SPPC Today

News for Sunday, February 22, 2026

As we enter the season of Lent, we are invited into a different kind of training. While the world turns its eyes toward the spectacle and excellence of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, athletes are refining their bodies through discipline, focus, and sacrifice. Lent calls us to a parallel discipline of the soul. Prayer, repentance, generosity, and self-denial are not spiritual theatrics; they are training in godliness. Just as no skater glides effortlessly onto Olympic ice without years of hidden practice, no Christian matures without often intentional habits shaped over time. Lent reminds us that growth in Christ rarely happens by accident—it is cultivated.

At the same time, many of us will gather around screens to watch the gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States. We understand instinctively the language of allegiance, perseverance, and hope for victory. Yet the gospel reorients our deepest loyalties. Our ultimate citizenship is not national but heavenly; our truest victory is not secured by a final buzzer but by an empty tomb. As we cheer, fast, pray, and prepare our hearts for Easter, let us remember: the Christian life is both contest and communion. We strive, but not for a fading medal. We discipline ourselves, not for applause, but for holiness. And in Christ, the victory toward which we labor has already been won.

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 104:1-4, 24, 27-32

• Romans 8:35-39

• John 11:1-44 - Raising Lazarus

This week our choir is singing the anthem Praise His Name Forever by J. Rosen Mueller.

Upcoming

• Your charitable tax receipts for 2025 are available. If you have not received them in the mail, please check your SPPC mailbox.

• St. Andrew’s Hall in Vancouver has once again this year produced a Lenten Devotion Guide for our daily use during the time of Lent. Copies are still available in the office or electronically, here.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on March 1, 2026. The Congregational Report is available in the office.

• As requested at the ACM 2025, following the service today, members of the Finance Committee will host a meeting in the Ross Lounge, beside the sanctuary, to respond to any questions you might have related to the Annual Financial Report and the 2026 Budget.

• Our Wednesday Study on the Letter to the Ephesians will continue next Wednesday, February 25. Classes are held at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and you are welcome to join either.

• We gather for Friendship Coffee next Thursday, February 26 at 10 a.m. This is a great opportunity to bring your friends and neighbours to this great time of fellowship.

• 2026 Vancouver Island Presbytery Summer Camps: These “Weekend Escapes” are a special camping ministry for people of all ages. Whether you bring children or your pets, are married or single, are working or retired you are invited to come on out and enjoy nature together. There will be enlightening speakers to engage the adults and activities to engage the children. You will spend time singing together around the campfire and learning how to make the perfect s’mores! Your Presbytery Camp Committee has made the following reservations:

  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park June 8–12

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 15–30

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 30–August 3

  • For inquiries please contact the Camp VIP Registrar at jermareng@outlook.com

Community Events

• St. Paul’s United and Central Saanich United Churches are hosting the World Day of Prayer Service on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s (2410 Malaview Avenue, Sidney) and have invited all local congregations to participate. They are also seeking volunteers for an ad hoc Choir for this event. A rehearsal is planned for Thursday, February 26. If you are interested in taking part, please advise the office.

May the Lord 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 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.