A Call to Prayer

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

We are delighted to welcome Rev. Arnie Alksne to the pulpit this week. Rev. Irwin is away at Synod in Vancouver. 

Just a quick refresher -- Synod is the third of four levels of government in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Session is the first and is responsible for an individual congregation. Presbytery is next with oversighjt, in our case, of congregations on Vancouver Island. Synod of B.C. is responsible for all Presbyterian congregations in B.C. and General Assembly is the top governing court of the denomination, with supervision of all Presbyterian churches in Canada.

The word "Synod" comes from the Greek "synodos" and refers to assemblies within the Christian church.  

The Oxford Languages dictionary provides the following definition.

syn·od

/ˈsinəd/

noun

1. 1.

   an assembly of the clergy and sometimes also the laity in a diocese or other division of a particular Church.

   "the deanery synod"
2. 2.

   a Presbyterian ecclesiastical court above the presbyteries and subject to the General Assembly.
3. 
   

A synod (/ˈsɪnəd/) is a council of a Christian denomination, usually convened to decide an issue of doctrine, administration or application. The word synod comes from the Greek: σύνοδος, meaning "assembly" or "meeting"; the term is analogous with the Latin word concilium meaning "council".

The 131st Synod of B.C. Presbyterian churches held over the past weekend, dealt largely with administrative matters, like electing a moderator for the 2023-2024 year, and the issuing of grants to various projects within local congregations. It is gratifying to know that Synod finances are healthy. 

After all the excitement of Thanksgiving Sunday, we had a quieter week at SPPC. 

• We continue to collect for the "Cozy Toes" project. Until the end of October we are encouraged to donate warm socks and toiletries for the Mustard Seed Church. They will distribute them to people in need on the streets of Victoria. We are so glad they have been able to resume their ministries after their devastating fire earlier this year.
• Bible Study continued on Wednesday. The chapter was titled "Finding Wisdom." The group discussion question asked us to describe a skill we`d like to acquire to improve our life, work or relationships. -- Interesting conversations ensued.
• Choir met for practice on Thursday. 
• Coming up on Friday, 20th is our deep cleaning bee. All volunteers welcome.

Regular classes, administrative work, maintenance -- these necessary tasks don`t make for splashy headlines but they are a reminder that the church marches on through high days and low days. We gather, we worship, we support one another, and we pray.

As our newscasts are filled with tales of war and want, horror and heroism, prayer is our greatest consolation and our greatest service.

I

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8: 26

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. Acts 14:23

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 1 Timothy 2:1

As you talk with our Lord this week, may you be blessed and may you be a blessing.

Counting Our Blessings

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

On this Thanksgiving weekend, our congregation has so much to be thankful for. To begin, we have the fruits of creation. Despite climate change, weird weather, fires and smoke, and disappearing pollinators, the gardens produced fruit and vegetables for the table. Thank you to all who contributed and all who set up the display.

We give thanks to Joan and her helpers for the Sunshine Lunch on Monday. As you can see from the happy faces, the opportunity for those who live alone to sit down at a meal together with friends is a great blessing.

We are thankful for Jerusha and her commitment to Cops for Cancer and the Tour de Rock ride that ended with her having her head shaved. Jerusha made this gesture in memory of her sister, Ruth. Her goal was to raise $1500.00 but in the end she more than doubled that target, raising $3834.28. Well done, Jerusha, and many thanks to the folks from SPPC who supported her fund-raising and turned out at the Shoal Centre to witness the "haircut."

In total, this year's ride raised over $1,000,000.00. 

Jerusha being honoured by the whole team

On Saturday, just in time for Thanksgiving Sunday, a new mat was laid at the main door, completing the refurbishment of our front entrance. We want to present a welcoming face to those who come to our building. We now have bright lines in the parking lot, freshly varnished doors, and a new welcome mat. 

For the fruit of all creation --

For our fellowship at SPPC --

For hands to serve and hearts to love --

For Christ, our Saviour, --

Thanks be to God.

Among Friends

 The link to this week's live-streamed service is here,

Friendship Coffee met on Thursday morning in the hall at SPPC. This is one of the oldest ministries of our congregation, beginning a scant four years after the present church building was opened. We have received many accolades for being a friendly congregation so it is no surprise that friendship coffee is so deeply embedded in our congregational life.

There are many places to meet friends and share a cup of coffee -- Tim Horton's, Shoal Centre, Anavets, -- to name a few, but coffee at the church with friends fills a special longing. 

Over the years the program has evolved. Organizers have retired or passed away. COVID-19 put a hold on gatherings. For a time we had to meet outside in order to comply with public health regulations.  We still meet at the rose garden in Sidney when the weather is nice. 

We've moved from twice a month meetings to once a month. There used to be a very active knitting group, plying their needles for the Compassionate Warehouse. I saw only one ball of wool this week, but there is talk of reviving the tradition. Yet, despite the changes,  Friendship Coffee at SPPC has endured for over twenty-five years.

One reason may be the delicious home baking provided by Irene, one of our current conveners. But there is more to it than that. I asked a few of the coffee-drinkers on Thursday morning, some of whom are not worshippers at SPPC. Their answer was always the same, "fellowship." There is something special about the friendship offered at SPPC that sets us apart from commercial gathering places. 

If we look to Proverbs, we see many attributes of a friend.

• Friends do not gossip or listen to gossip, allowing it to hurt the friendship (Proverbs 16:28); Friends stick around even when things get difficult,  (Proverbs 18:24).
• Friends give pleasant, sincere advice, seeking our highest good (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 12:26); 
•  Friends challenge each other to meet the highest good (Proverbs 27:17).
• Friends are not bad-tempered (Proverbs 22:24-25); 

Perhaps it is these Biblical aspects of being a friend that makes Friendship Coffee so beloved.

As an aside, our Bible Study group is currently looking at the Book of Proverbs.  Wednesday, Oct. 11, the topic is "Finding Widsom." We meet at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome at either time.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, we celebrated Worldwide Communion. This is another form of friendship.  We come from different nations, speak different languages, belong to different denominations, but we are among friends when we gather at the Lord's Table. 

Jesus is Lord congregation, a group who worships in our building on Sunday afternoons, celebrated a milestone in September.  It was the 25th anniversary of their congregation on Vancouver Island, and the 6th anniversary of the group that meets at SPPC.

The congregation is a different demographic from ours, their style of worship is much louder than ours and, in this case, it uses a lot more  purple than ours. But we count them as friends. We worship the same Lord, are redeemed by the same Christ, and live with the same Hope.

 In the coming week;

 May you all enjoy the company of friends.                                           May you prove a faithful friend,                                                            May you walk confidently with our greatest Friend.  

Maintenance

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

Just like the public works department paints new lines on the the roads around schools in September, SPPC had fresh paint applied to the lines in our parking lot. They are so bright, they practically glow in the dark!

the "before" curbs 

Men at work

after

Since we're in a "freshen up" frame of mind, the front doors were taken down, sanded, varnished, and re-hung this week as well. We walk through those doors every week without giving them a thought, but close examination shows they were definitely in need of a little TLC.

water damage from many years of rain

a very "open" view

beautiful, but don't touch

And here is someone who is very well maintained! 

Happy Birthday to Emily, who celebrated her 100th with a tea at SPPC on Saturday afternoon.

Congratulations from Rev. Irwin

                              lots of friends stopped by for the party.

And, speaking of parties, if you're looking for fun and fellowship, Friendship Coffee meets this Thursday, 10:00 am at the church on E. Saanich Rd. All are welcome, church member or not.

 I recently read a book where an introvert, not inclined to small talk, wore a badge when he went to parties. The badge read "talk to me about salvation." He was mostly left alone. 

If you do want to talk about salvation, come to Bible Study on Wed. at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm. This term we are studying Proverbs. Last week we talked about being wise when temptation came calling. This week, we seek ways to avoid The Fool. Each lesson can stand alone so feel free to attend even if you've missed the previous ones.

While we're in Proverbs, consider 16:31  Long life is the reward of the righteous; grey hair is a glorious crown.

More cake on Sunday morning.

Living Wisely

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

Bible Study started this week. We are looking at Proverbs--Learning to Live Wisely. 

The introduction to the study points out the numerous books that are published every year teaching us how to "do it yourself" or to practice "self-help." In reality, those books teach wisdom, whether it is the mechanical knowledge of how to fix a sewing machine, or the emotional wisdom to recognize depression and seek help.

The Book of Proverbs, in the Bible, teaches wisdom for living.

The Proverbs is often ascribed to King Solomon, but there were other authors as well. The intent of this Book of Wisdom was to instruct the sons of leaders from different backgrounds on the ways to live and prosper in this world. Thanks to the Bible, that manual of instruction is available, not just to the elite, but to all of God's children. The opening verses lay out this purpose --

for attaining wisdom and discipline/for understanding words of insight . . . for understanding proverbs and parables, /the sayings and riddles of the wise. Proverbs 1: 2-6

Since proverbs are usually one or two lines long, looking at a whole book of them may seem daunting, but don't despair, the study presents wisdom in easily digestible bits.

The first lesson was on Proverbs 9,  a comparison of Wisdom and Folly. Interestingly, the two characters invite "the simple and those who lack judgement" to a feast. They seem to offer comparable opportunities, but a closer look reveals that Wisdom cares for her guests and wants what is best for them. Folly . . . not so much.

Coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 20, is an examination of gullibility vs prudence.

Each lesson in the study can stand alone, so if you missed session one feel free to attend session two. The coffee is hot, the goodies plentiful, and the encouragement of fellow students priceless.

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• Congratulations to Bill and Margaret on the occasion of their 68th wedding anniversary. 
  
  
  
  
• There will be some maintenance work at SPPC in the coming week. Watch out for detours in the parking lot, and missing front doors. Despite that, the church will be open at the usual times for meetings, services, study sessions.

• Next Sunday, Sept. 24, is Food Bank Sunday. Any donations are welcome. Place them in the bins in the Narthex for pick-up on Monday.
• The 24th is also Presbyterians Sharing Sunday, an opportunity to share with our fellow Canadians. Drought and wildfires this summer has placed enormous strain on many communities, in B.C. and across the country.

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Last week we sang "Let All Things Now Living," a hymn of thanksgiving for the wonders of creation. We've had a week of beautiful sunshine, clear skies, and cool evenings. Let us give thanks to our Creator.

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

Name Your Hymn

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

                                                             

                            Summer Hours

It seems like yesterday

That school let out that day.

And summer stretched an endless dream

In which to romp and play.

It seems like only yesterday

We swam and built a raft 

And tracked each other through the woods

With Indian skill and craft

Where have they gone, those summer hours?

They've simply flown away

And now they’re just a memory

For the school bell rings today.

 

by Colleen Bianchi

It feels as though we have crash-landed into the Fall term at full speed. Many years we get a few days of September before the Labour Day weekend. Those few days of the new month ease us into the knowledge that summer has ended and we are headed back to school, work and regular routine. No such warning in 2023. Rev. Irwin was in the pulpit on Sunday morning, Session meets this Wednesday and the choir rehearses this Thursday evening. Whew!

We were recently given a book for our library called How Sweet the Sound - The power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns. In the introduction the author, Laura L. Smith, recounts how a familiar hymn transported her away from her present circumstances and back to her childhood church, standing beside her mother, wearing her Sunday dress and holding the hymnbook between them. For a moment, the author could hear her mother's voice singing the words. "How," she asks, "can just a few notes of a hymn do that?"

I expect many of us have had similar experiences. This Sunday we began worship with Holy, Holy, Holy. I didn't need the hymnbook. In my childhood church, every service began with that hymn. Like the author mentioned above, the words and music took me back. I could feel the smooth wood of our shaped, oak pews, smell the lemon furniture polish, and see the jewel-tones of the sun shining through the stained glass. 

Music evokes memory in powerful ways. It also embeds words in our subconscious. Since many of our hymns teach our creed (listen to Sunday's sermon on-line) they are a great way to keep the tenets of our faith before us. An ear-worm may be annoying, but having hymns of praise and faith and consolation entrenched in the memory banks is a good thing.

Our congregation loves to sing and we each cherish particular hymns. Now that we're starting a new term, parishioners are invited to request their favourites from time to time. Look on the bulletin board in the narthex for a sign up sheet. Not every choice will fit every worship theme, but every choice will fit some worship theme, so don't be shy. Even if your dearest hymn is not in our Book of Praise, we'll find a way to include it on a Sunday morning.

Welcome September. Welcome the new term. Welcome to SPPC.