Celebration

A lovely, sunny Sunday in July seems like a good time for a celebration and SPPC took up the challenge. This time we took note of Joan's 90th birthday.
      Joan is a long-time member of SPPC. When I first came to this congregation she was the unofficial hostess, along with Archie and Vic. If ever there were to be a party, Joan would organize it and cook for it. At her instigation there were St. Patrick's Day pot-lucks, Robbie Burns musicales, International nights, a "just because" BBQ. At the time the congregation was paying off its mortgage and all these occasions helped raise funds toward that goal. They were also great mixers for people new to the congregation. 
     Joan used to cook for the sunshine lunches as well. That torch has been picked up by Darlene and others, but it is a tribute to Joan that her endeavours are carried on.
     She sang in the choir, looked after the choir gowns and managed the music library. I've inherited that job and follow many of her practices. Hey, if it ain't broke . . .
     She also started a band called "The Joyful Noise." They entertained at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and other care facilities in the area.
     She served as an elder, and treasurer, and organized counters for the offering plate. In her spare time she managed the flower roster.  
     When the Living Flame put on their Christmas musicals, Joan used to bake up a storm for the reception afterward. She wasn't above roping in her family to help out, either. Here they are celebrating her birthday with her. 

     How many families celebrate a major birthday by attending church? I guess the cake says it all.

     It is a proven fact that people who belong to a church, and take part in the life of the congregation, live longer and more healthy lives than those who do not. One only has to look at the list of ninety plus birthdays that we've marked at SPPC to see evidence of that fact.  Helen, Blanche, Barb and Joan had Sunday cakes, but I know there are many others in our congregation who have passed the ninety milestone -- Don, Frank, Betty, Gladys, Emily, and Cedric to name a few. I'm sure there are others. If you want a mention on the blog, just let me know.
     So congratulations to Joan and all our senior seniors. May you continue to be blessed as you have blessed SPPC.

Winter Blahs?

How to beat the winter blahs? One way might be to blindfold your minister emeritus and take him for a walk around the sanctuary. 

Another way is to celebrate birthdays. We had a lot in the first month of the year, but Blanche is a great example of longevity. I'm not betraying any secrets when I reveal that she is over 90.

How does she do it? One answer may be Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church.
Study after study confirms that those who attend church regularly, live longer, more satisfying lives.

A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association in 2016 found that women who attended church more than once a week had a 33% lower chance of dying than their secular peers in the same time period.
Another study found that regular attendance at church (or synagogue or mosque) decreased the body's response to stress leading to longer life spans.
Another study out of Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health identifies a social support network, an optimistic attitude, self-control and a sense of purpose in life -- all associated with churchgoers-- as possible reasons for the relative longevity of those who attend church regularly.

Others suggest that sensing we are part of God's plan imparts self-confidence to deal with the issues of life. At a biological level, that reduces stress contributing to fewer instances of high blood pressure or diabetes, depression and suicide.
In our age, many claim to be "spiritual but not religious." From a health point of view, those who practice their faith alone, do not reap the same benefits as those who are part of a faith community. Being part of a social group--like a book club or a sports team--may fulfil the need for community, but without a shared sense of meaning and a common vision of the meaning of life, these groups fall short of the health benefits of a church congregation.

We love to celebrate birthdays at SPPC. There is cake and singing and laughter and Christian love abounding. Why not join us?