Back to School

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

Kids went back to school this week. I hope everyone paid extra attention when driving in school zones. The beginning of school also marks the beginning of sports season. More of our congregation is involved in senior-fit classes than playground sports, but we did have one representative on the soccer pitch. Joan's grandson, Miller, aged not quite three, took to the field for his first game on Saturday. Of course, grandma was there to cheer him on!

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We still have some hangover from the end of summer, namely the fundraiser food booth at the Saanich Fair. Plans are underway to send another mission team to the Dominican Republic this spring and that means we need money. As part of the fundraising effort, Diane, Irwin, Joan and Linda took a shift in the food booth.  Irwin on grill building poutine's, Diane on cash, Joan taking orders, Linda doing dishes. I don't know how the others fared, but Linda told me her hands looked like prunes after four hours of scrubbing pots.

Joan is still recycling bottles with the money going into the DR travel fund. Since the last trip in March, she has realized about $2300.00 and has her routine for collecting, sorting and taking to the depot down to a fine art. However, she does urge the congregation to drink more beer and pop, Those bottles have a better return than the wine ones.

So far Diane and Joan are committed to the trip but there is room for more. We hope for more! Anyone interested is encouraged to talk to Diane or Joan for more details.

Back in 2017 SPPC produced a cookbook as a fundraiser for the DR. The book sold out, but I thought I'd offer this recipe for Gingered Zucchini Soup. It will use up those extra zucchini lurking in the garden and can go into the fridge or freezer for quick lunches on busy school days.

1 T vegetable oil, (onion, garlic, salt, ginger, black pepper, to taste) 2c shredded zucchini 4 c. chicken broth.

Saute the onions and garlic in oil. Add spices, stir, add zucchini and saute a few minutes more. Add broth, cover and simmer 45-60 min. Puree. Garnish with chives or dill.

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We have one last chance to hear a summer concert. The Die Mahler String Quartet performs at SPPC, Sept. 14 (Saturday) at 6:00 pm. Admission by donation.

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One more upcoming event confirms we are truly into autumn. On Thursday, Sept. 12, Friendship Coffee meets in the hall at SPPC. The weather is too unpredictable to plan for the rose garden. But, whatever the weather, the coffee is hot, the talk is engaging and the company is friendly. Come, bring a friend, and welcome the new fall term.                               ☕☕☕☕

For any who look forward to school or a return to work, the Bible offers this encouragement. 

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make  your paths straight.

Back to Work

  If the change in the weather wasn't enough to signal the end of summer, the list of activities at SPPC should.  It's clear that we're all in back-to-work mode.  On Sunday morning the choir was gowned up and in its place.  They presented an anthem and an offertory, so that means they were at work on Thursday as well.

   Speaking of Thursday, I dropped by the church early and found a good turn out at the Thursday coffee fellowship meeting.  Thanks to Brian and Vivian for carrying on with that ministry when the previous hosts retired.  

   During the Sunday morning service, we commissioned our Sunday School teachers for the new year.  Classes began right away.  We are so fortunate to have faithful leaders who give up their own worship time in order to teach youth classes.  We wish the whole Sunday School a happy, productive and blessed year.  By the way, adult Bible Study classes begin toward the end of this month.

   


The silent auction began Sunday as well.  During the coffee hour we were able to study the items on offer and write down a bid.  (I bid on several items, but you can come in during the week and outbid me.   Isn't this fun?)

 The auction continues all week and will end next Sunday with a pot luck lunch after service.  I noticed Felicity in the kitchen doing dishes.  I'm sure she'll be very relieved when the dishwasher is either replaced or repaired.

  

  Finally, also on Sunday, we were treated to a concert by Larry's string quartet, the Die Mahler String Quartet.  

   Whew!  As I said, we're back at work.