Let's Party

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

Q. What happens when you throw a party and the guest of honour does a "no show?" 

A. You blow out the candles and eat the cake!

That's what happened at Bible Study this week. One of our members had a birthday on that day, so we organized a cake, candles, card and pretty house plant to congratulate her on another year. 

And what happened? She skipped Bible Study that morning.  Sometimes "surprise" backfires.

Even without birthdays or cakes, our Bible Study is a jolly gathering. We start with a video from The Bible Project with Tim Mackie, but discussion can wonder far afield. On Wednesday, after we ate the cake, we ended up talking about Robin Hood. Hero or villain? After all, "thou shalt not steal," but were Robin and his merry men stealing or were they merely returning goods, stolen from the poor by the wealthy, and returning them to the rightful owners? The discussion continues, whether we have cake or not.

At the same time, Norma and Linda were having their own party, clearing out the cupboards in the hall. Apparently there is stuff in there since the establishment of our building. Why does SPPC have two bags full of florist marbles?

On Thursday lots of people came to the party, otherwise known as Friendship Coffee. Discussions around the tables here can range from gardening to travel to taxes. What is constant is the building of camaraderie. Friendship coffee may be one of the longest running programs at SPPC, a measure of its value to the congregation and the community.

On Friday the worship committee met. This is not supposed to be a party, but inevitably there is laughter. After all, we want our worship to be joyful. It is a small committee, but there is opportunity for congregational input. A list on the bulletin board invites members to nominate favourite hymns to be included in the services at the appropriate time. I promise you, all requests are considered.

On Saturday, Tore cut the grass, after fixing the lawnmower. That's a party of one but it is a task joyfully undertaken to bring beauty to our grounds and to honour our physical place in the community.

Like every week in the life of SPPC, the past week held sadness as we learned of the passing of two of our members. But, because Christ conquered death, we can temper our sadness with joy. Our beloved brothers are free of pain and weakness. Our Lord has called them home to a party beyond our imagining. We hold their families in our prayers.

The Giving Season

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

Friendship coffee met this past week, the last get-together before Advent. As usual, good friends, good conversation and good goodies filled a couple of hours on Thursday morning. 

In the "olden days" neighbours used to gather around a pot-bellied stove at the General Store to swap stories, catch up on the news, and bind the community

together. I think Friendship Coffee is reminiscent of that long-ago practice. The longing for human connections and close friendships goes back centuries. The venue changes but the desire for a "village" transcends the times.

A glance at the calendar shows Christmas racing toward us. I had a momentary panic last week as I considered my "to do" list and the short number of days in which to do it.

Fortunately, the charitable donations part is quick and easy. I can send a cheque through the mail, go on-line and click the "donate" button, or I can drop my envelope into the collection plate at SPPC.  

This time of year the letter mail and the e-mail is flooded with requests for donations. If you haven't already picked which to support -- none of us can do it all!-- SPPC is collecting for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. Foodstuffs, money, toiletries, personal hygiene products, and baby needs are all requested. There are collection boxes in the narthex of the church, and, you can enter a draw for a Christmas plant every time you drop off a donation. Win-win, as they say.

The Compassionate Resource Warehouse is an overseas mission supported by many churches, including SPPC. They went into recess during the pandemic and have been slow to re-open, but now, November 2025, they are building a shipment for a large orphanage in Ukraine. There are 250 residents ages 3 - 18, plus 50 staff. As you can imagine, they need everything.

Here are some specifics:

• toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairbrushes and combs
• balls and boardgames (checkers, chess, snap, snakes and ladders)
• reading glasses, sunglasses
• needlework supplies, art supplies, beading supplies
• socks and underwear, leggings, slippers, gloves
• bedding, tableware

This list is anything but complete but it is a start. 

If possible pack your donations in paper or cardboard (plastic is difficult to recycle) and drop it off by the donation box in the narthex at SPPC.

Last week, Rev. Irwin encouraged us to reflect the light of Christ in the world around us. A box of supplies for war orphans in Ukraine will send a beam of Christ-light into a very dark place.

Sermon on the Vineyard

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

This Sunday, Rev. Irwin preached at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Victoria as part of his interim moderator duties. In his place we welcomed Rev.  Ray Sanford, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of OC International (know as Outreach Canada here.) Rev. Sanford has worn many hats in his professional career. His formal educational was in electrical engineering and business administration before he moved into mission. 

He worked in management at AT&T during the 1970's and '80's, then went into mission work in 1986. He and his family served in France for 12 years before returning to N. America. Check out the sermon on the live-stream (link at top of page) to hear about his experiences living next to a vineyard and how that impacted his understanding of the Gospels. 

Following that stint, he returned, in a leadership role, to the headquarters of OC. Since living in Victoria, he has preached at Knox Presbyterian in Sooke during their vacancy. He and his wife, Diane, have four grown children, five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. (Want to bet she's spoiled rotten?)

As Presbytery makes more and more demands on Rev. Irwin, we at SPPC are fortunate and grateful for the guest preachers who fill our pulpit from time to time, including Rev. Sanford. 

       ************

Some time ago I was looking for an excuse to have a party and discovered a mention of Friendship Day on the third weekend of August. Don't know who declared that a day for friends, but it suited my timetable perfectly, so now my friend and I celebrate "friendship day." Our circle of friends expands and changes depending on who is hostess that year. We've found it a wonderful excuse to get together -- in the summer when the living is easy and the garden is full of food, when there are no expectations of formal dress, or formal dining, and when the day is flexible enough to suit our lives. 

How fitting then, that SPPC is holding its own, "Friendship Coffee Day,"  next week on Thursday, August 28 at 10:00 am. I highly recommend time spent with loving friends. 

Another Pulpit Exchange

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

Sunday morning, Rev. Irwin was preaching at Trinity Presbyterian in Victoria. His term there as interim moderator is coming to an end, so he was there for a farewell service. 

In his place at SPPC, we welcomed the Rev. Mitch Coggin to the pulpit.

Rev. Mitch Coggin moved to Victoria at the invitation of the Presbytery of Vancouver Island in 2018 to serve as the Transitional Pastor at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Victoria.  He held this position until March, 2025 when he officially retired from the Presbyterian Church in Canada (although he begins serving as Interim Moderator of Trinity Presbyterian, Victoria on August 1! 

 He holds dual membership as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Canada and The Presbyterian Church (USA).  Mitch is an experienced Interim Minister having served multiple interim roles in the States before beginning his work in Canada.  He has taught Transitional Ministry Education in 5 of the PC(USA) sites where The Art of Transitional Ministry is taught, at St. Andrew’s Hall, Vancouver and in Mississauga with 34 Interim Moderators in the Presbyterian Church in Canada.  

 Mitch is a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and teaches coaching as a valuable understanding in guiding congregations through the transitional process.  To check out a paper he produced on transitions while working at St. Andrew's, Victoria, look here.

On a personal note, Mitch is a passionate woodworker, creating fountain pens on a lathe from the beautiful wood found in the Pacific northwest. He is also trying his best to be "retired," although, as mentioned above, he is taking on Rev. Irwin's previous post as interim moderator for Trinity, next week. 

He has added golf and a coffee club to his weekly schedule as a step on the road to living the life of a "retired" minister. He and Linda have been married 46 years and love the magnificent ocean living in beautiful Victoria.

While the choir is having a summer break, we are fortunate to have guest musicians filling in the anthem spot in our order of service. Last week, Mary Byrne graced us with her flute, her musicality, and her enthusiasm for sacred song. This week Barry Lowe, who usually sings at St. Mary's Anglican in Saanichton, sang for us. Thank you, Barry, and thank you St. Mary's for giving him a Sunday off.

The smooth running of our church building, our worship service, our fellowship time, our property, and many administrative tasks depend upon volunteers. As summer wears on, some of those volunteers think they need a vacation. Imagine! Fortunately a number of people have stepped up to learn how to work the audio/video equipment, to set the coffee pot on ready, to hand out bulletins and greet visitors with a warm welcome.

This willingness to lend a hand is an encouraging sign for congregational life. It is also a reassurance for those considering a volunteer position. You can take on a role and still get a break when needed.

And, speaking of faithful volunteers, don't forget that Friendship Coffee meets this Thursday at 10:00am at the church. Thanks to our regular hosts, Brian and Vivien, and Al and Irene. All are welcome. Bring a friend.

 

 

What's Your Legacy?

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

In keeping with the theme of the month, SPPC finished out May with more food, specifically coffee and goodies with Friendship Coffee on Thursday morning.


As usual, the coffee was hot, the goodies delicious and the time all too short. Thanks to Janet for sharing her pictures.

Kudos to those who maintain this valuable ministry.

********

On Friday, there was a memorial service for a long-time member of SPPC and a Sister-in-Christ. There is always sadness associated with these farewells, but also an element of joy and connection. Our friend had lived a long and full life, and her final gift to those left behind, was the order of her service. As we fulfilled her wishes, we shared a sense of completeness. Her life within the congregation had come full circle and we were blessed to be part of it.

We sang the hymns she had chosen, listened to the Scriptural passages she had designated, and heard a solo, "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" that she had requested. It made for a very comforting time together.

We also heard a little about her life from friends and neighbours. Amidst all the individual stories, kindness was a recurring theme.  What a legacy! So much of life concerns material things -- to make a good living, to own nice things, to visit exotic places -- but at the end of 90+ years, our friend was remembered for her kindness. 

Hardly surprising that she chose Philippians 4 as one of her readings, especially the bit that says "whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely . . .think on these things." There is nothing wrong with material things, they make life comfortable and enjoyable, but they must not take the place of spiritual things. When we come to the end of our earthly journey isn't it better to be remembered for  kindness and hospitality and generosity than for the for the "stuff" we accumulated along the way?

Having been a church-goer all my life, I've attended many, many memorials. All emphasise the people who have been touched by the loved one throughout life's journey. They remind me that "a life well-lived" really means the relationships developed along the way, and the memories left behind. I'm inspired to emulate those saints who have gone before.

Farewell, dear friend. It's been good to know you. See you later.

A Week in the Life

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

A social week at SPPC this time. On Thursday, Friendship Coffee gathered in the Ross Lounge. It was crowded and loud but enjoyable.

Thanks to Brian and Vivien, Al and Irene for continuing to host this popular ministry.

On Friday afternoon, the "Out to Lunch Bunch" ten of them, met at the Thai Corner restaurant. They had such a good time, no one remembered to take pictures! No one forgot to eat.

Also on Friday afternoon, about 25 people from the Parkinson's Disease Support group used our building for a meeting and a slide show.

I mentioned that Friendship Coffee met in the lounge instead of in the hall, as usual. The reason for the change was heat. Our brand new heat pump was hooked up using our really old breaker box. Early in the week the breaker box shut off the power. This has happened before and a little judicious jiggling has made the system work. This time, the breaker box was well and truly kaput. 

Old breaker box

Shiny new breaker box

Since the issue with the breaker box had been developing for some time, the replacement had been scheduled for Monday. However, since we had no heat on Thursday, V.I. Electric moved us to the front of the line, expedited the delivery of new parts, and worked all day on Friday to ensure the congregation could meet in comfort on Sunday morning.

Many thanks to Todd, Aaron and Derek for their understanding, expertise and great service. 

Notice the bright red lever -- new breaker switch                                                                        

New breaker box installed along with enhanced railing.

How to Brighten Grey Days

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

Our cold, bright days are moving toward warmer and darker. Last week we huddled together for warmth. This week, we'll huddle together for company. At SPPC we can find a good excuse for fellowship and food at any season of the year.

The fundraising lunch last Saturday was a success on two levels -- diners had a good time and good food, and the event raised $500.00 toward the cost of our new HVAC system. By the way, the building has been cozy and warm through this cold spell. 

A jolly bunch

Ever helpful Bin Sie

For once, Joan is not in the kitchen

This is the kitchen help! Actually, Barb was the motivating force behind the luncheon, but, as usual preferred to remain behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera. Thanks, Barb.

Sunshine Lunch day was Monday, and this time, Joan was back in the kitchen. We know this, even if she doesn't take her own picture. She also plans the menu, cooks, arranges rides and keeps the books. Joan is our bit of sunshine at these events.

Nice to see Elizabeth enjoying hot soup. 

 

Don't be alarmed if you missed these events, our Annual Congregational Meeting is coming up next Sunday, Feb. 23 after worship, and the Friendship Coffee crew meet on Thursday, Feb. 27. No need to be hungry or lonely with Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church in the neighbourhood.

Hebrews 13:2

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Blue Monday?

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

Have you got the January blahs? Did Blue Monday hit you like a ten ton truck? Don't despair. SPPC can help.

Last Thursday about thirty people gathered at the church for Friendship Coffee. One of the best ways to beat the blues is to get out and about and to engage with other people. Here is a sample of the non-blue folks at coffee. 

One of the best ways to beat the blahs is to do something for someone else. I've heard that the folks at Friendship Coffee raised $449.00 for PWS&D during 2024. 

Coming up on Wednesday, Jan. 29, our Bible Study returns. A bit of mental challenge may be just the thing to lift your spirits. We're doing a "Drive Thru' History" and the discussions take many twists and turns. Everything from "Did the Romans shoe their horses?" to "just who were the wise men?" are questions thrown out following the video. Learning, fellowship, coffee and goodies. Who can stay blue with all that on offer.

And don't forget Sunday morning, 10:00 am. Brighten your day with worship. Sing praises to God, listen to the Word read aloud. Pray for each other and the world. Listen to a challenging sermon. Experience the joy of corporate worship.

Speaking of sermons, when I was without a voice my friend came to visit. Since we couldn't chat, we listened to Rev. Irwin's sermon when he filled in at the pulpit at St. Andrew's Presbyterian in Nanaimo. On hearing of our visit, our book club members rolled their eyes and remarked that only my friend and I would listen to a sermon for fun. And it was fun, and stimulating, and thoughtful, and worth hearing. You can check it out here. The sermon starts about 37 minutes into the video.

So, there you have it -- how SPPC helps you beat the January Blahs.

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. 

***

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.

***

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!

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!

⚽⚽⚽

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.

🌿 🌿🌿🌿🌿

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.

🎻🎻🎻

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.

Between the Raindrops

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

A hole in one at the 18th

This week the Lord watered our thirsty land. The trees and the streams and the fish and the birds gave thanks.

The organizers of events at SPPC might feel a little differently. We've been lulled by the hot, dry weather and make our arrangements with no thought to wet weather. But, we were fortunate. Both the mini-golf and the rose garden events were staged between the raindrops.

On Wednesday, 15 people gathered at the Island View Mini-Golf course for two hours of missed shots, made shots, much hilarity and Olympic sized cheers. 

 We didn't have anyone to vet these score cards so declaring a winner is suspect. Still, Bill had the lowest score. Three players claimed a hole-in-one, Pam, Bill and David. Congratulations!

We had just finished playing, when the rain started up. Interestingly, by the time we met at the Waddling Dog for lunch, our numbers had grown to 28. Do the math and you'll find 13 people did not "earn" their lunch, but they had a good time anyway.

On Thursday, after a very wet night, Friendship Coffee met at the rose garden in Sidney. A friendly crowd braved the damp grass and the lowering clouds to enjoy a visit and share a treat. The next gathering will be Sept. 12.

Anything for a cuppa!

By Friday the rain had settled in for a long stay. Again the parched land rejoiced. Thanks be to God.

FYI: Larry's quartet will play a concert at SPPC, August 31 at 6:00 pm.