SPPC Today

News for Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Second Sunday of Advent

This Second Sunday of Advent, we will light the candle of Peace. But how do we find peace in a world that seems anything but peaceful? Where do we discover that promised peace amidst the clamour and chaos of daily life, the anxiety of global events, or the personal struggles we each face? We must recognize that the peace Advent promises is not merely an absence of conflict, but rather a deep-rooted sense of stillness within our souls. It is the unwavering trust that God is present, even in the midst of turmoil, and that His love ultimately prevails.

This peace is cultivated through intentional practices: prayer, studying God's word, worship and acts of service to others. It is found in forgiveness, both of ourselves and of others. It is nurtured in moments of gratitude, when we recognize the blessings that surround us, even in the midst of challenges. But this peace is not meant to be contained; it longs to be shared. This Advent, let us commit to cultivating these practices, allowing the peace of Christ to take root within us and radiate outwards. Let us be peacemakers in our families, our community, and our world, extending grace ans compassion to all we meet.

Worship this Sunday

Come join us for worship this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.! You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 33:1, 4-5, 8-9, 12-15, 20-22

• Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34

• Luke 22:14-20 

This week we look forward to our choir singing the anthem, How Will We Know Him When He Comes by Jay Althouse.

This Week at SPPC

• Our Christmas Sunshine Lunch takes place tomorrow, Monday, December 9 at noon.

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues this December 11 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• This Sunday is the final day of our Advent Food Bank Drive. Please take this opportunity to help your neighbours in need, as all contributions go to the Saanich Peninsula Food Bank. A big thank you to all who have already contributed. A Christmas Poinsettia draw will be held for donors after worship.

Next Sunday, December 15

• We look forward to the Rev. Arnold Alksne taking to the pulpit once more, next Sunday, December 15. Rev. Irwin Cunningham will be leading worship and communion at Trinity, Victoria.

• Share the joy this Christmas! Bring your White Gifts or Toonies. Your generosity will help provide gifts for our shut-ins and for those in need in our community.

• Calling all bakers! Support our DR Mission Team by baking for our Bake Sale (follows worship).

• Trinity, Victoria is hosting a joint Blue Christmas Service with St. Andrew’s, Knox and SPPC at 2:00 p.m. on December 15. This is a service of healing and hope for those who are dealing with pain and loss during this Christmas period. All are welcome.

Coming Up

• The Lunch Bunch invites you to the Legislature Dining Room on Thursday, December 19 at 11:30 a.m. Please, sign up this Sunday (we need to book ahead). The sign-up sheet, menu and travel information are in the narthex.

• Christmas Services

  • December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 p.m.

  • December 25 - Christmas Day Service at 10:30 a.m.

• We still need volunteer hosts to fill out our new Hospitality Roster. Please, help if you can.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting has been set for February 23, 2025. Committee reports are therefore due by Sunday, January 26 so they me be published and circulated in good time. Those submitting reports are encouraged to get them to Patricia, our secretary, early. 

May God bless 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.