SPPC Today

News for Sunday, June 21, 2026

This summer at SPPC, we are spending our Sunday mornings with a remarkable little collection tucked into the middle of the Psalter: Psalms 120 through 134, known as the Psalms of Ascent. Three thousand years ago, these were pilgrim songs, sung by Israelite worshippers as they climbed the long, dusty road up to Jerusalem for the great festivals, gaining elevation with every verse until they finally stood within the city gates. Each psalm is short, portable, and easily memorized, acting as a travel playlist for ancient families navigating dangerous terrain. Together, they trace a beautiful arc from crying out in a far country, to trusting God like a child trusts a parent, to finally rejoicing at the sight of the city walls.

Why do these ancient trail songs still matter to us, gathered here on the Saanich Peninsula so far removed from that dusty road to Zion? Because we are pilgrims too. We may not be climbing a literal hill toward a physical temple, but we are all on a journey through grief, restlessness, conflict, weariness, and the quiet longing for home. The Psalms of Ascent were written for people in motion, offering words to say on the way, not just once they had arrived. Over these ten weeks, these songs will give us language for our own modern roads, offering comfort for our anxieties and rhythms for our communal joy. They remind us that we do not walk alone, and that the destination, the gathered presence of God's people in worship, is worth every single step.

Worship this Sunday

Our worship 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 or on the website. 

Our reader this week is Alan Newman. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 122

• Hebrews 10:19-25

This week our choir is singing the anthem Sing out to God by Richard Voorhaar.

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.

• 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:

  • 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

• We are taking a Summer break from our Wednesday Study and will resume in September.

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.