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.