CLEARING HOUSE

    The other day,  I was leafing through a book of homespun wisdom published by the Eastern Ontario Women's Institute and came across this little gem.

SPRING CLEANING

I have just been cleaning cupboards and with neat housewifely art,

I have set things all in order in the storehouse of my heart.

There are many things I've always meant to save and look at every day,

And then again, a lot of things I should have thrown away

There are things in wild disorder, and mixed up with the lot,

Were bitter things, and ugly ones that should have been forgot.

But there are scraps of tender dreams

-a child's remembered kiss,

And a poem that my Mother wrote -

Ah how I've treasured this.

I discovered tho' that ugly things were taking too much space

Sometimes for new and lovely ones, I couldn't find a place!

And so I've tossed the dark things out - the sullen scraps and tatters

Of old-time hurts and fancied wrongs and here's what really matters.

Now that I've tossed the dark things out - each cringing one I found

The others shine the brighter - shed a radiance all around!

My cleaning work is nearly done, and I suggest you start,

For you'll find it's might nice to have clean cupboards in your heart!

                                                     --Maritime Baptist

       Clean cupboards are a good thing, both literally and spiritually,   Next week, SPPC is having a garage sale.  Not spring cleaning, but still a perfect opportunity to clear the excess from our houses and donate it to a good cause.  

       Perhaps while we're clearing out the clutter in our closets, we'll look at clearing the clutter from our lives and our hearts as well.  Letting go of the useless and dangerous and making room for the good and the bright.  Matt 6: 19-20

     

BOOKS WANTED

The suggestion for this week's blog came from Linda Cliff, our resident "book-lady."

A recent fire in Bella Bella destroyed the Thistalalh Memorial Library, an important centre for the people of Bella Bella.  We have an opportunity to help to restore the library by donating gently used or new books to that community.   The  UVIC School of Environmental Studies who will ship them up to Bella Bella after they have been collected.   
   The Thistalalh librarian has requested books in the following categories: 

-Children’s literature (e.g. Robert Munsch , Mercer Mayer, Phil Hoose).

-indigenous literature (e.g.Joseph Boyden, Eden Robinson, Leslie Marmon Silko, N. Scott Momaday, Louise Erdrich, Gerald Vizenor, Sherman Alexie, Thomas King and Richard Wagemese )
-international fiction
-eco-literature
-natural history and field guides
-general non-fiction

There is a box marked "Bella Bella" in the library corner of the Malloy Hall, where books can be dropped off.  Linda will collect them and see them on their way.

If you have extra books that don't fit in the categories listed above, don't despair, SPPC is holding a garage sale in September and will be glad to put your extra books, china, toys, small appliances, dvd's, etc. toward a good cause.

Questions re the books should be directed to Linda Cliff. Questions about the garage sale can be directed to Jean Strong or any member of session.



And here's a heads-up for Sunday, Aug. 25. We're having an old-fashioned hymn sing, in the sanctuary at 7:00pm. Admission is free. Bring your friends.>

A Happenin' Place

 SPPC  has been a busy place this past few weeks.   It started with a kitchen clean up.  It seems to me the workers had far too much fun! 

Then we had a concert by Hector's Friends, a men's ensemble who sing mostly unaccompanied music, led by our own Michael Denton.

As is the custom at SPPC, the concert was followed by a reception featuring lots of homemade goodies.

Then, on Saturday months of preparation and planning culminated in a giant garage sale.   Members of the congregation brought mountains of stuff to sell then bought mountains of stuff to take back home.

   

And what's a garage sale without

face painting and a bake sale?

Thanks to all to brought and all who bought, to all who sorted and priced and to all who cleaned up afterward.  Your efforts have enriched the church coffers by over $1000.00.

  

If you missed these parties, there is still hope.  On Friday, June 15, we are having a pot luck supper followed by a presentation from Linda Cliff, featuring slides of her recent trip to Nepal.  Then, on Sunday, June 24, pack your hamper for the church picnic, to be held at Island View Beach, following worship.

Such are the joys of living in a church community.

Ed. Note:  For larger view, click on pictures.