Party Time

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

As the end of June approaches there is a "school's out" feeling around the church. The choir has stopped wearing gowns on Sunday morning -- it's too hot! Session has held its last regular meeting until September and, on Monday, the Sunshine Lunch group held its last gathering of this term.

From all reports, it was a bang-up lunch with lots of Hawaiian type clothing. I hear the grass skirts were a hit.

Thanks to Joan, I have pictures to share. 

The Sunshine Lunch is for singles in our fellowship, but another social event, Friendship Coffee on Thursday morning, was open to all. No fancy lunch at that gathering but lots of coffee, baked goodies and lively conversation.  Thanks to our faithful hosts, Brian and Vivien, Al and Irene.

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And the good news is that another volunteer gardener turned up at the church on Friday. Welcome to the "work force," David B. and thank you.

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Sunday, Rev. Irwin was ministering at Trinity Presbyterian in Victoria. We were grateful to welcome Pastor George to the pulpit again. He is a great friend of the congregation and brings his own brand of wisdom and humour to Sunday mornings. 

The picture at left shows him in summer mode too.

Advent 1, 2022

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

Saturday morning eight volunteers showed up at the church to put up Christmas decorations in time for the first Sunday of Advent. Many hands make light work and we had a good time besides. The Christmas tree, the valance lights, nativities in the narthex, wreaths on the back wall and swags on the front door, were all done in a few hours.

Thanks to Tore, Jerusha, Janet, Carmen, Pam, Joan, Barb, and Alice for their time, talent and good humour.

                                           Thanks to Elizabeth, we have angels joining the flock on the upper window ledge.

After the fun comes the clean-up

The outdoor lights had been hung when the weather was fine last week, but left unlit until Sunday. Now we have the candle of hope burning inside and out.  

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Rev. Irwin was away this week so we happily welcomed Pastor George to the pulpit once again. The last time he was here was Advent 1 in 2020. You can read about him here. Of course, that was during COVID lockdown and we had no one in the pews.

George's message reflected on the sorry state of our world today. War, want, fear, and disaster crowd the headlines. And yet . . . we light the candle of Hope. Hope in our Saviour. 

Hope in the world is vain. Hope in the Lord is unfailing.

May this season of Advent bring hope to your home. 

 The link to this week's streamed service is here

It has been a mixed bag of events at SPPC this week. 

First, we rejoice that we can meet together again. We sang two hymns on Sunday and I visited with folk I haven't seen since November 2020.

Rev. Irwin is away. We're happy he is having a little holiday after the strain of the past eighteen months. But is being a kitchen helper at Camp Imodene really a holiday? OTOH, Diane is head cook so he has an in with the boss.

Once again we welcomed Pastor George Hodgson to the pulpit. Although he regularly threatens us with ultra-long sermons, this Sunday we received only part one of his message. Come back on July 25 for part two.

Helen celebrated her 99th birthday last week. On Sunday morning she was in her usual pew at church looking fresh and pretty as ever. All our best wishes Helen. I'm looking forward to one great big cake later in the summer when SPPC celebrates all our missed birthdays.

And here's a date to put on the calendar for Friday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. The Raven Baroque--Larry plays cello with them--are playing at the Sidney Bandshell at the bottom of Beacon Avenue. Admission is free. Come and enjoy an evening of music in our lovely weather.

It was good to see Erik on Sunday morning. He had been working in a clinic in Lytton just hours before fire levelled the village.

On a sadder note, at the age of 92 Joan M was called home to the Lord. We will miss her. When we first came to SPPC she was a sort of unofficial welcome committee along with Archie and Victor. She organized no end of parties--St. Andrew's, St. Patrick's, International Day, Hawaiian night--you name it, Joan could whip up a feast suited to the occasion.

She served as an elder and treasurer, then created a roster for money counters for the offering plate on Sunday. She also set up a list of people to provide flower arrangements for Sunday mornings.

She was a real supporter of the Living Flame Choir, especially when we put on a musical drama. I'd ask if she would cater a "small" reception, i.e. coffee and cookies, and she'd lay out a spread of tempting and exotic treats.

On Sunday morning Pastor George spoke about the behest to "shine" with the gifts God gave us. Always elegant and gracious, Joan had many gifts and she used them all to glorify God and to serve her community at SPPC.  We mourn her passing and pray for peace for her family, and we thank God for giving us Joan for more than ninety years.  

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11  

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”