Loyalty in Action

Our guest speaker this morning, Rick Wismer of the Big Blue Bus, told a story about his new puppy. (She still has much to learn about the way the world works.) 

It reminded me that I have another dog story in my files. This story came from Dr. Cecil Kirk, late of this congregation. His story was intended for the children's time, but I think it works for adults too.

The Faithful Dog

There is a story about a boy and his dog. They lived in Pompeii in Italy which is situated near a volcano. In AD79 it erupted. Smoke and fire burst out from the mountain. Ashes fell on the city. Burning rocks came tumbling down its slopes.

This didn’t happen without warning: some people took heed and fled the city in advance of the eruption. Others had disregarded the warnings.

Those who remained in the city were trapped in molten lava. Soon the whole city was buried in ash and lava; everyone died.

Centuries passed, the city was forgotten about. Then about 180 years ago people began to wonder about Pompeii. They began to dig through the ashes, cut away the lava. After time many streets, fine buildings, beautiful works of art were discovered.

In one place they found the body of a young boy, near him lay his dog, both killed by the eruption of the volcano.

On the dog was a collar; “This dog has three times saved his little master; once from fire, once from drowning, once from thieves.”

By himself, the dog might have escaped but he remained faithful to the very end. Dogs can teach us about loyalty - they stick with you through thick and thin.

The New Testament tells us that Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. No matter what happens He will stand by us.

And Jesus wants us to be as faithful as Him. There are some fair weather friends. They talk a lot but when the going gets tough they drop away. Jesus does not want people like that. We should be like the little boy’s dog. No matter how bad things are we should stay faithful to Him.

As well as occasionally filling in at the pulpit, Rick is part of a search and rescue organization and a youth leader. This is risky work. There may be times when Rick's courage is tested, but he knows that Christ will be faithful to him until the end. 
Thank you, Rick, for the work you do and for your example of faith in action.

P.S.  Here are the answers to last week's puzzle.
Puzzle Answer:

Creative Play

Sunday School teachers deserve a summer vacation too. So at SPPC children are invited to "Creative Play" during the sermon time on Sunday morning. Thanks to Janet for organizing this ministry.
If you feel like a little creative play yourself, why not try the crossword below.  A gold star to anyone who solves the puzzle and leaves a comment.

Bible Knowledge

By Bill Brinkworth

Across: 3. David's son 5. promise 8. prophetic book 9. tax collector 11. Nehemiah 12. offered strange fire 13. stoned to death 14. Babylonian false god 15. Cain's son 18. 15th O. T. book 20. father of harp 21. Samson killed

Down 1. prophecy author  2. preserve corpse  4. Jesus 6. 1st "church"  7. Jeremiah's father  8. sin  10. created on 5th day  14. liquid measure  16. place of torment  17. O. T. king 19. Jacob's son

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.

SPPC played host to Raven Baroque earlier this month. Our music director, Larry, is a member of the ensemble and dressed the part. That's him in the white wig and hugging a cello.

 

There were about 55 people in attendance, one lady came from Edmonton and another drove down from Nanaimo.

The ensemble has been a fixture in Victoria for a number of years, most visibly on the July 1 holiday when they present a free concert at the reservoir on Mt. Tolmie.

As well as playing instrumental music made famous by the likes of J.S. Bach and George Frederick Handel, the group includes a singer.

It was a treat for music lovers on the peninsula to come to a concert close to home. Sometimes the drive to and from the city is just too much. Part of our outreach program includes providing a venue for groups like Raven Baroque who would like to perform on the peninsula.

If you missed the Raven Baroque at SPPC, or you want to hear them again, their summer schedule includes Nootka Court on Aug. 3, Mt. Tolmie Reservoir on Aug 5, Victoria Public Library on Aug. 8, the Sidney Bandshell on Aug. 9, Christ Church Cathedral lawn August 10 and Willows Beach on Aug. 11.

For more details, check here.

SPPC's Soon to be Famous

Raptors, shmaptors, Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church has its own stars. 

Watching Chek TV News a few weeks ago, I was startled to see Max walking across the screen. The story was about the university, not Max, but he was there as an example of the student body. Of course, if the news team had been on their toes, they could have related how Max won the ultimate Canadian travel prize -- a weekend in Winnipeg in January. His trip wasn't just for pleasure, he was in an engineering competition. Maximilian went to the Western engineering competition. 

Erin, Diane's niece and sometime visitor to our congregation has earned a chance to represent Canada in cycling at the Pan Am Games this summer. This was also reported on Chek TV. You can see it here.

Finally, Benjamin is off to Nova Scotia! Last weekend the Victoria Capitals Senior Little League Team won the provincial championships in New Westminster. They travelled to  Sydney Mines in Nova Scotia for the Canadian Senior Little League

Championships. We've been hearing about Ben's competitions at church, but once again, I got the official word on Chek television news. Not only are there pictures of Benjamin and his team, he is also interviewed for the camera. Watch it all here (It's the whole newscast. Ben's bit is about 50 minutes in if you want to fast forward.) We wish Benjamin and his team all the best on this  adventure. Godspeed!

Congratulations to all on their success so far. We'll be cheering for you all the way.

Season's Round-up

The end of the school year signals the end of regular programs at SPPC as well. We are now all on summer schedule. Among other things, that means no choir on Sunday morning. Of course, before we went on holiday, the choir went out to dinner. 

At Mary's where the servings were generous!

Speaking of eating, the out-to-lunch-bunch had their second outing on July 4th. Some wore red,white and blue in honour of the US holiday. This time we were at the Spitfire Grill with 21 attendees. 

Next month, August 1, we'll be at the Beacon Landing in Sidney's waterfront hotel. But sure to sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you plan to attend. Obviously, the event is popular and we need to give enough notice to the restaurants we patronize.

When we're not eating out. We're celebrating with food after service. There have been a number of special birthdays lately. 

Carla invited us all to share a cake with her. 

Barb Chorlton celebrated her 102nd birthday, with help from some of the congregation at the Sunshine lunch earlier in June.

 And, finally, Helen Ewing celebrated her 97th birthday on Sunday. Both the cake and Helen look terrific.

The flowers in the sanctuary on Sunday were dedicated to God and in thanksgiving for family. At SPPC we are blessed not only with our birth family, but with the family of believers that make up this congregation. Loving hearts who share joy and sorrow, laughter and singing and occasional tears. Let us give thanks for all those who make up the family of God. Ephesians 2: 19-22

Picnic 2019

I missed the church picnic this year but Janet and Tore and Diane have shared their pictures. Hope you all enjoy them.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁵ And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.