School's Out!

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

School's out! 

• The last Sunshine lunch of the season was held on Monday. 
• On Wednesday the study group held their last session before the summer break and 
• on Thursday the choir had it's final rehearsal before summer vacation. We went out to dinner to celebrate.  
• On Sunday we even had a substitute teacher(preacher) on Sunday. It was our pleasure to welcome Rev. Arnie Alksne to the pulpit again. 

The theme for the sunshine lunch was Hawaiian, and the kitchen crew dressed the part. Sadly there is no video of them doing a hula dance.

 Elizabeth is a faithful attendee. 

The choir went to Prairie Inn for their dinner. Thursday at 7:00 pm is the busiest time for the restaurant, but we were eventually seated (they don't take reservations) and all at one table which was a bonus. Great fun to have time for a good chat and not be constantly interrupted be the demand to rehearse the music. 

 We were glad Diane and Irwin could join us, as well as Elizabeth, Larry's wife and Rainer, our volunteer winds player. 

The choir is happy to welcome new members. Over the summer, think about lending your voice to the music of worship. And you, too, could come to a choir dinner next June.

Finally, on Sunday morning we wrapped up the current drive for the food bank. The draw for a hanging basket was won by Karla Rae, a friend of Barb's.

 Miller did the honours of choosing the winning ticket.

So, now that we're officially in summer holiday mode, what will you do with your vacation? 

The concept of "rest" is embedded in Scripture, starting in Genesis, where God rested on the seventh day. Christ, also, took time away from the crowds, so that He and the disciples could refresh themselves. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

However, taking a vacation does not mean taking time away from God. In fact, the relaxed pace of summer provides an excellent opportunity to draw closer to God.

•  Why not spend time in creation -- we have so many parks and beautiful spots right here on the Peninsula-- and thank God for the wonders of this earth.
•  Perhaps find quiet time to read that study book, or watch that video, the one you have been putting off until the time is right.
•  Maybe this is a good time to talk to family and friends about your faith and your church. 

However you spend the long, sunny days of summer, may you find rest and renewal, and may your faith be refreshed.

Summer Suns are Glowing.

Second week of Advent 2023

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

In this second week of Advent, we raise up the gift of peace. Given the headlines, it would seem there is no peace to be found in our world. As an antidote I'm sharing a few encounters I've had recently. 

Everyone knows Canada Post is swamped at this time of year. The line-ups are long. Clients are impatient. Stress is at a yearly high. Yet, on my visit, I met a friendly, cheerful, helpful clerk who showed me the least expensive way to send parcels to Ontario, then she gave me the secret of avoiding a long line-up. 

From there I went to a store to return an article. The till did not want to perform the operation. First one, then another clerk punched buttons and glowered at the dictates from the machine until, finally, they were able to do the necessary functions. My article was returned and I received a refund. From start to finish, no one yelled, no one cussed, and no one threw the balky machine out the door. We all parted on good terms.

In the grocery store on Friday late afternoon, the line-ups were once again long and customers impatient. The cashier on the till smiled, wished everyone a nice day, and refrained from answering ill-humour with a cranky comment.

I've learned to limit my exposure to the news. Instead, I give thanks for these hard-working people who show me the way of peace. I've done my best to pass it on. 

Speaking of passing it on, Sunday we learned the results from our latest drive for the food bank.  We raised about one thousand dollars in cash donations and five overflowing boxes of goods.

They are now out the door, spreading hope and peace to those in need. Our congregation contributes to the food bank year round, but just for a bit of fun we held a draw among the donors. Brian and Meta won this lovely poinsettia. Merry Christmas to you. Enjoy the cheery colour.

Also on Sunday, we had a guest in the music department. Susanne Clark, from Calgary is visiting her mother and brought along her flute. Thank you Susanne for enhancing our worship.

In keeping with the seasonal gift giving, we have a new-to-us fridge/freezer in the kitchen, thanks to a community donor.

Because one good turn deserves another, we have passed along some Christmas wreaths we no longer use to the Salvation Army. Thanks Pam for sprucing them up so beautifully, and thanks to Susanne for finding them a new home.

Whew! Life is busy, especially at SPPC. We have more events coming up, including a bake sale next Sunday. If you haven't had time to mix up some cookies, we've got you covered. Peace.