank Anna and our Sunday School crew for making them welcome. We are so fortunate to have teachers willing to give extra effort for little visitors. As Stuart McLean used to say on the Vinyl Cafe, "we may not be big, but we're small." 

Our extra effort for the Sidney Food Bank continues until next Sunday (Father's Day and Communion.) All donations can be dropped off at the church. Bins are in the narthex. The Food Bank has asked particularly for school snack food this time around. When you drop off your items, please enter your name in the draw for a hanging basket, pictured above. Names will be announced next Sunday.

Bible Study resumes on Wednesday at 10:00am and 7:00 pm. All welcome, even if it's your first time. Our lesson is on on Psalm 3. We discuss that most basic of all prayers, "help me!" 

On Sunday morning Rev. Irwin preached on Psalm 69, another cry of despair from the Psalmist. If you have questions about the sermon, Wednesday Bible Study is a good time to ask them. 

Summer is fast approaching and with it a busy "end of term" time at SPPC. Save June 30 on your calendar as a special time to honour our volunteers, the Blue Bus ministry, and our graduates. There may be cake. 

For the joy of human love,

Brother, sister parent, child,

Friends on earth and friends above,

For all gentle thoughts and mild,

Father, unto Thee we raise

This our sacrifice of praise.

Welcome to June

 

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

It has been a busy weekend at SPPC. Saturday evening we were all entertained with a lovely dinner, prepared and served by Barb and her crew.  The event was a fund-raiser for the new heat pump, and an excuse to "break bread togther." Our congregation savours any opportunity for fellowship. Throw in a good meal and the tables fill quickly. 

Barb with her crew in the kitchen

The meal started with a caesar salad. Main course was chicken and, finally, lots of desserts. Many accepted seconds!

Smiling faces and full tummies tell the tale.

Oh yes, the dinner raised over $1000.00 for the new heat pump.

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Sunday morning was a very special worship service. Abigail is turning twelve. As is the practice at SPPC, in honour of her milestone birthday,  she was presented with a study Bible, along with prayers and good wishes for her continued growth in the love of God. 

I had a close up view of the procedings. Abigail blushed, but held her composure throughout the ceremony. Not sure if there weren't a few tears in the pews. We have watched Abigail grow from a baby at her baptism until now.

Abigail at her baptism

At her birth, she was more or less the congregation's baby. Now she takes her place as an active member of our fellowship. Congratulations, Abigail, happy birthday. May God bless you richly and may your life be enriched with faith in Christ, our Saviour.