Hot Dog!

 This week's live-streamed service is here

It seems the congregation of SPPC loves hot dog day as much as any school class.  On Sunday the sun shone and the temperature hovered in the comfortable range. After service we trooped outside and enjoyed hot dogs, corn, and dessert in the fresh air.

Of course, there is always work to do before and after a meal. Thanks to the kitchen squad for setting up and cleaning up.

We have a "thing" about men and BBQ's. Thanks to Brendan and Tore, our "grillers" par excellence.

Thanks also to the folks who set up chairs and tables, brought salads and desserts, made coffee and shared the fruits of their gardens. What a great way to celebrate "welcome back, Sunday."

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Amidst all this food, fun and fellowship, was recognition of Peter's graduation from Stelly's Secondary School. 

At the beginning of the summer Peter was away at sports tournaments, and, in the last weeks, at Camp Imodene  so we had cake for graduation just as he begins his studies at U.Vic. 

Despite the delayed celebration, we are all very proud of Peter. He has been an engaging addition to our congregation since he was two years old.

Peter is the short one in green in the front row

Peter, as Humphrey the cello in a 2015 Christmas musical

Peter is the tall one in the centre, off on a mission trip to the DR in 2023

We have watched with full hearts as he grew and matured into a charming young man.

We wish you success in your studies, Peter, and much happiness in your life.

Peter falling for hot dogs at SPPC Sept. 2023

Peter ready for University

Hotdogs!

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

The sad news of Queen Elizabeth II's death has cast a pall over our hearts this weekend. The previously planned welcome back hotdog lunch at SPPC was a welcome respite from sorrow.

The weather was lovely, especially after our smoke-filled Saturday afternoon. The wasps came out in force but we learned that standing or sitting in a breeze kept them away. 

It seems BBQ's require a male operator. 

 Thanks Tore.

There were lots of sweets and fresh corn. 

Of course, there was the usual coffee choices. 

Lots of chances for conversation. 

Then there were the unsung heroes in the kitchen. 

One last rather poor photo of our farewell to Joyce. She is a visiting student from Taiwan and for the past several months has been part of the SPPC congregation. Musically gifted, she sang in the choir and  played a piano solo one Sunday. We are sorry to see her go but wish her well on her future endeavours. As Rev. Irwin said, "if ever she comes this way again, she knows she has a home at SPPC."

An SPPC t-shirt.

I heard lots of people with ideas of why SPPC needs a supply of t-shirts so we may see more of these.

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign was marked by an extraordinary commitment to service. She gave clear public expressions of her deep personal Christian faith and the hope of the gospel. The Rev. Bob Faris, Moderator of the 2022 General Assembly, is sending a letter to Queen Elizabeth’s family, extending the church’s condolences at her death and gratitude for her life and service.

Prayer for use during worship

Eternal God, before you all generations rise up and fall away, and in your grace, you provide leaders to serve and comfort us with wisdom and dedication. We give thanks for the life, Christian witness and service of Queen Elizabeth, whose earthly life is now ended and who has entered into the joy and peace you have prepared through Jesus Christ. We pray for her family and those who will take up her duties and responsibilities. Send your Holy Spirit to comfort and give peace to all who mourn her death and the death of any loved one.
Amen.  -- Message and prayer from the Presbyterian Church in Canada upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Summer's End

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

It was good to have Rev. Irwin back in the pulpit on Sunday, after his holiday adventures. Glad he avoided fire and flood as he hiked in the southwest USA.

And speaking of holidays, while Joan was away others filled in on her bottle recycling job. When she returned, all was tidy and the collection bins were empty. But . . . it seems some of her regulars saved their bottles for weeks so they could welcome her home in style. 

This is Darlene's car, packed to the hilt on her first run to the recycle depot after Joan returned. Welcome back!

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And speaking of welcome back, mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 11, when we'll have a hot dog lunch after service, to kick off  the fall term. 

Actually, the first item on the fall calendar is choir practice at 7:00 pm. on Thurs. Sept. 8. Come and join our merry little band. More voices always welcome.

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We're into the last week of August already. Where did the summer

go? Years ago, when I was in a community choir, one of the songs in our repertoire by Irvine Fine included the words, Summer is gone, Summer is ended. It is done. It is gone. It is ended. While I'm glad for some relief from the high temperatures, I hope our summer isn't totally gone. Yet, this coming weekend is the Saanich Fair and that's a sure sign that summer is over. 

As we come back to "work" after the summer season, the Bible is full of encouragement. Here are a couple of my favourite passages.                             

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.

So, as we say good-bye to the season of rest and recreation, let us look forward with hope and know that God will provide the strength we need to run the race that is set before us.

Food Fests

On Sunday morning, our clerk of session announced that we eat too much but we enjoy it. I'll say we enjoy it. Here are a few examples of our gastronomic indulgence.

Betty had her 90th birthday, so we had cake.

We began the "out to lunch" program as an experiment in June. It has definitely been successful. Last week there were 16 people enjoying food and fellowship at the Waddling Dog. Our next event will be Oct. 3 at Good Fortune Restaurant in Sidney. Sign up in the narthex.

June at Smitty's

July at Spitfire

August at Beacon Landing

Sept. lunch at Waddling Dog

Don't forget, next Sunday, we're celebrating fall with a hot dog lunch after worship service. 

They say an army travels on its belly. I have a notion that Presbyterians do too. 

Fall into Fall

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but summer is over and we're in back-to-school mode.
At SPPC we're really into back to school as we welcome a pre and after school program from Kelset school. The service is provided by Beacon Community Services and will operate out of SPPC for a trial period this fall.
This is an important support for families-- the school day is much shorter than the working day for parents. 
Pray that the trial period is successful and we can support this important ministry in our neighbourhood.

Hot-diggity-dog

On Sunday, Sept. 15 there will be a hot-dog lunch following worship. Everyone is welcome. We have shelter if it rains, and shade if the sun shines. We have tables and chairs. We have hot dogs, snacks, drinks and desserts. We have parking lot games. 

YOU are invited to all of it. 

The BBQ will be warmed up and the first hot dogs ready to eat around 11:30. 

Bring your appetite. Bring your best shot. Bring a friend. 

Celebrate Fall!