SPPC Today

News for Sunday, May 24, 2026 - Pentecost

The festival of Pentecost has deep roots, originating as the Jewish harvest feast of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks, celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was during this bustling pilgrimage festival in Jerusalem that the narrative in the Book of Acts unfolds. As the disciples gathered, the Holy Spirit descended upon them with the sound of a rushing wind and tongues of fire. Empowered by the Spirit, they immediately began proclaiming the wonders of God in a multitude of languages, enabling visitors from diverse nations to understand them clearly. This miraculous event marked the dramatic birth of the Christian Church, transforming a group of fearful followers into a bold, unified community sent out into the world.

Celebrating Pentecost remains profoundly important today because it serves as a powerful reminder that the church is not sustained by human effort alone, but by the living, breathing presence of God. It shifts our focus from historical memory to the ongoing, active guidance of the Holy Spirit within our current context. Pentecost challenges us to embrace a rich diversity of gifts while remaining bound together by a single spirit. By entering into this celebration, we renew our commitment to missional life, allowing the same Spirit that ignited the early church to inspire, equip, and send us forth to share God's grace across the Saanich Peninsula and beyond.

To celebrate Pentecost it is traditional to wear red for worship, representing not only the Pentecostal tongues of fire, but also the vitality of the Holy Spirit and our own joy and celebration. So, you are encouraged to wear red as we gather this Sunday.

Fifth Sunday

Coming soon, on Sunday, May 31, is a "Fifth Sunday." Taking to heart the teachings of the Centre for Missional Leadership, we are using these special Sundays to try something different.

So we will be transforming our traditional Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession into the Prayers of the People, and we warmly invite you to participate directly:

• Submit in advance: Share personal prayers with us before the service begins.

• Share during worship: Offer a prayer request just before we begin praying.

• Pray aloud: Voices from the congregation are welcome to pray aloud during the prayer itself.

This format allows us, as a community, to support what lies upon your heart and share each other's burdens before God. Because this is a shared journey, your feedback afterward will be very important.

Worship this Sunday

Our worship service this Pentecost Sunday begins as usual 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 104:24-34

• Acts 2:1-21

• Philippians 4:4-7

This week our choir is singing the anthem See the Holy Flame Arise, a Welsh melody arranged by Robert J. Powell.

Announcements

• We only have two Sundays left to collect clothing for the May Clothes Drive for the Mustard Seed Street Church. Some suggestions: sweat pants, jogging pants, shorts, T-shirts, coats, underwear, socks and shoes.

• Our next Wednesday Study takes place this week on May 27 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• We are next gathering for Friendship Coffee on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 a.m. Come and join us for this wonderful time of fellowship and bring along a friend.

• The next Sunshine Lunch will take place on June 8; it will have a Hawaiian theme. Please sign up as soon as possible.

• 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

Community Events

• A reminder for those of you who have already bought tickets, the Sidney Celebri-Tea takes place this Sunday afternoon starting at 2:00 p.m. at Bodine Hall in the Mary Winspear Centre (2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney). There will be an amazing line-up of performers and personalities, including Reach!, Jack Knox (MC), Gregor Craigie, Sunny Shams, and Big Hank Lionhart with Terry Medd. The afternoon tea will be served with a lovely selection of savouries and sweets. There will also be a silent auction. This event is in support of the Medical Equipment Lending Service and Adult Day Programs provided by the Mount Newton Centre Society.

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.