Voice

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

I have had a most unusual week. I lost my voice -- not just my singing voice -- my whole voice. On Sunday afternoon I began getting hoarse and by Sunday evening I could not make a sound. Dr. Google explained that I had aphonia. 

In the spirit of "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone," I've brooded on my voiceless status.

As we've just finished the Christmas season, my predicament brought to mind Zachariah. He was struck dumb because he did not believe the angel, sent to him by the Lord. In my case, the affliction was more likely the result of a viral infection than Divine judgement, but the consequences could be viewed as similar.

• Being mute is dangerous. I could not call out a warning. I had to bang something, or throw something or make physical contact with my audience to get attention. If I had seen a truck bearing down on an unsuspecting pedestrian, disaster would have overtaken us before I could sound the alarm. Similarly, I could not call out for help if I were in dire circumstances.
• It is isolating. I could not take part in conversation except by nodding and shrugging and pointing. Not a very effective way to communicate complicated thoughts. I missed book club for that reason.
• It damages relationships. My brother phoned from Ontario -- Christmas mail had finally gotten through-- but I could not talk to him. I could listen, but someone else had to relay my gesticulated responses.
• Being unable to speak is frightening. Again, Dr. Google suggested two to three weeks of silence. I have many plans for the next three weeks that include visiting with friends and family from away. What if I couldn't speak when we met? 
• My sense of identity suffered. Voice conveys so much more than mere words. We speak of an "author's voice" that indefinable something that marks their work as unique to that writer. All the colour, nuance, inflection, tone, rhythm of speech -- or singing--mean as much or more than our words. Without a voice, all those communication tools are lost. 

Apart from Zachariah, the Bible has many references to those who do not speak. Sometimes they are struck dumb as a punishment from God. Sometimes they are possessed by demons. Sometimes it is through ignorance. Sometimes it is by choice .
I have read and heard these passages many times but "mute" didn't carry a lot of weight in my mind, certainly not as awful has having your mouth burned with a live coal!

Given my silent week, my understanding has changed dramatically.

Fortunately, I did not suffer the full three weeks suggested in Google. After three days of playing charades -- only fun at a party -- my voice began to return. The first sentence I spoke without effort brought such joy. Only three or four small words, but I was released from my prison of silence. I know that sounds a bit "over the top," for a bout of laryngitis, but it is true.  

I've always loved the scripture of Isaiah 35, especially the part about "then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing."

My voice is coming back, although I am still careful not to put strain on the vocal cords. 

My friend says every trial contains a lesson. In this case the lesson was to increase my empathy for those with no voice, both literally and figuratively. 

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For those who can talk, a reminder that Friendship Coffee takes place this Thurs. Jan, 23, at 10:00 at the church. Come along to visit with your church family, bring a friend, enjoy your voice.

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Ann is celebrating a special birthday this week. She got cake on Sunday -- at least the congregation enjoyed cake on her behalf. Happy Birthday, Ann. 

All creatures of our God and King,                                                           Lift up your voice and with us sing,                                                Alleluia, Alleluia!

Love and Laughter

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

We are not into Advent yet, but SPPC has had a full calendar of social events in November.

To begin, a Sunshine Lunch was held on the first Monday. This get-together is much appreciated by all who attend. Eating alone day after day is wearisome. Thanks to Joan and her helpers, this lunch brings a little sunshine into the day.

And, since Joan is key to this ministry, it is only fitting that she received birthday cake and balloons in honour of her own day

   

Then, for no particular reason, the Fellowship Committee decided to hold a Beetle Drive on Thursday morning. For the uninitiated a Beetle Drive is a silly game where the roll of a dice determines how you draw a beetle. In our case we needed a 6 to draw the body, a 5 to draw the head and 36 sixes to get in all the legs. I threw endless threes when I needed a six, then once I was ready to add the legs I threw endless sixes. Go figure.
In the end, Bin Sie was the grand winner. Tore got a prize for neatest and Eileen had loser written on her sheet. You can see all the lopsided beetles in the narthex. Whatever the dice said, we laughed a lot and cheered when Bin Sie finally put an end to our frustration.

winner                 neatest                       loser 

Last Sunday we shared laughter but not so much fun as we said good-bye to one of our longtime members. Kay is leaving the Saanich Peninsula and going back to her prairie roots. She said she's looking forward to a breath of fresh air. 

So, it wasn't a celebration of Kay's leaving but of her long association and many friendships at SPPC. Of course, we had cake.

a token of affection

Then it was Sunday again and we must have more cake. This time, we celebrated Ann's 90th birthday. To make the day extra special, Ann read the scriptures during the morning worship, before cutting her cake.

Now, if you managed to miss all the goodies from the past couple of weeks, you have another chance this Thursday, when Friendship Coffee meets at 10:00 am. Come and bring a friend, or make a friend, or meet a friend. The coffee's hot, the goodies  plentiful and there will be laughter.

Heart to Heart

 Happy Valentine's!  

The Times-Colonist has been printing heart flags over the past months as a way to say thank you to front line workers. The most recent issue inspired Tore to put a red heart on our building. The logo can be read as "thank you" or "happy Valentine's" or "love." Whatever interpretation you use, it's a cheerful sign in the midst of our snowstorm. 

Update on the soup sale: We received around fifty orders for soup. Joan got out ahead of the snow and made all the deliveries. There are a few servings left so you can still purchase some for yourself. (Call Joan 250 656-6130) Proceeds go to the Session Discretionary Fund. 

Noel's eye treatment has been so successful he is driving his car again.

Happy Birthday to Patricia Lawson-Gaw who turns 90 today. Thanks to Joan and Darlene, Patricia received a cake from SPPC. No party, I'm afraid. By the time we meet again in person we'll need a dozen cakes to catch up with all the celebrations we've missed this year.