SPPC Today

News for Sunday, May 4, 2025

Since our last newsletter, significant events have unfolded both locally and nationally, prompting reflection and prayer.

Most immediately and tragically, our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating incident at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver last Saturday. A senseless act of violence shattered lives and families in moments. This tragedy touches our church community directly, as we host the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Filipino congregation here at SPPC. While we are relieved that no JIL members were directly harmed, they share the sorrow of their close-knit community, knowing those who were impacted. We hold the victims, their families, the Filipino community, and our sister JIL congregation in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Premier David Eby has declared Friday, May 2nd, an official day of mourning in B.C. He described it as “a day for all British Columbians to reflect on the loss of life of innocent people; the injury to people who were only seeking to celebrate; both physical and psychic scars that are going to last for a lifetime.” Let us indeed take time tomorrow to grieve with those who grieve.

Events like these remind us starkly of the fragility of life, as Scripture notes in Isaiah:

All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty
is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:6b-8)

In this enduring Word, we find solace and confidence. Even in the face of sudden tragedy, we affirm that death does not have the final say. As the name of our sister congregation powerfully reminds us: Jesus is Lord!

Also occurring since our last update was the Canadian General Election. The result is a minority Liberal government under new Prime Minister Mark Carney, with the Conservatives forming the official opposition and the NDP and Bloc Québécois holding the balance of power. While the political configuration shares similarities with the previous parliament, we pray for wisdom and guidance for all our elected leaders as they serve our country.

May God grant peace to the grieving, wisdom to our leaders, and steadfast faith to us all.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 27:1-6, 13-14

• Acts 6:1-7:2a, 44-60 - Stephen’s Witness

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, God reveals his presence by G. Tersteegen & J. Neander, and the anthem, Come Follow Me by Jay Althouse & Sally Albrecht.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on May 7 at 7 p.m. only.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place next Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• The next Friendship Coffee will be on May 29 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our sister in Christ, Gladys Calder, last Friday evening. Please keep her family in your prayers.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

SUNDAY MORNING

Welcome to Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. 

Our worship takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning both in-person and online (via the SPPC YouTube Livestream button above). We invite you to join us each week as we continue to explore and follow the Word of God. Following the service, there will be a fellowship time at the back of the sanctuary.

For the safety of your neighbours, when you attend worship: 

• Please, perform a health check prior to attending.

• While masks are not required, feel free to wear one if you prefer.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.