BOOK REVIEW

Love in a Broken Vessel
 by Mesu Andrews



As a lover of Historical Fiction I found this to be an excellent read! The book is described by the publisher to be an epic journey of intimacy, rejection , betrayal …and hope. Hosea is commanded by God to marry a prostitute in order to show God’s people the nature and depth of His love for Israel. This would be a difficult command to follow.
This is a fictional account of Old Testament times but the story of Hosea and Gomer is true. What I found so interesting was that as the reader I was learning about the world these characters inhabit. As we read the Bible, many of us do not understand the customs, living conditions and traditions of the peoples of Israel and Judah. Andrews tells the reader the politics of the time in a way that helps the story to come alive. At the time of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer the kingdom of Israel was split into two nations. Israel comprised the northern nation of the ten rebelling tribes, while the tribe of Judah formed a new nation with its capital in Jerusalem. The people of Israel had been drawn into worshiping pagan gods, stoking Yahweh’s wrath and breaking His heart.

It is in this setting that the story of Hosea and Gomer unfolds. The history of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer mirrors the marriage between God and mankind. Gomer is unfaithful, can not stop her worship of idols, yet Hosea continues to forgive her, love her and take her back. We are unfaithful but God is faithful and He keeps taking us back time after ttime. Gomer rejects Hosea’s love and runs from him whenever she has the opportunity. This leads to a life of misery and rejection, but the love of Hosea and his God are a constant in Gomer’s journey. Finally, Gomer can no longer ignore the love of God and is able to recognize we are all broken vessels, Redemption comes when we submit to Yahweh’s hands and are mended by His mercy.

There is much detail in this account of Hosea’s life that is fiction; however the Biblical account is historically accurate. What a treat, read a great love story and increase your knowledge about Old Testament times.

Other books by Ms Andrews in this series “Love Amid the Ashes”- Job’s story and “Love’s Sacred Song”-a book about Solomon.


Review by Linda Cliff

YOUR LIBRARY

by Linda Cliff




Let me introduce myself. My name is Linda Cliff and I am excited to say that I have volunteered to be the Library person for Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. Everyone says they are excited when they get a new job and then comes the hard work and some of that excitement can fade. Hopefully, that will not be my story as I always wanted to be a librarian, and now that I have retired from nursing I will get a chance to fulfill this wish.

I recently attended a Conference presented by the Church Library Association of BC (CLABC). At this conference I learned:

 The church library needs a mission statement

 The church library is a Ministry

 The church library should be set up to support members of the congregation in their walk of faith

 Volunteers are an integral part of any church library

 There needs to be policies and structure so that operation of the library is not a mystery to the congregation

 The CLABC was developed to help congregations like ours make the most of their libraries
Quite the list! And these are only the high points.

We are a small library however there are many interesting books that you may find useful. Over the next weeks, I will

 organize the books we have into categories that will make it easier for you to find a topic that you may wish to explore.

There are many Bible Study guides available and this may be something you wish to continue after our weekly Bible Study takes its summer recess. Also, there are many works of fiction that would be perfect for your summer reading!


The Library is located in the main hall and you will be seeing some more books added over the next month. These books were donated and will add some more current titles to our collection. As the Mission Statement and some policies are developed I will be sharing them with Session and then with you.

How can you help? I will be looking for volunteers in the future and if you read a book that you feel may help someone in their walk of faith, do a book review so that we can all grow in the knowledge of the Lord and His love.

YOUTH MINISTRY

The term Youth Ministry is often used to denote a ministery to youth in the church.  In this case I'm using it to describe the ministry of the youth in our church both to the congregation of SPPC and to the larger world.
Last Sunday, they held a bake sale to raise funds to support our foster child, Ramsha, in India.

This Sunday, they sang an anthem in church, then presented a concert at the Shoal Centre, bringing music and a few smiles to to residents there.  Note the rainbow created by Felicity for this occasion.  You can see it in the Ross Lounge now.

Next Sunday, they will be taking part in the service as readers, greeters, ushers and fellowship leaders.

It is common practice for churches to ponder what they can do for the youth in their midst.  SPPC is privileged to ponder "what is our youth contributing today?"

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

The Living Flame Choir has an anthem called "The Good Samaritan" that repeats the question, "who is my neighbour and just how far should my love go?"
Well, one of our neighbours at SPPC is the Field of Dreams just across the traffic circle.  So, when they were looking for sponsors, for the over 400 children involved in ball programs there, they came to our church.   Session discussed the request and decided that this was a place we could practice being a good neighbour. SPPC is now a gold sponsor of the Field of Dreams.  Look for us in their programs and on their scoreboard.  You might also find the odd ballplayer enjoying a hot dog in the SPPC parking lot.

   At the other end of the spectrum, is the

Extended Care wing of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.  We provide ministry there too, by taking a worship service on the afternoon of the fourth Sunday of every odd month.  I was there in March and witnessed first hand the practical ways members of our congregation show forth the love of Christ and practice the art of being a Good Neighbour.
    As an institution SPPC is present to our neighbours, but what about you?  As individuals we also need to share the gospel, offer a helping hand, cheer on a new Christian and hold a cup of water for the thirsty.  
      "Who is our neighbour and just how far should our love go?"

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.John:13:35

On Sunday morning, there was evidence of much love within the congregation of SPPC.  We celebrated two important birthdays.  

With flowers,
with the singing of happy birthday, at least twice if not four times.
We had cake.

We had laughter and good wishes and friendship.  We rejoiced together and gave thanks for the years we have shared.  We broke bread (cake)together and we embraced one another as members of the family of God.   

Hallelujah and Happy Birthday.

EASTER 2013

Christ is Risen.  
He is Risen Indeed.  Hallelujah!

Sunrise:

8:00 am in Cy Hampson Park. 

The bird came to sing 

For the first time in five years, we didn't have to carry umbrellas.

This one was too small for the group photo.

9:00 am in Molloy Hall.  Easter bonnets on display.

A birthday girl.

Happy Easter one and all.

HOLY WEEK

As we move away from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and into the solemn and terrible events of Holy Week, you may wish to add to your personal devotional time.  If you haven't found just the right devotional booklet for yourself, here is a link to an on-line guide that may help. 
Of course, our church is also offering plenty of opportunity for corporate prayer as well.

On Thursday, March 28, 6:00 pm we will hold a Tenebrae Service in the sanctuary.  Tenebrae is the Latin word for "shadows." The service is usually celebrated on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. In the Protestant traditions, the service usually follows the readings of the gospels covering the Last Supper and the Passion of Christ. As the readings proceed, candles are extinguished, representing the flight of the disciples, the hatred of the enemies of Christ and the Crucifixion of Jesus. As the service draws to an end, the Church is dark, remembering Jesus in the tomb. Often, as the congregation leaves, a single candle is then lit, reminding us of the hope of Easter resurrection.

Good Friday, March 29, 10:00 am we join with other churches on the peninsula for a combined Good Friday service at Friendship Community Church, 7820 C. Saanich Rd., Saanichton.

Easter Sunday, March 31, 8:00 am  Sunrise service at Cy Hampson Park.  Easy parking.  The forecast is for good weather this year, so we may actually see the sun.  Come and join us for this inspiring service
And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. Mark 16:2

Easter Sunday, March 31, 9:00 am  Easter Breakfast in Molloy Hall at SPPC. 

Easter Sunday, March 31, 10:00 am, Easter Sunday Worship in the sanctuary of SPPC.   Prayer, preaching and music make this the most joyful service of the year.  Come and join us.