Ah! Summer

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

We hit the summer solstice last week and have arrived at the lazy days of summer. At least, we hope they will be lazy. Gardeners, farmers, travel agents, camp counsellors, life guards and park rangers will be extra busy over the next two months, but for most of us, the rhythm of life slows once school is out.

At SPPC we held our last study session on Wednesday, finishing off the Book of Ephesians as presented by Tim Mackie on the Bible Project. This was a very intensive study, spanning 35 episodes to cover just six pages of scripture. We delved deep! Class dismissed until the fall.

You may have noticed that the choir has dispensed with our heavy gowns during the month of June. That was a signal. We have now sung our last anthem until September. Over the summer this small group of dedicated servants gets a rest -- sort of. Our organist will still lead the music every

Sunday and individual members of the choir will offer their gifts. But, for two months, no choir practice on Thursday nights.

To celebrate, the choir and guests treated themselves to dinner out at the Waddling Dog following our last practice on Thursday night. 

Our special drive for the Sidney Food Bank continues until July 12. We collect for the Food Bank all year long but twice a year we make it the focus of our mission work. As well as food and cash, the Food Bank has made a special request for personal hygiene products and school snacks, including peanut butter. 😀 Donations can be dropped off at the church. There are collection bins in the narthex.

Hanging basket prize in food bank draw

The sermon on Sunday reflected on Psalm 122, which contains these lines: 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces. 

 

There is a very grand setting to these words by Hubert Parry and sung at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. You can listen to it here. It was also used at the thanksgiving services for her Golden and Platinum jubilees, and again at the coronation of King Charles III. For a simpler version with guitar try this one. It riffs on the play on words of "Shalom" (peace) and Jerusalem (Hebrew includes word shalom in the name of the city.)

However you sing it or say it, a prayer for peace is a fitting kick-off to summer. 

now that's lazy!

A Passion for Worship

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

Christians are admonished to "rejoice in all things." Most of us found it hard to rejoice in COVID-19. However, one of the consequences of the pandemic is that more and more churches have put their worship services on-line. For the curious among us, that has been a blessing.

Now that I can check out the worship at a neighbouring church, I often find myself scrolling youtube, just to enjoy -- or not-- another service. We have had some new members at SPPC because they found us on-line first. So, in that way, the pandemic was a blessing, although we didn't know it at the time.

When the Presbyterian Connection arrived in my mailbox a few weeks ago, I put it aside to read when I wasn't so busy. When I opened it up, my eye was caught by two articles about worship. The first was on the preaching of the Word, the second on the habit of worship.

In our book study on Wednesday morning, we pondered the concept of "a passion to worship."

I feel I've been nudged toward a blog post on worship!

According to one authority, Robert Webber, "Worship is the response of the people to God's saving initiative. The inner person receives God's acts of salvation communicated in public worship with humility and reverence, service and devotion."

Using that definition we should note that worship is a response . . .to God." 

When I'm scrolling church services on the internet I'm responding to the event more than to God. My response is that of an observer, distanced from other participants. I'm more judge than worshipper. Similarly, reading a printed sermon, becomes an intellectual exercise. I'm more focussed on typos and syntax than on the message.

On the other hand, being present in a concert hall soaking up the sound of a great oratorio, or standing in a forest of tall trees and hearing the wind brush their branches, or experiencing the might of a storm, with its flashes of lightening and rolling thunder, do provoke a worship response. I am humbled, and cannot help but respond. I bow down in awe to the Creator and give thanks.

We can't bring the grandeur of nature or the talent of a hundred voice choir into SPPC but our worship can and should bring us closer to God. 

For me, being present when the Word is preached, when the Gospel, with all it's grace and judgement is expounded, when the words "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life," -- when those words are spoken directly to me, I do respond to God. 

A recent choir anthem, "Wondrous Love," touched many in the congregation with its portrayal of the unfathomable love of Jesus, "who chose the cross out of love." A response to God, not the choir.

The larger catechism of the Presbyterian Church says, "It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine what they hear by the scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives."

Reading the catechism is not common practice in our day, but we can take note that the response to God depends as much upon the hearers of the Word as upon the preacher.

Perhaps another choir anthem, "Here I Am to Worship," provides an more accessible instruction than the catechism. The next time you come to church, remember . . .

Here I am to worship

Here I am to bow down.

 Here I am to say that You're my God

You're altogether lovely, 

Altogether worthy, 

Altogether wonderful to me.

Welcome New Members

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

The past week has been a busy one at SPPC. We began with holy communion last Sunday, and a return to passing the elements among the congregation. One more step in our return to "normal." 

We also received new members into the congregation. Welcome to Carla, Neill, Elizabeth and Brian. 

On Wednesday morning the Bible Study group watched the first half of the movie, "Ben-Hur." It's an oldie but has stood up remarkably well considering the developments in video technology since 1959. We'll watch the last half this Wednesday. Feel free to come along at 10:00 am to enjoy the film and discussion. 

Friendship Coffee met on Thursday morning. There were a couple of special guests from the Ukraine. As war drags on in that country our hearts ache for the suffering of the people there. We pray for an end to violence and, on Thursday, accepted monetary gifts as well.

Thursday evening the choir held their last rehearsal before the summer break and then adjourned for a choir dinner at Mary's Bleue Moon Restaurant. It was a noisy affair, but everyone was well fed. 

Congratulations to Peter. Once again, he is a provincial champion, this time in baseball. 

After the pandemic shut-down, it lifts the spirits to see sports and social events returning to the calendar. We also rejoice that our church has been able to hold in-person services these last few months--and to have many visitors coming to the door. 

Last night I looked out at a perfect crescent moon hanging low over Bazan Bay while the last purple streaks of the sunset limned the islands. I caught my breath at the beauty of God's handiwork. Amid the horrors and distresses appearing daily on our news screens, let us never forget to give thanks For the Beauty of the Earth.

Happy Summer!

Library Display

 The link for this week`s live streamed service is here

There is a library display in the hall to complement our study on The Celebration of Discipline. The topic of last week`s discussion was `study` so having more books to study seems appropriate. This Wednesday we`ll be thinking about `simplicity.` Anyone can join the discussion at any time, so if you skipped meditation and fasting, but would like to cogitate on simplicity, please come along either at 10:00 am on Wednesday or at 7:00 pm on Wednesday.

Speaking of simplicity, many of the congregation have been paring down their cupboards and closets in response to the request from the Compassionate Warehouse for items for Ukraine. Monetary donations -- always welcome -- can be dropped off at the church or given directly to CRW at   https://www.crwarehouse.ca/donate. 

As we are inundated with images of refugees, bombed out buildings and sobbing children, we want to `do`something. Donations of items is helpful to both those who give and those who receive.  

There were bags and bags and boxes and boxes of donated items` dropped off at the church over the last weeks, as well as a donation from the Jesus is Lord congregation who worship in our building.

In the end Brian and Vivien had their car packed to the roof with tokens of support for the beleaguered citizens of Ukraine. 

Those items will be added to the forty foot container being filled by the Compassionate Warehouse and sent overseas.

We have ended our collection for the Warehouse for now but we expect there will be another call for donations. So, if you missed this one, please keep your offerings for the next time. See here for the list of requested goods. 

    It was good to have the choir back in its place this Sunday. Rev. Irwin often says he feels lonely when the choir is on break over the summer. Imagine how he has felt for the past two years! We have a new member among the singers. Welcome Pam. More voices are always welcome. Practice is on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. With Good Friday and Easter coming up, it`s a good time to raise your voice in song and praise.

All the gardening work Linda did last fall is paying dividends this spring. Daffodils and heather are blooming in the front flower bed. Gardening and Christian living are almost synonymous. Both plant seeds in hope and faith; the fruits, some visible, some invisible,  are borne in another season. 

Another Step Toward Normal

 This week's live-streamed service is here

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Friendship Coffee returned to SPPC. A goodly turnout of old friends and some newcomers enlivened the hall. There were lots of green hats and green ties along with Irish jokes and happy smiles. 

Earlier in the week the Bible Study group met and enjoyed a far-ranging discussion on fasting. Many perspectives from those who fast regularly and look forward to it to those who cannot fathom ever willingly going without food.

In another move toward normalizing our church services, the worship committee met and made plans for extra services over Easter and re-instating the choir. So, next week there will be a choir at the front to lead the hymns and provide an anthem. Anyone interested in joining can turn up on Thurs. evening at 7:00 pm, or speak to Larry on Sunday. 

Finally, on Sunday, we held our Annual Congregational Meeting. This was for 2020 and 2021. We got through the usual business of the meeting with no hiccups. Then we had to appoint new trustees for the church. Our previous trustees had been serving in that capacity for many, many years and felt they wanted to step aside. Five members allowed their names to stand and were appointed by the congregations. 

This was a formal process and will need to be legally confirmed to meet B.C.'s new requirements. Apparently the province is bringing in new rules to prevent money-laundering in real estate. 😮

As a reward for our work, we had lunch.

Farewell to Hal

The link for this week's streamed service is here

If you were unable to attend the memorial for Joan Larsen, the link for the streamed service is here

by Janet Smith

 On Tuesday, 24^th August in the afternoon heaven gained a wonderful new resident by the name of Hal Rogers. He moved from Saanich Peninsula Hospital to his permanent home, especially prepared for him with his Lord and Saviour in heaven.

Hal, for many years kept the bass section of our choir going hopefully he has joined the

heavenly choir and is enjoying singing once again. 

He was an elder at SPPC and the Clerk of Session from 2004 to 2010 according to the Session Minutes. Hal was the Clerk of Session when Rev. Irwin arrived at SPPC in 2007 and he did a lot to make the Cunningham Family feel very welcome here.

Hal was a real gentleman in every sense of the word, always calm and gentle with his wonderful Irish brogue!

[ed. note] When we first came to SPPC, Hal was our elder. He fulfilled his role conscientiously, visiting us in our home before every communion service and encouraging us to talk about anything in our church life that was troublesome or wonderful. When my Dad died he wrote me a heart warming letter that I have treasured ever since. 

Hal was also a gardener. When I complained that my tomatoes didn't like the cool nights of Vancouver Island, he gave me seeds for a Siberian tomato, guaranteed to withstand a N. Saanich evening.]

Hal, in recent years had been in extended care at SPH. With the COVID-19 virus, Ann and their daughters have visited as much as possible but there were restrictions.  On their 61^st wedding anniversary, one of the nurses took a photo of them together, Ann outside and Hal inside both against the window but I’m sure that is a special memory for Ann.

Hal and Ann have three daughters, Emily, Elizabeth and Julia, we extend our love and prayers to the family at this time.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm. on Saturday 18^th September, here at SPPC.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant

Missing Choir

While the choir was on summer break, the congregation had the opportunity to enjoy some visiting musicians as well as some of our stalwart soloists.
Raven Baroque, Larry's costumed musical group, enlivened the service one Sunday in August.
Mary Byrne and her golden flute added a special touch to the service in July.

Our own soloists, Janet Mitchell, Janet Smith, and Alice and Tore Valdal shared their talents on various Sundays.  Larry did double duty as organist and cellist.  It is always a treat to hear him on cello.
Before they went on summer break, the choir, and guests, enjoyed a dinner together at Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe .

If you've been missing the choir, they've been missing you too.  Their numbers are depleted. We need more singers.   There is no audition.  If you love to sing, come talk to Larry.  Join the choir and you, too, can have a beginning-of-summer dinner out next June.
Studies show that choral singing improves mood and decreases  stress, depression and anxiety.
Wait, there's more! As a bonus, choir members get the best seats in the sanctuary. 
Practice is Thursday nights at 7:00 pm, beginning Sept. 6.  Hope to see you there.

What's Happening?

There were no big events at the church this past week, but over the past little while, there have been a number of small things worth celebrating. 

• We have two new members in the choir.  Ruth sings tenor and Diane is an alto.  We are delighted to welcome them.  The alto and tenor parts have been underpowered for some time.  It is wonderful to hear those inner voices rounding out the sound of the choir.

• There has been birthday cake. 
  

• We're gearing up to send another team to the Dominican Republic.  There was a silent auction last Saturday and Soup and pie orders were delivered after worship this Sunday

                                           

• SPPC led the worship service at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Sunday. 

• Today a group is meeting at the church to start on Christmas decorations.  Yes, already!

School's Out

   

 Well, not school exactly, but the choir is enjoying that "end of term" feeling.  Although we love to sing, we're happy to be in a church choir, Thursday night practice is a joyful time and Sunday worship is made more meaningful with music, the members of the choir still need a break.  We're not on vacation until September.   
      There will be solos, duets, etc. over the summer so the congregation won't be deprived of a musical offering during the worship service, but as a group, we're having a little R&R.  To celebrate, we went out to dinner.  We chose the Chinese buffet since it's convenient, everyone can take whatever they like, and payment is uncomplicated.  Plus, we get to socialize a lot!
      Our ranks have been depleted this year, so anyone who thinks he/she "might" like to join the choir, please stop thinking about it and "just do it."  As a reward you get a great view of the congregation during service, you get to wear that lovely polyester robe, and sit close to the preacher during the sermon.  You also get to watch Larry making faces.   And . . . you get to go to all our parties.

   
  Happy summer everyone, especially the choir.  See you all in September.

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.