Bow Down Low

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

The title for this week's blog comes from an old Shaker tune. The text speaks of the humble servant, working in the Lord's house. This past week at SPPC we've had many examples.

Last Sunday we inducted two new elders. Those who accept the role of elder in our denomination have responsibility for the physical, financial and spiritual well-being of the congregation. The element of "servant" is clear in these vows.

" to abide by the governance of our denomination while  providing a leadership that nurtures the peace and unity of Christ within their own congregation and within the worldwide church."

" to serve in an uplifting and gracefilled manner that will bless and encourage the church’s ministry of hope, peace, joy and love in the world."

We are grateful to Elizabeth and Pam for their willingness to serve.

***

On Wednesday there was another Sunshine Lunch. This one had a St. Patrick's Day theme. Again, thanks are due to the faithful servants who prepare and serve this treat for those of our congregation who live alone. Good food, good company and a party vibe. What a gift!

On Friday another group showed up to "sweep the Lord's House clean," literally. We scrubbed floors, cleaned the stoves and refrigerator, vacuumed the rugs, dusted and polished every wooden surface in the sanctuary and lounge, washed windows, swept out the cobwebs and spider nests hiding in buried corners -- and had a good time doing it. That's the thing about servants of God -- they rejoice in their work.

It has been a good week at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church.

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Next week is Easter. Please join us for any or all of the following services:

• Thursday, March 28 is Friendship Coffee at 10:00 am in the hall. All welcome
• Good Friday, March 29, 10:00 am in the sanctuary we hold a time of worship through a selection of readings and hymns. Please joine us as we contemplate the day of Jesus' Crucifixion. .
• Easter Sunday, March 31, 8:00 am we begin with an early morning service in Cy Hampson Park. Easter is early in the spring this year so don't expect the best of weather. Do expect joy and jubilation, and maybe a visiting songbird. 
• Easter Breakfast. After the service in the park we can warm up with a hot breakfast in the hall. Please join us at 9:00 am even if you do not go to the service in the park.
• Easter Worship in the sanctuary at 10:00 am. Please join us for a service of praise as we celebrate the joyful Resurrection on Easter morning. This service will also include the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Church Member part II

 The link for our streamed service this week is here

Linda being a servant

Continuing - I Am a Church Member By Thomas Rainer

 

I have set myself the task of discussing the Pledges that Thomas Rainer has given us in his book I Am a Church Member.  Previously, we looked at what it means to be a functioning and unifying member of a church community.  This week we will look at what it means to be a servant, the responsibility to pray for our church leaders as well as our responsibility to our family and church membership.

 

Rainer’s premise is that even though we like the churches we belong to, we are there to serve others, to give and to sacrifice.  The church is not there to cater to our wishes, we are to be the servant rather than the one who wants to be served.   The word servant occurs fifty-seven times in the New Testament and the word serve, fifty-eight.   Jesus said we are to be last of all and servant of all.  What does this mean in real terms?  It means we will not always get things our way.  We are to be obedient and put others first. 

 

The next task we are given is to pray for our church leaders.  Our ministers need prayer for their sermons, we should pray to God to give wisdom, insight and words to preach.  Their families need our prayers, as they face the expectations and pressures of being the minister’s family.  Rainer suggest that as a church member you should pray for the minister for at least five minutes a day.  Not too much to ask when you consider that his work is never ending, and his days are filled with constant demands for his time.   

 

The last two pledges Rainer wants to look at are helping our family members be contributing church members and for us to cherish our church membership as a gift.  Not all members of a family have accepted the gift of salvation.  However, we are to pray for them and by demonstrating our respect and love for the church we are living Christ’s example.  In my own family, I find that I am always being asked what I am doing “up at the church and what was the sermon about today”, opportunities to witness about Jesus.  Writing this blog leads to questions and opportunities!

 

Now that our communities are beginning to open up after COVID, we are looking at what we like about the before times and our now times.  I want my church to be a place of love and celebration.  Of finding the best way to serve each other and our community.  A place to grow in the love of Christ.  For me, this book has given me new tools and energy to be an active church member.

Ed. Note: My thanks to Linda Cliff for the blog this week. As well as including prayer in her daily life, she reads the Bible faithfully. Recently she completed Loving Jesus More Bible reading plan from @YouVersion!

Check it out here