Graduation with a Difference

The video link for Sunday's service is: 

Congratulations to Benjamin on his graduation from Stelly's Secondary School.

We've celebrated other graduations at SPPC, usually with a cake after service on Sunday morning. 
Not this time. COVID 19 has truly changed every aspect of our lives. 
Benjamin had to settle for a card from session, delivered in a unique way. 😀

Thankfully, parents, teachers and students have been inspired to make this year's grad ceremonies memorable--even if unusual. 

Ben got to ride in an antique Bentley as part of a graduation drive-by on Friday afternoon. There was a limited gathering of friends to watch a video of classmates receiving their certificates, at a physical distance, and a fancy dinner--held in a tennis court. 

Maybe all those students whose graduation exercises included a walk across the stage at UVic, a formal dinner and an after-grad party are envious of the unique ways the class of 2020 has found to celebrate.

Here he is, all grown up and ready for university. Hard to believe he was once a cute, blond chorister in the Living Flame Choir. If you search back far enough on this blog you can find pictures, but I won't embarrass him by posting them here.

The congregation of SPPC wishes you good luck, Benjamin and sends you into the next phase of life with all our love and prayers and the certainty that God has plans for you. 

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

We hoped to be worshipping in our building last Sunday, but plans changed at the last minute, so yesterday was our first in-person service since March 15. No coffee hour, no handshakes, no hugs, no choir, no gathering in the narthex, but we were able to sit in the pews and hear Rev. Irwin live. There was no hymn-singing, but there was music from Larry and Tore and Janet.

two views of a "distamced" congregation
 

Even with all the changes, it felt good to be there.

Follow-up on the gowns for the Dominican Republic. 

Not only have the gowns arrived, they are being put to good use!

Gowns for the DR

   The link for this week's worship service is  https://youtu.be/LDguoUFj3ds

    As we edge toward a cautious re-opening of the church building for worship, we are finding ways to use the space in service to God. 
      Diane took advantage of the big tables and empty rooms to cut out protective gowns for the clinic in the Dominican Republic. They cannot reopen the clinic -- desperately needed by the local population -- without gowns for the staff. 
       The cost of a single-use gown is nearly ten dollars, so with four people in the clinic, the cost runs up very quickly. By comparison, a car costs around $1000.00. So ten gowns equals one car. There had to be a better way.
        Enter Diane and her sewing machine.

12 gowns, 3 for each staff member

Meanwhile, session met in the hall where there was room for six foot distancing between members. 

There were some tired voices at the end of a long meeting from all that calling across the room, but work was accomplished.
When the meeting ended, elders modelled the gowns Diane had made for the medical clinic supported by SPPC through the House Upon the Rock ministry.