The Expanding Table

Link to this week's live-streamed service is here

  

A celebration of life service I attended featured a slide show featuring the many family gatherings that had marked the life of the deceased. Image after image showed family dinners through the years. 

The early photos showed the newly weds celebrating their first Christmas together at a small table. Then there were photos of babies and children added to that group. The table expanded.

Then the children brought home their own partners and another table was added to accommodate them all. Soon grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the group. Just like the grandmother's heart, her table kept expanding. 

i

This week, our congregation has hosted a visitation from presbytery. It's been a very long time since the last visit, so just to refresh your memory, here is a statement from the Presbyterian Church in Canada about the relationship between congregations and presbytery.

• God calls us to be one body in Christ. The emphasis on relationships is evident in the New Testament. Throughout His ministry, Jesus sought to create a community of followers. Paul’s letters frequently addressed the behaviour of members of the early churches, particularly with directives about relating to “one another;   “live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16 • “pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19) • “bear one another’s burdens” (Galations 6:2) • “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:32) • “look to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4) • “teach and admonish one another” (Colossians 3:16) • “pray for one another” (James 5:16)

 In the Presbyterian Church in Canada covenantal relationships exist between presbyteries, congregations and ministers. They are rooted in our relationship with God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — and in our understanding of who and whose we are. The congregation calls a minister, and the congregation and minister covenant to work together in ministry. The presbytery is responsible to care for the wellbeing of congregations and ministers within its bounds, by providing support and a means for accountability. Presbyteries, congregations and ministers must strive continuously to live out these covenants faithfully. 

We often think of our congregation as our "church family." It's a great metaphor but, just like the family in those pictures I mentioned, we are connected to others. The presbytery visitation is a reminder that SPPC does not exist alone. We are part of the Vancouver Island Presbytery, the Synod of British Columbia, the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and, ultimately, the world wide church, founded on Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

The word "visitation" conjures the word "inspection."  We might be better to think of it as a visit from a beloved relative or wise mentor. One who has come to see how we are doing, to offer encouragement and advice. One who shares the wisdom of experience and wishes only the best for our congregation. 

Following worship on Sunday morning,  SPPC expanded the table once more as congregants and presbyters sat down together for lunch. We shared our worries and our hopes. We sought guidance. We compared notes. It was a good time for family.

Cheerful Meetings

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

I attended four very different "meetings" at church this week. The first, on Wednesday was Bible Study, the second, on Thursday, was a district lunch for parishioners on Joan and Janet's elders list, the third, on Thursday was choir practice, while the fourth, on Sunday was the much delayed Annual Congregational meeting. 

The Wednesday and Thursday meetings were marked by much laughter. I know, not everyone associates laughter with Bible Study, but at SPPC we've thrown out the "dour Presbyterian" label. Listening to, learning from, and sharing a laugh with each other is a hallmark of our study, whatever the topic. We have two more sessions on the Letter of James, if you want to come along on a Wednesday.

The Thursday lunch included lots of food, conversation and more laughter.  There was plenty of head scratching as well. We were given a gardening quiz with 20 questions. The highest score was 12. 

 We did much better on the general knowledge questions with answers like Albert Einstein, Pamela Anderson, J. F. Kennedy and Walt Disney.  (You had to be there.😕)

Since the lunch had been originally scheduled for Christmas, we all got presents, one for Christmas and one for spring. 

 

Thank you Joan and Janet.

Also on Thursday, the choir met. We're a small but dedicated band, who find joy in making music together. Practices are not as efficient as they might be because they are punctuated with much laughter. We sing praise to God with cheerful hearts.

The Sunday meeting was the Annual Congregational Meeting. Those with a long history in the church often groan at the mention of the ACM. Admittedly, they can be tedious. But we zipped through the business portion with alacrity. Voted yes on Session's recommendations and said thank you to dozens of people who  helped out at SPPC during 2022. There was even a laugh as we discussed the financial review.

Mary Poppins sang "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

The Bible says: Psalm 126:2: “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’”

In every moment of our lives, we witness to Christ's love for us. Let us reflect His love with joy.

Easter 2023

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

Another damp outdoor Easter service in Cy Hampson Park. 

At least the heavy rain held off and the wind was light.

The bird sang in a different tree. The old tree is gone.

The musicians at 8:00 am

The annual photo for the outdoor service on Easter morning. 

The musicians for 10:00 am

Breakfast in the hall. Thank you kitchen staff. I was cold and wet and hungry. Coffee and hot cross buns were perfect.

Jerusha's handiwork, and a happy greeting for the congregation at 10:00 am.

 Thank you to Tore and Elizabeth for sharing their pictures with this post.

Sunshine or rain . . .

Christ is Risen. 

He is Risen indeed. 

Hallelujah.

Holy Week

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

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy week, a time when Christians around the world observe the last days of Christ's life on earth. In sorrow and awe we follow His progression from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the horror of Golgotha. The gospels give us an account of that time.

 

Palm Sunday – entrance into Jerusalem

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey the crowds who thronged to greet him waved palm branches and shouted Hosanna. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.  This is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19.

Holy Monday*

After spending the previous night in Bethany, Jesus returned to Jerusalem. Mark's gospel records a short incident where He cursed a fig tree because it had no fruit.

Once in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple. As it was near Passover, the money changers were doing a brisk business in the temple courts. Jesus became angry. He overturned the tables, set loose the doves and pigeons. When they objected He said, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves." 

Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, 

Holy Tuesday

On this day, Jesus returned to the Temple in Jerusalem where he taught and debated with the chief priests. later in the day he went to the Mount of Olives where He taught the disciples. He predicted His death, and warned the disciples of the coming destruction of the Temple and the persecutions that they would face, in His name. The disciples were puzzled and grieved.  The gospel of Matthew records those teachings at length. 

Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38.

Holy Wednesday – into the darkness

The Bible does not record Jesus' activities on this day although scholars suspect He rested with his disciples.  At one time the church referred to this day as "Spy Wednesday" as it is believed that Judas Iscariot conspired with the chief priests to betray Jesus. Matt 26: 14.

Some churches may hold a Tenebrae service on Wednesday.  The form of the service varies depending upon the denomination but usually begins in a room lit with many candles.  As the events of Holy week are read from the gospels, the candles are extinguished one by one, until the sanctuary is left in darkness.

Worshippers exit in silence to ponder Christ's death and await the  Resurrection.

Maundy Thursday – Passover and the Last Supper 

On this day, Jesus gathered with the disciples in the upper room to celebrate the Jewish feast of Passover. He washed the disciples feet, and exhorting them to love one another as I have loved you.

The last supper that Jesus shared with his disciples is the model for our Sacrament of Holy Communion. It was here that Jesus took the bread and wine and commended them to the disciples as His body "broken for you," and His "blood shed for you." 

From there Jesus took the disciples with Him to the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed all night. The disciples kept falling asleep. Then Judas arrived with the soldiers to arrest Jesus. Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one, but Jesus healed the man and told Peter to put up his sword.

Jesus was then led away to the house of the high priest. His trial begins.

Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.

Good Friday -- Jesus' Agony on the Cross

Jesus is tried before Pontius Pilate. Even though the Roman ruler wishes to release Him, the crowd cries "crucify." In the end, Pilate "washes his hands" of Jesus and hands him over to the Jews. Jesus is  taken to Golgotha. Beaten and exhausted, Jesus collapses under the weight of the cross He is forced to carry. When they come to the Place of the Skull, He is crucified with two others, one on His right and the other on His left.

The term "Good" Friday comes from an obsolete meaning of the word meaning "holy" or "pious." For the Christian Good Friday is the most sombre day on the calendar.

Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.

Holy Saturday

In the Jewish tradition, Saturday is the Sabbath, a quiet, holy day. Jesus' body lay in the tomb, guarded by Roman soldiers. When the
Sabbath ended at 6:00 pm, some women went and prepared spices to anoint the body.

Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.

Resurrection Sunday, or Easter  

In Luke, we read that very early in the morning women went to the grave, but they found the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. 

On this day Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene as she stood by the tomb. Later, He appeared to Peter and two other disciples on the road to Emmaus. Still later in the day He appeared to all of the disciples (except Thomas) where they were gathered at a house to pray. 

The empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our Christian faith.

 Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.

Holy Week Services at SPPC

• Good Friday Service: 10:00 a.m.
• Easter Sunday Sunrise: 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park (8891 Lochside Dr., North Saanich)
• Easter Sunday Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. in the SPPC Hall
• Easter Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m

May you have a blessed, holy week.

Concert with a Cause

 

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

There has been much excitement around our mission trip to the Dominican Republic over the past few weeks. We can report that our folks arrived safe and sound -- with their luggage, and are now hard at work.

Of course, the need for volunteers and money and prayers and compassion and good will is felt all over the world. 

Two members of our congregation are very involved in an education program in Africa. Education is one of the keys to ending poverty.

Brian Dowse and Elizabeth Dow have a deep connection to supporting Eagle HeightsAfrica. Their shared passion arises independently from their life experiences and is joined in this worthy cause. Brain worked in several parts of Africa as a civil engineer. Elizabeth understands the role that education plays in improving individuals' lives through her career in social work.

 

EagleHeights Africa in BC was founded in 2010 and arose from the dream of Njoki Nganga, a Kenyan woman with a doctorate in Advanced Social Work. It was established to assist disadvantaged children in obtaining an education. Njoki came to Vancouver Island in 2008 to visit her friends Bill and Joan German. The three worked together to create a framework for Canadians to sponsor children in Africa. By 2014, eleven children were sponsored to go to school. Today, students formulate plans that include careers as doctors, pilots, and lawyers.

 

The Canadian co-founders of the Eagle Heights Africa in BC society died in 2020, but the society continues their legacy of enriching lives through education. A volunteer board now runs it, ensuring that all the children’s sponsorships are paid for, and any extra expenses that arise for their education are covered.

 

TheArbutus Singers have long worked with non-profit organizations to raise funds. The choir notes that they have raised over $500,000 in their 25 years. They started as a group of 15 singers but now are up to 80, with a diverse repertoire and singing in four to six parts. 

 

The Arbutus Singers Concert will be held at the Mary Winspear Centre on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are reasonable at $25 each.

 

Ed. Note:   Thanks to Diane Cunningham for preparing this post.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

And . . .they're Off!

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

Sunday morning, we commissioned a new mission team to travel to the Dominican Republic. I can't help but remember we did the same thing in March of 2020 only to have everything cancelled by COVID-19.  I guess it is a sign that the pandemic no longer holds us in its grip, that, this time, there is no cancellation. 

For the past several months we've been collecting and storing supplies at SPPC. On Saturday, they were all hauled out and organized in preparation for packing into suitcases on Sunday after service.

The pictures at right show the wealth of school supplies donated by the congregation and the community. 

The pictures below show some of the medical supplies the team are taking to restock the medical clinic in Pedregal. In a lovely bit of synchronicity, many of those items came from the Compassionate Resource Warehouse, an organization that is supported by our congregation. The goal of the CRW is to get supplies to places in the world where they are needed. Often that means paying freight. In this case, our mission team will 

carry the goods in their bags, saving the cost of freight. It's a win-win-win. 

Note the lovingly assembled maternity kits. There is a package for the new baby including diapers, receiving blankets and a knitted cap and toy. A second package contains supplies for the mother, including some of those cotton dish clothes knitted so assiduously by members of our congregation.

I had to include this set of photos. Note the package of Tim Horton's coffee. How Canadian is that?

Volunteers can be few or many, but no one works well on an empty stomach.

There are six people going from SPPC are joining with volunteers from other congregations to form a large team of helpers. 

Packing -- Packed

Like the volunteers before them, our team expects to work to build brick houses, so much more durable than wooden ones, and to assist in the medical clinic. 

We wish them God speed, safe travels and the experience of a lifetime.

To cheer your spirit;

• Last week I dropped my Smile card outside of Thrifty's. When I realized it was missing, I called the store, but without much hope. As it turned out, some honest soul had found the card and turned it in, with the balance intact. How's that for an antidote to the endless bad news on our television sets?
• On Thursday this week, Friendship Coffee will be held at the church at 10:00 am. Come meet old friends, discover new ones, and enjoy a time of fellowship.
• Bible Study resumes at 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Wednesday

Our mission team is ministering with the House Upon the Rock. To learn more about them follow this link. http://houseupontherock.net/  

The news

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

Are you adjusting to the time change yet? There were a few sleepy people in the pews on Sunday morning. Fortunately for us, Rev. Arnie Alskne was filling in at the pulpit and he was wide awake. 
Rev. Arnie has graced us with his leadership often enough now that he feels like an old friend to the congregation. His sermon on "living water" was refreshing, even if punctuated by several sips from the water glass. If you missed it, the link at the top of the page lets you listen to the whole service.

Spring has been very slow to arrive this year but sometime over the weekend, my crocus popped up. They are a pretty reminder of the glory of creation, and the generosity of our God.

A few slices of pie showed up in coffee hour this morning to remind us of the success of the pie auction last week. As the date for the mission team's departure draws closer, two more donations resulted in the purchase of 20 brand new backpacks for distribution in the Dominican Republic. 

Two social events are scheduled. 

• Sunshine lunch on Monday will feature a St. Patrick's theme. 

• Friendship Coffee on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 am will feature goodies and good conversation. All welcome. This is a great opportunity to get to know members of the congregation.

Bible Study continues on Wednesday morning at 10:00 am. This will be the last session on the R.C. Sproul series, "The Holiness of God." 

Here is some food for thought from lecture three and four:

• What does the Bible say about sin in Leviticus 16:21, 2 Samuel 12:9-10 and 1 Kings 12:21?
• What does God promise in 1 John 1:9?
• How does Romans 3:19 show the universal application of God's law to all people, before and after the Resurrection? 
• Three key words in Romans 3: 24-25 are justified, redemption, propitiation. What does this teach us about salvation?

Next week, Rev. Irwin will be back and we will pick up the study on James starting on the fifth lesson in the study guide. Please join us. Previous attendance is not required. Come and explore God's word together with your fellow believers.