skip to main |
skip to sidebar
At the Annual Meeting last week Rev. Irwin expressed appreciation for all the quiet ministries that happen without fanfare but that keep the life of the congregation running smoothly. Hospital patients receive visitors, lunch is provided, offerings are counted, the books are balanced, birthday cards are sent. Small ministries, done faithfully, they enhance our fellowship and remove many burdens from the minister.
Another of those quiet ministries is prayer. While all members of the congregation are encouraged to pray for each other and for the world, there is a dedicated group who make it their mission to pray regularly together for the members and work of this congregation. They meet in the Sanctuary on Wednesday morning, before Bible Study, and systematically pray through the entire church membership and the various ministries of SPPC.
I was once told my name comes up frequently in this circle. The news alarmed me. The prayer group thought I was in so much trouble I needed extra prayer? Not so. I am prayed for once as a member of the congregation and then again as a member of different groups within the congregation. Whew! So, if you want to be prayed for often, get involved in lots of things at church!
There is a second group of people involved in regular prayer, and that is the prayer chain. These individuals pray privately and at all times for those who have requested it. This is more of a "crisis line" prayer group. Those requesting prayer are often facing immediate issues like surgery, or bereavement. Often times the people on this list are not members of SPPC but prayer requests for them have been received through members of the congregation.
If you have a prayer request for this group, contact Edna or fill in one of the cards found in the pews.
Finally, if you feel you'd like to participate in the prayer life of the congregation without joining either of the above groups, there is a prayer jar in the narthex. The jar contains the names of the people of our congregation. Take one or two or more home with you and pray for that person for a week. When you've finished, return the name to the prayer jar. Take another if you're so inclined.
We often hear people ask what they can do for the church. How about saying a prayer? It's more powerful than you might think.
P.S. There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. Merrill
Elizabeth Clarke, who played for our Christmas play, is giving a recital on Wed. March 12, at 12:30 Philip T. Young auditorium, University of Victoria.
Click here for more details.
Report from Elizabeth Small
The World Day of Prayer service was held at SPPC on March2, 2012. This year, it came from Malaysia.
The Sidney area had the opportunity to learn more about this country and its unique culture and heritage. At the same time we joined Christians in more than 10 countries around the world and 2000 communities across Canada who gathered to pray.
The planning committee was made up of representatives from eight congregations in this area. The denominations involved were Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United and Seventh Day Adventist. The service was written for all people by women of various denominations from Malaysia, and we were encouraged through their words to reflect on their culture, people and religions. The theme chosen for this year was "Let Justice Prevail."
The service convener was Elizabeth Small with assistance from co-convener, Edna Kirk. The welcome was read by Bin-Sie Soh. Our speaker was Rev. Ruth McCowan and Michael Denton and the choir of SPPC provided the music.
Bin-Sie is from Malaysia and she led us in the introduction and greetings using their language to say Selamat Datang, meaning peace and welcome. She displayed several items of Malaysian clothing, some of which had been worn by her mother. Family photos and other memorabilia from Malaysia were on display, these were supplied by another one of our congregation whose son is married to a woman from Malaysia.
Rev. Ruth McCowan, spoke on how women were treated in Biblical times and brought us through the years to the present time, pointing out that in many countries women on their own still live in very difficult circumstances.
Before the service began, we played music from the CD "2012 Malaysia" then, during the offertory the choir sang the theme song, "Let Justice Prevail," written for this worship service.
In all, 87 people attended and $754.48 was received in offerings. Participating congregations were St. Paul's United, Peace Lutheran, St. Andrew's Anglican, Resthaven Seventh Day Adventist, Holy Trinity Anglican, St. John's United, St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic and SPPC.
As for any event hosted by this congregation, there was a reception, featuring mouth-watering goodies, in the hall following the service.
The World Day of Prayer 2012 was dedicated to the Glory of God. A permanent record will go on file at St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church.
Editor's Note: Elizabeth's prayers were answered even before the day of the service. Mary Hampson had worked with her for many years to organize this service, but Mary was unable to participate in 2012. While Elizabeth was still pondering her options, Edna Kirk stepped forward to fill the gap.
