New Pathways of the Mind

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

Last Sunday, our guest minister, Rev. Grant Wilson, concluded his sermon by reminding us of Phil. 4:8, and urging us to get out of our mental ruts and focus on positive things -- whatsoever things are lovely.

I got off to a good start by going to hear the Victoria Symphony, immediately after church. Along with Vox Humana, the Symphony performed Hadyn's Creation. God's creation is lovely and awesome, but Hadyn's work is impressive, too. 

On Wednesday, there was no Bible Study, since Rev. Irwin is away, but the group met anyway and watched a movie, God's Not Dead. I think it "worthy of praise" that the Bible "students" preferred to meet together rather than take the excuse of Rev. Irwin's absence to stay in bed. This Wednesday, March 26, we'll show another movie, Luther. All are welcome. 

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Spring officially arrived on Thursday -- it came in with a series of storms and ferry cancellations. The power of wind is certainly honest, but I prefer little pockets of flowers appearing in sheltered corners.

Also, on Thursday our tiny, faithful choir met for rehearsal. Surely that persistence in the face of dwindling numbers shows some virtue.

On Sunday, the congregation was blessed to have Rev. Arnie Alksne return to the pulpit. He is considered a "guest" preacher, but, given his many visits with us, he's more like a favourite uncle. As usual, his sermon challenged and enlightened.

How about you? Did you find new pathways in your mind over the past seven days? Did they lift your spirits? Did they remind you that present troubles are temporary while God is eternal? When the rain lets up, why not go for an awe-walk? You'll be glad you did.

Upset the Apple Cart

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

When I was a kid at school we used to play a game called "upset the apple cart." Everyone sat in a circle and the leader called out for two or three people to change seats, this would go on for a while until the command was "upset the apple cart." Then everyone had to scramble to find a new chair.

This Sunday at SPPC was a bit like that. Our minister, Rev. Irwin, is out of his normal place as he is in the Dominican Republic serving as a missionary at the House Upon the Rock Ministry. Also, Larry, our organist, was not in his usual place. It felt like someone had upset the apple cart. 

In Rev. Irwin's absence, we were delighted to welcome Rev. Grant Wilson to the pulpit.  After serving as fulltime minister for 37 years in Almonte and Kinburn (Ontario), Fairview church in Vancouver and then St. Paul's Church in Ottawa, he and his wife, Grace, retired to our Island.                                                                                                     

I would like to say they made the move so he could fill in at SPPC, but I expect they came west as his three adult children and five grandchildren live in B.C.

He loves music, listening to a variety of artists, and making music himself. His instrument? The drums. He's been playing drums in churches for thirty years and finds it a unique form of prayer. Hobbies include watching a good movie or reading a good book. Lately he has taken up hiking and nature photography. He'll have lots of opportunity to do both here on our beautiful Vancouver Island.

In Larry's absence, we welcomed our friend and former music director, Erik Lythgo to the organ bench. Erik filled in for Larry last week as well. Erik is supposed to be retired from church musicianship, so we are grateful he responds when we ask for help.

At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that Rev. Irwin was in the Dominican Republic. Other members of the team from SPPC are Diane, Jerusha and Joan. 

After weeks of preparation, they finally got to the airport last Wednesday, checking in hundreds of pounds of luggage -- most of it supplies for the House Upon the Rock Ministry -- and began their journey.

Here they are in a moment of prayer at the airport. 

Then it was all smiles and excitement as they were ready to board the plane.

First leg to Calgary, then Toronto and, finally the DR on Thursday afternoon. There were a few tense moments at customs but, in the end, they were all allowed to enter with their luggage and supplies intact. Once safely through the airport, they faced a three hour bus ride to their final destination.  

The wonders of technology allow us to get instant feedback on their trip.

 Jerusha has fallen and bumped her elbow, but will survive.

 Sunday Afternoon at Waterfall Gran Jimenea

 The place for ice cream.

What an adventure. We hold them in our hearts and in our prayers as they offer labour, fellowship, and material goods to the House Upon the Rock ministry, and serve the Lord with love.

Mission and Service

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

Lots of excitement at SPPC on Sunday morning. Our mission team was commissioned for work in the Dominican Republic. They leave on Wednesday, taking with them suitcases filled with medical supplies, children's vitamins, OTC pain relievers and the prayers of the congregation. 

This is the fourth time a team from SPPC has joined with others on the Saanich Peninsula to deliver labour and supplies to the House Upon the Rock Ministry in the Dominican Republic. It would have been our fifth, but for COVID. In 2020 we had a team just days away from travelling with the pandemic hit and international travel was halted. 

For a small and elderly congregation to be able to send so many into a foreign mission field is surely a sign of the Holy Spirit at work. This year's team includes Rev. Irwin, a first for him, and Jerusha, also going for the first time. Joan and Diane are old hands at this, Diane having been on all three previous trips and Joan on two of them.

maternity kits

We can't think about the DR without commending Joan for her bottle recycling committment. Every week she hauls away bags and bags of bottles and cans and cartons to sort, organize and deliver to the recycling centre. The money from this effort has gone a long way to paying for airfare and supplies for our travellers. 

Joan's back yard on collection day

Vitamins, pain relievers

The team is the pointy end of our mission work. The congregation that supports them with cash, gifts in kind, and prayers is the bow that sends them on their way.

The commissioning service on Sunday morning underlined the community aspect of missionary work. Knowing they carry the good wishes and prayers of the congregation strengthens and encourages our team as they head off into a time of hard, physical labour, new connections, shared goals, and an openness to following God's will.

The choir anthem, Consecration, by John Ness Beck, used the words of the old hymn, "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee." The poet, Frances Ridley Havergal, offered her all -- her time, her hands, her feet, her voice, her lips, her silver and gold, her intellect, her will, her heart, and her love.  A good summary of what it means to serve the Lord. 

We crave your prayers for our missionaries as they spread the Good News and pitch in as a helping neighbour.

A Week in the Life

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

A social week at SPPC this time. On Thursday, Friendship Coffee gathered in the Ross Lounge. It was crowded and loud but enjoyable.

Thanks to Brian and Vivien, Al and Irene for continuing to host this popular ministry.

On Friday afternoon, the "Out to Lunch Bunch" ten of them, met at the Thai Corner restaurant. They had such a good time, no one remembered to take pictures! No one forgot to eat.

Also on Friday afternoon, about 25 people from the Parkinson's Disease Support group used our building for a meeting and a slide show.

I mentioned that Friendship Coffee met in the lounge instead of in the hall, as usual. The reason for the change was heat. Our brand new heat pump was hooked up using our really old breaker box. Early in the week the breaker box shut off the power. This has happened before and a little judicious jiggling has made the system work. This time, the breaker box was well and truly kaput. 

Old breaker box

Shiny new breaker box

Since the issue with the breaker box had been developing for some time, the replacement had been scheduled for Monday. However, since we had no heat on Thursday, V.I. Electric moved us to the front of the line, expedited the delivery of new parts, and worked all day on Friday to ensure the congregation could meet in comfort on Sunday morning.

Many thanks to Todd, Aaron and Derek for their understanding, expertise and great service. 

Notice the bright red lever -- new breaker switch                                                                        

New breaker box installed along with enhanced railing.

Annual Congregational Meeting 2025

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

Nothing like Canada winning a hockey game over the USA to lift the mood of the country and the mood of the congregation. We approached our 2025 annual congregational meeting with light hearts. 

Actually, the dates are confusing. We held the meeting in 2025 but we were discussing the life of the congregation in 2024.😕

So, in 2024 our fellowship lost three members through death but we added three members through transfer. In addition, we had one infant baptism -- a cause for much celebration -- so we ended the year at +1.

The year had some significant costs on the property side. We replaced our old (32 years) heat pump with a new one. We also did roof repairs and demossing. The money that had been sitting in the property account met its "rainy day." The congregation has been fund-raising to meet those extraordinary costs. 

On the mission and outreach file, SPPC worked hard to support the House Upon the Rock ministry in the Dominican Republic. In a couple of weeks four of our members (including Rev. Irwin) will join a mission team heading to the DR for two weeks of hard work. 

We've also continued to contribute to the Mustard Seed church with our "cozy toes" project. The Blue Bus ministry receives assistance and volunteers from SPPC. We held two food drives for the Sidney/Lions Food bank, in addition to our regular donations to them. Now that the Compassionate Resource Warehouse is open again, we collect useful items for their overseas mission.

Throughout the year, I've reported the many occasions our congregation finds to have a meal together. Not suprisingly, the report from the Fellowship Committee included a long list of parties, meals, cakes, hot dogs, outings and coffee times. And that doesn't include the choir party, or the Sunshine lunch events or the Friendship Coffee meetings. Obviously, we eat well, laugh often, and hold each other close in times of celebration and in times of sorrow.

The annual report highights the "weekday" events of our church life, but Sunday morning worship gets only a brief paragraph. That is a skewed view of our church life. Sunday morning is the centrepiece of our week. We come together to worship because we love the Lord and because He first loved us. Everything else flows from that central truth.

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

How to Brighten Grey Days

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

Our cold, bright days are moving toward warmer and darker. Last week we huddled together for warmth. This week, we'll huddle together for company. At SPPC we can find a good excuse for fellowship and food at any season of the year.

The fundraising lunch last Saturday was a success on two levels -- diners had a good time and good food, and the event raised $500.00 toward the cost of our new HVAC system. By the way, the building has been cozy and warm through this cold spell. 

A jolly bunch

Ever helpful Bin Sie

For once, Joan is not in the kitchen

This is the kitchen help! Actually, Barb was the motivating force behind the luncheon, but, as usual preferred to remain behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera. Thanks, Barb.

Sunshine Lunch day was Monday, and this time, Joan was back in the kitchen. We know this, even if she doesn't take her own picture. She also plans the menu, cooks, arranges rides and keeps the books. Joan is our bit of sunshine at these events.

Nice to see Elizabeth enjoying hot soup. 

 

Don't be alarmed if you missed these events, our Annual Congregational Meeting is coming up next Sunday, Feb. 23 after worship, and the Friendship Coffee crew meet on Thursday, Feb. 27. No need to be hungry or lonely with Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church in the neighbourhood.

Hebrews 13:2

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Whatsoever Things are Lovely

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

Ever find your mind running on a hamster wheel of doom and gloom? I have. This week, I kept myself in a futile state of anger and despair. I couldn't focus on anything but my worry. Then, finally, another voice spoke through my darkness.

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

This has long been one of my favourite verses, as much for the poetry as the content, I confess. But, this week, I took it a step further and made a list of the specifics I could think about. 

True -- family ties. My birth family is far away. Whenever we get

together I am reasurred by the bonds of love and shared history we value. In my world, family is "true." 

Honest -- my cat.

This one is for comic relief, but you have to admit that a cat expressing her wants is very honest!

Just -- Filling the Food bank bins at SPPC

Pure -- The joy of children playing in the snow 

Lovely -- The beauty of creation in all seasons, but this week in particular I revelled in our lovely snow. 

Good report -- Search and Rescue saved a man caught in an avalance near Campbell River last Sunday.

Virtue --  One of the seven virtues is hope. For me, hope is planting a garden. Even with snow on the ground, I know spring is coming.

It is time to sit by the fire and lay out the plans for this spring's seeding. 

Praise -- Our hymnbook is officially titled "The Book of Praise." When I can't sleep, I silently sing through as many hymns as I can remember. "The Lord is My Shepherd, Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven, O God, Our Help in Ages Past. . ."  I always fall asleep before I've exhausted my repertoire. Our God is worthy of praise at all times, especially when we're beset with worry.

So, that's my list of "lovely things" to think on. I invite you to make your own -- feel free to borrow from mine. 

O Worship the King, All Glorious Above

Comfort Food

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

Amidst bad weather and bad economic news, it is only natural to turn to comfort food. My favourite is cream of tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. It tastes good, makes me feel full, is hot (comforting) and easy to make.

On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at noon, there will be a soup and sandwich lunch on offer at SPPC.  I see it as comfort food you don't have to prepare yourself. It comes with the company of other folks. It will help pay for our new heat pump, giving a whole new meaning to "comfort" food. 

Our new HVAC system is designed to bring physical comfort to our gathering space, warm in winter, cool in summer. 

The term, comfort food, in its current meaning began to circulate in the mid 1960's but the connotation behind it has a long history, including in the church. 

 

During our Wednesday study last week, we talked about Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Luke 9: 10-17) and feeding the 4,000 (Matthew 15: 32-38) In both cases, Jesus offered food and comfort to a multitude because they were hungry. These events were miraculous, pointing to the Divinity and power of Christ, but, primarily, they were examples of comfort food. Christ felt sorry for the people because they were hungry. He had compassion on them and gave them bread.

We also talked about the food from heaven, manna, that fed the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering (Exodus 16). God did not let His people go hungry. He comforted them with manna and quails. 

Comfort food is more than just calories. It sparks feelings of security and being loved and cared for. Jesus speaks of Himself as the "bread of life." On Sunday, Feb 9, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper, "in remembrance of Him." We will turn our eyes to Jesus, and receive the ultimate comfort He offers through the remediation of our sins.

All are welcome on Sunday morning -- no reservations required.

If you want to come to lunch on Saturday, cost $20/person, please put your name on the sign-up sheet in the narthex, or call the office, 250-656-2241 to secure your place.

Blue Monday?

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

Have you got the January blahs? Did Blue Monday hit you like a ten ton truck? Don't despair. SPPC can help.

Last Thursday about thirty people gathered at the church for Friendship Coffee. One of the best ways to beat the blues is to get out and about and to engage with other people. Here is a sample of the non-blue folks at coffee. 

One of the best ways to beat the blahs is to do something for someone else. I've heard that the folks at Friendship Coffee raised $449.00 for PWS&D during 2024. 

Coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 29, our Bible Study returns. A bit of mental challenge may be just the thing to lift your spirits. We're doing a "Drive Thru' History" and the discussions take many twists and turns. Everything from "Did the Romans shoe their horses?" to "just who were the wise men?" are questions thrown out following the video. Learning, fellowship, coffee and goodies. Who can stay blue with all that on offer.

And don't forget Sunday morning, 10:00 am. Brighten your day with worship. Sing praises to God, listen to the Word read aloud. Pray for each other and the world. Listen to a challenging sermon. Experience the joy of corporate worship.

Speaking of sermons, when I was without a voice my friend came to visit. Since we couldn't chat, we listened to Rev. Irwin's sermon when he filled in at the pulpit at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Nanaimo. On hearing of our visit, our book club members rolled their eyes and remarked that only my friend and I would listen to a sermon for fun. And it was fun, and stimulating, and thoughtful, and worth hearing. You can check it out here. The sermon starts about 37 minutes into the video.

So, there you have it -- how SPPC helps you beat the January Blahs.