SPPC Today

News for Sunday, March 22, 2026

When we hear the word "mission," our minds often travel to distant lands or international relief efforts. While those global connections are a vital part of our identity as a church, our recent studies through the Certificate for Missional Leadership at St. Andrew's Hall invite us to consider a different perspective. What if mission is not just something we do "over there," but a way of being present on the Saanich Peninsula?

To be a missional church is to recognize that we are a people who are sent. We are sent by God into our own neighbourhoods, into the coffee shops of Sidney, the hiking trails of North Saanich, and the local markets of Central Saanich. This shift in thinking moves us away from asking, "How do we get people into our building?" to asking, "What is God already doing in our community, and how can we join in?"

As we continue through this season of Lent, I invite you to look and listen. When you are out and about this week, pay attention to the needs, the joys, and the stories of those you encounter. You may find that God is already at work in the life of a neighbour or a local business owner, simply waiting for a word of encouragement or a helping hand.

We are not just a congregation that gathers for worship on Sundays; we are a community of disciples sent to reflect the light of Christ in every corner of the Peninsula. Let us look for those opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus exactly where He has placed us.

Worship this Sunday

Our service this Sunday begins 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 146

• John 19:1-16a

This week our choir is singing the anthem For the Love of Jesus by John Stainer.

Memorials

• The Memorial Service and following interment in the Garden of Remembrance for Erma Hatt will take place on Saturday, March 21 at 1:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend, the service can be streamed here. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship.

Announcements

• The 2026 Lenten Devotion Guide, produced by St. Andrew’s Hall (UBC, Vancouver) is still available. You may pick up a copy in the office or, electronically, through our website.

• Our Wednesday Study on the Letter to the Ephesians, on BibleProject.com will resume next Wednesday, March 25. Classes are held at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and you are welcome to join either. We are starting Module 8—It’s all about love.

• We gather again for Friendship Coffee next Thursday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. This is a wonderful time of fellowship, where we get to invite and meet our neighbours and friends, enjoying great conversation and treats. Come and bring a friend!

• Our Easter services this year will be as follows:

  • Palm Sunday—March 29 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room—April 2 at 6:00 p.m.

  • Good Friday Service of Hymns and Readings—April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Easter Sunday “Sunrise” Service—April 5 at 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park (8891 Lochside Drive, North Saanich)

  • Easter Morning Breakfast—April 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hall

  • Easter Sunday Celebration Service—April 5 at 10:00 a.m.

• The next Sunshine Lunch will be held on Monday, April 13. The theme will be "Easter". Please register by Sunday, April 5, so we may know the number attending.

• 2026 Vancouver Island Presbytery Summer Camps: These “Weekend Escapes” are a camping ministry for people of all ages. Come and enjoy nature together. There will be speakers to engage the adults, activities to engage the children and songs for everyone around the campfire. The Presbytery Camp Committee has reserved the following times and locations:

  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park June 8–12

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 25–30

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 30–August 3

  • For inquiries concerning the camps, you can connect with the Camp VIP Registrar at jermareng@outlook.com

• Many thanks to all those donating their recyclables for Missions! Please note that beverage containers accepted at the Return-it Depot are part of the deposit paid system. Containers with no deposit paid (such as those for cream, soup, bouillon, oil, honey and soup) can be recycled with your home pick up.

Next Thursday, we wish a blessed and Happy Birthday to Roy Napier!

May the Lord 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 is 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.