SPPC Today

News for Sunday, June 21, 2026 - Summer Communion

It was good to be back this week after a very busy time at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

The General Assembly was an engaging event this year, characterized throughout by a spirit of good humour and fellowship among the commissioners. The business of the Assembly featured numerous interesting speakers whose addresses remain available for viewing on the Presbyterian Church YouTube channel. In particular, I recommend listening to Jim Bear Jacobs; whether you agree with him or not, his speech was compelling. Brian Butcher (from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops) and Lora Nafzinger (Presbyterian Church in Canada mission staff in Nepal) are also well worth the watch.

One of the highlights was the Cutting Edge of Mission Award, which this year recognized the work and ministry of UpperLVL, and outreach of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Nanaimo, which reaches a young crowd in a nightclub! DJ Austin Penner was there to accept the award and led the Assembly in a rockin’ presentation that, unfortunately, could not be live-streamed (for copyright reasons). I can, however, assure you that some of the commissioners did get up to dance!

Financially, the Presbyterian Church in Canada remains in a stable position, though many congregations remain vacant and a few closed this year.

The most intense debate of the Assembly arose during the discussion of the Church Doctrine Committee's report regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). The matter was ultimately referred to the Life and Mission Agency, with instructions to prepare pastoral guidance and liturgical materials for use across the church. Reflecting the intensity of this discussion, the Moderator’s rulings were challenged four times within a single business session.

Beyond the business sessions, commissioners experienced several moving and innovative worship services.

York University proved to be a great venue, vastly improved since the PCC’s last stay there. The campus now offers convenient access to local shops and restaurants, a superb new assembly hall, and since the TCC has been extended all the way to Vaughan, a dedicated transit station. That last one allowed a particular highlight of my personal itinerary, which was the opportunity to attend the Blue Jays baseball game at Rogers Centre on our free Tuesday evening. Best of all, the Jays won the game in the bottom of the ninth with a walk-off single!

Worship this Sunday

Our worship service this Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our worship. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to receive communion, please contact your elder and we can bring it to you.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalms 121 & 131—Watchfulness and trust

• John 10:11–15, 27–30

This week our choir is singing the anthem Bread of Heaven by Joseph Martin.

Announcements

• Our Summer Food Bank Drive continues until July 12. While all donations are welcome, the Food Bank has circulated a special request for personal hygiene products, school snacks, peanut butter, coffee and tea, female hygiene products (tampons and pads) and large toddler diapers.

• Our final Wednesday Study on the Letter to the Ephesians takes place on June 24 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• We are next gathering for Friendship Coffee on this Thursday, June 25 at 10 a.m. Come and join us for this wonderful time of fellowship and bring along a friend.

• 2026 Vancouver Island Presbytery Summer Camps: These Weekend Escapes are a camping ministry for people of all ages. There will be speakers to engage the adults, activities to engage the children, and songs for everyone around the campfire. The times and locations are:

  • 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

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 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.