Birthday Month + COVID-19 Challenge

Today's post has two parts -- the first is social news, the second is a Bible Study challenge from Linda. I hope you enjoy both parts.

April brings a spate of birthdays to the SPPC congregation The picture at the left is from 2018. Don't know what happened in 2019 and we all know there are no parties in 2020.

Linda celebrated by taking a long drive to get a cinnamon bun from her favourite bakery. She also received a piece of cake from her neighbour.

not Linda's cake

The clerk of session received a double present -- a gift card. She got to enjoy it the day it was delivered, and she'll enjoy it again when she collects on her treat.

Darlene got a cake from Joan and then had a social distant dinner with her son.

Rev. Irwin had his birthday over the Easter weekend, so he probably spent it putting together the Sunday service on youtube. The video effects get more sophisticated each week. If you didn't see the service for April 20, here is the link. http://bit.ly/sppcworship

Bill, the tenor, turned 90. We'll definitely need a cake for that when worshipping in person resumes.

Other celebrants include Stewart and Leona and Harold and Marion. I'm sure I've missed some, but if you have a birthday in April, give yourself a cheer and enjoy a piece of cake.

nature bringing us joy amidst the crisis

Covid-19 Challenge

Easter celebrations had passed.   Lent devotionals were finished.  What’s next?  This was my dilemma.  I knew I wanted to spend more time in Gods word and in prayer but was finding it difficult to get motivated.  So when in doubt I prayed. 

As promised, my prayer was answered and I found a great new Read through the Bible Plan which I want to recommend.  The plan is available as an app that can be downloaded on to your mobile device. 

The first reason I am enjoying it is that it is set up in easy to read amounts for each day, and the days are not numbered so if I miss a day I’m not always thinking I should catch up, which interferes with my time in Gods word.  The plan starts with Genesis and after each daily reading it gives a Psalm to meditate and pray on.  Hence, once the plan is finished, you will have prayed through the Psalms at least twice.

cherry tree in bloom

 To help the reader to get the maximum benefit from the readings there are videos on the themes of the Bible and each book which helps you to better understand what is being read.   The readings use the ESV translation which is   new to me.  I goggled this translation and learned that “it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the Original”.  I am finding that this difference from what I usually read is opening up new questions and thoughts during my daily reading. 

The app is simple to use.  As you read each day it records what you have read and the next reading is highlighted with the word “next” and off you go.  For example my reading for today starts with a Video on The Covenants, Genesis 16-18, and then Psalm 5.  I actually find that some days I keep reading as I’m into the story and want to see what comes next.

I love to travel and I feel like this app will make it easy to continue with my devotions where ever I may be.  Please consider down loading this app.  I feel you will find your goal to read through the bible will be easily accomplished using this amazing resource.

At present, we all have more time which may feel like a burden.  Here is the challenge take 15- 20 minutes each day and do something good for your soul.   

The app is available on the App store for free.  It is call Read Scripture by Crazy Love Ministries.   Have a look.

For Apple devices, the link is here.

For all others, use this link Covid-19 Challenge Easter celebrations had passed. Lent devotionals were finished. What’s next? This was my dilemma. I knew I wanted to spend more time in Gods word and in prayer but was finding it difficult to get motivated. So when in doubt I prayed. As promised, my prayer was answered and I found a great new Read through the Bible Plan which I want to recommend. The plan is available as an app that can be downloaded on to your mobile device. The first reason I am enjoying it is that it is set up in easy to read amounts for each day, and the days are not numbered so if I miss a day I’m not always thinking I should catch up, which interferes with my time in Gods word. The plan starts with Genesis and after each daily reading it gives a Psalm to meditate and pray on. Hence, once the plan is finished, you will have prayed through the Psalms at least twice. To help the reader to get the maximum benefit from the readings there are videos on the themes of the Bible and each book which helps you to better understand what is being read. The readings use the ESV translation which is new to me. I goggled this translation and learned that “it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the Original”. I am finding that this difference from what I usually read is opening up new questions and thoughts during my daily reading. The app is simple to use. As you read each day it records what you have read and the next reading is highlighted with the word “next” and off you go. For example my reading for today starts with a Video on The Covenants, Genesis 16-18, and then Psalm 5. I actually find that some days I keep reading as I’m into the story and want to see what comes next. I love to travel and I feel like this app will make it easy to continue with my devotions where ever I may be. Please consider down loading this app. I feel you will find your goal to read through the bible will be easily accomplished using this amazing resource. At present, we all have more time which may feel like a burden. Here is the challenge take 15- 20 minutes each day and do something good for your soul. The app is available on the App store for free. It is call Read Scripture by Crazy Love Ministries. Have a look. 

Use this link if you have an Apple device.   https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1067865974

For all other devices, the program can be downloaded from Google here. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.youmeforever.readscripture&hl=en_CA

Linda Cliff

April Showers

Not rain showers, but showers of blessing.
On the last Saturday of March, SPPC reached out to the community by hosting a Food Safe Level 1 course put on by VIHA. There were over twenty attendees, about 1/3 from SPPC and the rest from the area. Linda Cliff was there and sends this report.

The by-line for this course is Food Safe: Makes Good Food Better.  Health Canada estimates that more than 4 million Canadians surer from foodborne illness every year.    So you may ask: Does the course deliver? Why should someone who does not work in the food industry take the course? Has my behaviour around handling food changes?

The course does meet the objectives of describing the food handler’s responsibility in protecting food from contamination, the course also helps the participants to identify major improper food handling practices that can cause food borne illness outbreaks, it also describes how to serve food safely, wash your hands and clean dishes properly.These are the aspects of the course that are important to those of us who serve food in the non- commercial system.  There is also information given for those who will be working in the restaurant system and highlights the laws and practices that are required to meet provincial and federal laws.  After learning of all the regulations and practices that are required by commercial establishments I know I would think twice before opening a restaurant.  So we should really appreciate all that the staff must do to serve us food that is safe and fun to eat.
What did I learn?  First of all wash your hands, wash your hands.  Food is most often contaminated by people who have improperly washed their hands.  Also to store food safely before it is served.  Along with this is the need for a good food thermometer.  Hot food must reach an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius to destroy food pathogens and must not fall below 60 degrees Celsius if it is being served in a Buffet.  If you are unsure of the safety of food it should be discarded, which we may be reluctant to do.   The principals we learned at the course are adaptable to your home kitchen especially the information at about internal food temperature.  A course participant told me that since they have bought a good thermometer, they find their food tastes better as they are no longer overcooking their meals.

Yes my behaviour has changed.  I look at the church kitchen with new eyes, I have a good food thermometer and I wash my hands, wash my hands.    

Our congregation is blessed with many, many April birthdays, including the minister and the clerk of session. On Sunday we had cake for all of them. It was very tasty!

Finally, I was reminded that I hadn't posted the answers for the hymn quiz from two weeks ago. Here they are with links to video performances. You'll notice some aren't sung to the tunes in our hymnbook, but they are lovely. Give them a listen.

1)All things bright and beautiful
2)For the beauty of the earth
3)This is my Father's world
4) From Ocean Unto Ocean
5)For the fruit of His creation
6) Morning has broken
7)Joyful,Joyful
8)Praise my soul, the King of heaven
9)Fairest Lord Jesus
10) God who touches earth with beauty.

Lesson of the Hot Water Tank

April Birthdays

 I'm a bit late with the April birthday celebrations because there has been so many other events at the church.  So, here on the last day of the month, are the photos of our April birthday party.  Sorry if I caught you with your mouth open. 

Now on to other things. Thanks to Judith for this week's blog.

The floor in our laundry room had water seeping from under a cabinet, next to the hot water tank.  Hubby saw it first and asked if I had spilled water or touched the nozzle on the tank.  I said I had, so it was probably me.  upon further investigations, it was determined our hot water tank was

leaking.  the sludge that came out of the connectors and water coming out of the bottom of the tank was filthy.  Which brings me to this thought.  We might look clean and new on the outside, but on the inside are filled with rotten thoughts, actions and deeds.  It's only through daily scripture reading and thoughtful prayer and actions can we stay clean inside our hearts and minds.

I've had this little story in my file folder for some time, waiting for the right week to post it here.  I've shared it with you now because I think it's a perfect example of discipleship and our Bible Study is beginning a new session called "Discipleship Explored."  The course is presented by the same ministry that produced "Life Explored," which we used last year.  The session begin with a video presentation that includes Biblical references, real life stories and questions for discussion.  There is also a workbook.
If you've been wondering about joining one of the Bible Study Groups, I encourage you to try this one.  Each session is independent so it won't matter if you miss one here or there.  You can watch it all on the internet but there is great joy in studying the Gospel with others.  Sessions are on Wednesdays 9:30 am or 7:00 pm.