Archive

News for Sunday, December 28, 2025

As the echoes of our Christmas carols begin to fade and the busyness of the season settles, we find ourselves in the quiet moment between the miracle of the Nativity and the dawn of a new year. The birth of Christ is, of course, not merely a single day on our calendar, but a transforming reality that remains with us as we move forward. We carry the light of Bethlehem into these final days of December and into the New Year, trusting that the Word made flesh continues to dwell among us, illuminating our path even as the decorations are tucked away. It is a time to breathe deeply and reflect on the profound truth that God is with us in every ordinary moment that follows the extraordinary night of His birth.

Looking toward the New Year, we are invited to consider how the grace of God will shape our journey in 2026. While the world often focuses on fleeting resolutions, we are called to a deeper renewal of spirit and a steadfast commitment to our faith. May we enter this coming year with hearts open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeking new ways to serve our neighbours and honour the calling we have received as a community of faith. Whatever the future holds, we rest in the assurance that the One who was born in a manger goes before us into every new beginning, offering us hope, peace, and a purpose that does not fade with the turning of the year.

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.

Our reader this week is Tore Valdal. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 32:1-7, 11

• Isaiah 40:1-9

• John 1:19-34 – John the Baptist questioned; says he is not the Christ or Elijah.

This week our choir is singing the anthem When God is a Child by John Carter & Brian Wren.

Upcoming

• Please note that the office is closed Thursday (New Years Day).

• Worship Committee will meet next Friday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m. 

• Our Wednesday Study on the Letter to the Ephesians will resume on January 14 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Our Certificate for Missional Leadership seminar group would like to invite everyone to stay after Church on January 11 for a delicious luncheon and community exploration. We need your insights!

Community Events

• Beacon Community Services is presenting a Hearing Loss Information Session at the SHOAL Centre (10030 Resthaven Drive) on January 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There is a $5.00 registration fee. For more information or to register, please contact SHOAL reception at shoalreception@beaconcs.ca or 250-656-5537.

May God be with you all as you celebrate the New Year!

News for Christmas Week, December 21-25, 2025

At last we enter Christmas Week, embracing the final Sunday of Advent and our celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, alongside the many joyful ways we decorate and honour this season!

The celebration of Christmas as we know it today is the result of centuries of shifting traditions as well as deep theological reflection. While the earliest Christians focused primarily on the Resurrection, by the fourth century, the church began to formally commemorate the Nativity of Jesus. This development was not merely about marking a calendar date; it was a strategic and faithful effort to proclaim the Light of the World during the darkest days of the year. By situating the birth of Christ near the winter solstice, the early church sought to transform existing cultural festivals into a profound recognition of the Incarnation—the moment God entered human history in the form of a vulnerable child. Those who cynically dismiss Christmas as a mere reinvention of the Roman festival Saturnalia miss the truth.

The importance of this celebration lies in its reminder of "Immanuel," meaning God with us. In a world that often feels fractured or uncertain, Christmas calls us back to the foundational truth that God did not remain distant but chose to share in our humanity. It is a season that invites us to practice radical hospitality, generosity, and hope. As we gather to sing the familiar carols and hear the ancient story once more, we are doing more than just revisiting a historical event; we are renewing our commitment to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and extend outward into our community.

Worship this Christmas Week

Our Advent Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. As with all our services you can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link for this Sunday's Fourth Advent is available here.

We gather for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to invite your family, friends and neighbours for a meaningful and wonderful celebration of Christ's birth! The link for this service is here.

Our Christmas Morning Service takes place on Thursday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m. You may follow it online here.

The Scripture for this Sunday readings are:

• Psalm 130:1-8

• John 1:1-18 – The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth

This week our choir is singing the anthem Emmanuel soon will appear by Don Besig & Nancy Price.

Upcoming

• The First Annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale takes place this Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m.!! Please bring in your creations for the shortbread competition to Church in the morning and drop them off in the kitchen. Please note which category you are entering them in: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, men's / first-time bakers. For more details, contact Alice Valdal or Janet Smith.

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day Service: Thursday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m.

• Our Wednesday Study of the Letter to the Ephesians will resume on January 14

May the grace of our Saviour and the peace of the Christ Child dwell in your hearts and homes this holy season.

News for Sunday, December 14, 2025 — Advent 3

This week we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent as we light the Candle of Joy, marking a shift in the season. Until now, Advent has been about solemn waiting and preparation, but the Third Sunday reminds us that our waiting is full of hope. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). The joy we celebrate this week isn’t just a festive holiday mood or a temporary happiness. It is a sturdy, defiant confidence. It is the assurance that despite the brokenness and anxiety we see in the world around us, God has not abandoned His creation. We rejoice not because everything is perfect, but because we know the Lord is near.

As Christmas approaches and the schedule gets busy, it is helpful to remember that the first Advent didn’t happen in a perfect setting either. It happened in the poverty of a stable. The profound mystery of the Incarnation is that God chose to enter our world exactly as it is. He didn't wait for humanity to clean up its act before He showed up; He came to be with us in the mess. As we make our final preparations, let us hold onto that simple, earth-shattering truth: God is with us, right here and right now.

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 63:1-8

• Isaiah 55:1-13  Anyone who is thirsty, come drink; the word accomplishes God’s purpose.

• John 4:9-14

This week our choir is singing the anthem I wonder as I wander by John Jacob Niles.

Christmas Services

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day Service: Thursday, December 25 at 10:30 a.m.

Upcoming

• White Gifts: we are still collecting toonies for white gifts until this Sunday, December 14. The collection basket is at the entrance to the sanctuary.

• Our Advent Food Bank Drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank ends this Sunday, December 14, though you are always welcome to drop off donations. During Fellowship Time there will be a poinsettia draw for all those who donated. The most needed items at the Food Bank remain:

  • Food Items: Baby Food, School Snacks, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jam, Coffee & Tea, Dry Soups, Condiments, Pasta Sauce, Hamburger Helpers, Canned Meat & Fish

  • Toiletries: Female Hygiene Products (i.e. Tampons & Pads), Tooth Brushes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes

• The next Sunshine Lunch takes place Monday, December 15 at noon. Cost $20. It will have a Christmas theme.

• Carol Sing & Shortbread Bake-Off: Mark your calendars for the First Annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale!

  • Date: Sunday, December 21

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Bakers Needed! We are seeking bakers for the     shortbread competition. Categories include: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or a special category for men and first-time bakers.

  • Sign-Up: Please sign up in the narthex. For more details, contact Alice Valdal or Janet Smith.

• Our Wednesday Study will resume on January 14.

Community Events

• A Celtic Christmas Concert: Support our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon, who will be performing with The Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

  • Date: This Sunday, December 14

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel (4030 Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue).

  • Tickets: $25 each. Please contact Rob at 250-208-2813 to purchase.

May God be with you all!

News for Sunday, December 7, 2025 — Advent Communion

This Sunday we celebrate the Lord's Supper at our Advent Communion.

Now, during the season of Advent, our hearts and minds naturally turn toward the manger and the anticipation of Christ’s birth. So it might seem unusual to gather around the Lord’s Table, a setting that points us so vividly to His broken body and shed blood. However, the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:5–11 that the story of Christmas is inseparable from the story of the Cross. We are told that Christ, though being in very nature God, "emptied himself" to take the very nature of a servant. The shadow of the cross falls even upon the cradle; the Incarnation was the first step in a journey of obedience that would lead ultimately to Calvary.

Celebrating Communion during Advent offers us a profound perspective on why He came. As we partake of the bread and the cup, we are witnessing the full arc of God’s redemptive love—from the humility of His birth to the sacrifice of His death. This sacrament reminds us that the Saviour we await is the same Lord who humbled Himself "to the point of death—even death on a cross." By coming to the Table now, we prepare our hearts not just for the joy of a festival, but for the awe-inspiring reality of a God who loved us enough to descend into our world to redeem it completely.

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 104:27-33

• Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Ezekiel prophesies to the dry bones and they are raised to new life.

• John 11:17-27

This week our choir is singing the anthem Prepare the Way of the Lord by Benjamin Harlan.

Upcoming

• This Sunday, December 7, we are celebrating our Advent Communion. If you are unable to attend and would like to receive the Lord’s Supper at home, please contact your elder.

• White Gifts: we are collecting toonies for white gifts until December 14. The collection basket is at the entrance to the sanctuary.

• Our Wednesday Study continues next week on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We are studying the Letter to the Ephesians.

• Our Advent Food Bank Drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank continues until December 14 finishing with a poinsettia draw for donors. The most needed items are: 

  • Food Items: Baby Food, School Snacks, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jam, Coffee & Tea, Dry Soups, Condiments, Pasta Sauce, Hamburger Helpers, Canned Meat & Fish

  • Toiletries: Female Hygiene Products (i.e. Tampons & Pads), Tooth Brushes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes

• The Lunch Bunch invites you to a Christmas lunch at the Legislature dining room this Thursday, December 11 at 12:30 p.m. Please sign up in the narthex this Sunday. We can accommodate a maximum of 20 people.

• The next Sunshine Lunch is on December 15 at noon. Cost $15. Christmas theme. Please sign up this Sunday.

• Carol Sing & Shortbread Bake-Off: Mark your calendars for the annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale!

  • Date: Sunday, December 21

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Bakers Needed! We are seeking bakers for the     shortbread competition. Categories include: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or a special category for men and first-time bakers.

  • Sign-Up: Please sign up in the narthex. For more details, contact Alice Valdal or Janet Smith.

Community Events

• Via Choralis Christmas Concert: Support our own Pam Day and Janet Mitchell as they perform in the Via Choralis Christmas Concert, conducted by Grant Harville.

  • Date: This Sunday, December 7

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Location: St. Elizabeth's Church, (10030 Third St., Sidney)

  • Program: Enjoy Christmas music including Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pergolesi's Magnificat, the Coventry Carol and an audience singalong.

  • Tickets: $30. Please see Pam Day or Janet Mitchell to purchase

• A Celtic Christmas Concert: Support our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon, who will be performing with The Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

  • Date: Sunday, December 14

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel (4030 Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue).

  • Tickets: $25 each. Please contact Rob at 250-208-2813 to purchase.

May God be with you all!

News for Sunday, November 30, 2025

This week we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent.

The history of Advent is rooted in the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." While we often associate it solely with the weeks leading up to Christmas, the early Church originally observed this season as a time of fasting and preparation for baptism at Epiphany, similar to the Lenten season. Over the centuries, the focus evolved to encompass a dual spiritual anticipation: remembering the first coming of Christ in humility at Bethlehem and looking forward to His second coming in glory. This rich historical context grounds our modern celebration, reminding us that we stand in a unique time between the fulfillment of prophecy and the final restoration of all things.

In our current culture, which often rushes straight to celebration, observing Advent provides a necessary spiritual pause. It is not merely a passive waiting period but an active discipline of preparing our hearts to receive the King. By taking the time to reflect on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we cultivate a sense of longing and readiness that deepens our experience of Christmas morning. Celebrating Advent allows us to quiet the noise of the season and focus on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, ensuring that when Christ arrives, He finds room in our lives and in our community.

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 66:8–12, 16–20

• Daniel 3:1, 2-30  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; God present in the fiery furnace   

• John 18:33-37

This week our choir is singing the anthem My Life is In Your Hands by James Michael Stevens.

Upcoming

• Next Sunday, December 7, we are celebrating our Advent Communion. If you are unable to attend and would like to receive the Lord’s Supper at home, please contact your elder.

• There is no Wednesday Study this week. The study continues on December 10 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. 

• Our Advent Food Bank Drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank continues until December 14 finishing with a poinsettia draw for donors. The most needed items are: 

  • Food Items: Baby Food, School Snacks, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jam, Coffee & Tea, Dry Soups, Condiments, Pasta Sauce, Hamburger Helpers, Canned Meat & Fish

  • Toiletries: Female Hygiene Products, Tooth Brushes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes

• The Lunch Bunch invites you to a Christmas lunch at the Legislature dining room on Thursday, December 11 at 12:30 p.m. Please sign up in the narthex; maximum 20 people.

• The next Sunshine Lunch is on December 15 at noon. Cost $15. Christmas theme. Please sign up by December 7.

• Carol Sing & Shortbread Bake-Off: Mark your calendars for the annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale!

  • Date: Sunday, December 21

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Bakers Needed! We are seeking bakers for the     shortbread competition. Categories include: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or a special category for men and first-time bakers.

  • Sign-Up: Please sign up in the narthex. For more details, contact Alice or Janet.

Community Events

• Via Choralis Christmas Concert: Support our own Pam Day and Janet Mitchell as they perform in the Via Choralis Christmas Concert, conducted by Grant Harville.

  • Date: Sunday, December 7

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Location: St. Elizabeth's Church, (10030 Third St., Sidney)

  • Program: Enjoy Christmas music including Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pergolesi's Magnificat, the Coventry Carol and an audience singalong.

  • Tickets: $30. Please see Pam Day or Janet Mitchell to purchase

• A Celtic Christmas Concert: Support our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon, who will be performing with The Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

  • Date: Sunday, December 14

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel (4030 Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue).

  • Tickets: $25 each. Please contact Rob at 250-208-2813 to purchase.

May God be with you all!

News for Sunday, November 23, 2025

This week is Christ the King Sunday, often referred to as the Reign of Christ, and it marks the final Sunday of the Christian liturgical calendar before we begin the cycle anew with Advent. While many of our observances date back to the early church, this particular feast is a relatively modern addition, instituted in 1925. It was established during the tumultuous period between the World Wars as a bold response to the rise of secularism and aggressive nationalism in Europe. In the face of earthly leaders demanding total submission, the church set aside this day to declare that Jesus Christ is the true Lord of history, whose authority supersedes all political powers and regimes.

Theologically, this Sunday serves as the bridge between the journey of the past year and the anticipation of the season to come. As we prepare for Advent—a time of waiting for the coming King—this day reminds us what kind of King we are waiting for. His Kingdom is not defined by domination or force, but by truth, justice, and peace. It challenges us to examine our own loyalties and to acknowledge the sovereignty of Christ over our hearts, our community, and the world. As we close the church year, we rest in the assurance that despite the uncertainties of our world, the Alpha and the Omega holds all things together.

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 85

• Jeremiah 29:1-14 - Seek the welfare of the city; I know the plans I have for you. 

• John 14:23-27

This week our choir is singing the anthem My Life is In Your Hands by James Michael Stevens..

Upcoming

• White Gifts: we will begin collecting toonies for white gifts starting this week and continuing until December 14. The collection basket is at the entrance to the sanctuary.

• The Wednesday Study continues this week (November 26) at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We will begin the Introduction to Ephesians with Tim Mackie of the Bible Project

• Our Advent Food Bank Drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank continues until December 14, finishing with a poinsettia draw for donors. Bev Elder, Director of the SPL Food Bank, will be telling us more about it during fellowship time this Sunday. The most needed items are: 

  • Food Items: Baby Food, School Snacks, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jam, Coffee & Tea, Dry Soups, Condiments, Pasta Sauce, Hamburger Helpers, Canned Meat & Fish

  • Toiletries: Female Hygiene Products (i.e. Tampons & Pads), Tooth Brushes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes

• Ceilidh Afternoon: This Sunday all ages are welcome to come dance or simply watch! Join us for a fun afternoon Ceilidh with easy dances called.

  • Date: Sunday, November 23

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Central Saanich Senior Citizens Centre (1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay)

  • Cost: $5 per person / $10 per family

  • Details: Proceeds will go to the Senior Centre. Please wear clothes that allow for movement and flat, lightweight shoes. Refreshments will be provided.

  • Contact: For more information, contact Janet Mitchell.

• Help Decorate Our Church: We will be decorating the church for the Advent and Christmas season! All help is welcome. Please join us on Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m. It would be helpful to have someone limber to climb ladders. Many hands make light work, and it is a wonderful way to share in fellowship. For more details, please speak with Pam Day.

• Via Choralis Christmas Concert: Support our own Pam Day and Janet Mitchell as they perform in the Via Choralis Christmas Concert, conducted by Grant Harville.

  • Date: Sunday, December 7

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Location: St. Elizabeth's Church, (10030 Third St., Sidney)

  • Program: Enjoy Christmas music including Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pergolesi's Magnificat, the Coventry Carol and an audience singalong.

  • Tickets: $30. Please see Pam Day or Janet Mitchell to purchase

• The Lunch Bunch invites you to a Christmas lunch at the Legislature dining room on Thursday, December 11 at 12:30 p.m. Please sign up in the Narthex; maximum 20 people.

• A Celtic Christmas Concert: Support our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon, who will be performing with The Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

  • Date: Sunday, December 14

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel (4030 Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue)

  • Tickets: $25 each. Please contact Rob at 250-208-2813 to purchase.

• Carol Sing & Shortbread Bake-Off: Mark your calendars for the annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale!

  • Date: Sunday, December 21

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Bakers Needed! We are seeking bakers for the shortbread competition. Categories include: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or a special category for men and first-time bakers.

  • Sign-Up: Please sign up in the narthex. For more details, contact Alice Valdal or Janet Smith.

• Visit the SPPC Blog: Do not forget to read our SPPC blog, published by Alice Valdal. Each week, it features articles of interest prepared by members of our congregation that teach, inform, and entertain. You can visit us at saanichpeninsulapc.blogspot.com.

God bless you!

News for Sunday, November 16, 2025

As we look ahead to the start of Advent in a couple of weeks (yes, that means it is only 40 shopping days until Christmas), we are also marking the end of the long season in the Church calendar known as "Ordinary Time." This period, which covers the lengthy stretch of the year following Pentecost, is often misunderstood. "Ordinary" does not mean "unimportant" or "common." Rather, it comes from the word "ordinal," which means "counted." It is the ordered, numbered time where we are called to live out our faith day by day.

The importance of Ordinary Time cannot be overstated. While the great festivals like Easter and Christmas are the "feasts," Ordinary Time is the "daily bread" of our spiritual lives. This is the season focused on discipleship, mission, and applying the teachings of Jesus to our everyday world. Having celebrated the resurrection and the coming of the Spirit, Ordinary Time is when we do the steady, faithful work of growing as a community and following Christ's call. As this season draws to a close, we can give thanks for the growth we have experienced and prepare our hearts to enter the new Church year with the watchful, hopeful expectation of Advent.

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 27:1-6, 13-14; 

• Isaiah 9:1-7 - People who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

• John 1:1-4, 8:12

This week our choir is singing the anthem The Lord is My Shepherd by Howard Goodall.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study resumes this week on November 19. We will hold two sessions, at 10:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m., featuring a video and discussion. All are welcome.

• Friendship Coffee: Join us for our next Friendship Coffee gathering on Thursday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. at the church. This is a wonderful time of fellowship, and you are encouraged to bring a friend.

• Our Advent Food Bank Drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank runs from November 16 to December 14.. There will be a poinsettia draw for donors on December 14. The most needed items are: 

  • Food Items: Baby Food, School Snacks, Juice, Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jam, Coffee & Tea, Dry Soups, Condiments, Pasta Sauce, Hamburger Helpers, Canned Meat & Fish

  • Toiletries: Female Hygiene Products (i.e. Tampons & Pads), Tooth Brushes, Shampoo, Body Wash, Soap, Razors, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes

• Ceilidh Afternoon: All ages are welcome to come dance or simply watch! Join us for a fun afternoon Ceilidh with easy dances called.

  • Date: Sunday, November 23

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The Central Saanich Senior Citizens Centre (1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay)

  • Cost: $5 per person / $10 per family

  • Details: Proceeds will go to the Senior Centre. Please wear clothes that allow for movement and flat, lightweight shoes. Refreshments will be provided.

  • Contact: For more information, contact Janet Mitchell.

• Help Decorate Our Church: We will be decorating the church for the Advent and Christmas season! All help is welcome. Please join us on Saturday November 29 at 10 a.m. It would be helpful to have someone limber to climb ladders.. Many hands make light work, and it is a wonderful way to share in fellowship. For more details, please speak with Pam.

• The Lunch Bunch invites you to a Christmas lunch at the Legislature dining room on Thursday, December 11 at 12:30 p.m. Please sign up in the narthex; maximum 20 people.

• Via Choralis Christmas Concert: Support our own Pam Day and Janet Mitchell as they perform in the Via Choralis Christmas Concert, conducted by Grant Harville.

  • Date: Sunday, December 7

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Location: St. Elizabeth's Church, (10030 Third St., Sidney)

  • Program: Enjoy Christmas music including Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Pergolesi's Magnificat, the Coventry Carol and an audience singalong.

  • Tickets: $30. Please see Pam or Janet to purchase.

• A Celtic Christmas Concert: Support our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon, who will be performing with The Greater Victoria Police Chorus.

  • Date: Sunday, December 14

  • Time: 2:30 p.m.

  • Location: The The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel (4030 Douglas Street, north of McKenzie Avenue)

  • Tickets: $25 each. Please contact Rob at 250-208-2813 to purchase.

• Carol Sing & Shortbread Bake-Off: Mark your calendars for the annual SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-Off and Bake Sale!

  • Date: Sunday, December 21

  • Time: 2:00 p.m.

  • Bakers Needed! We are seeking bakers for the shortbread competition. Categories include: Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or a special category for men and first-time bakers.

  • Sign-Up: Please sign up in the narthex. For more details, contact Alice Valdal or Janet Smith.

• Visit the SPPC Blog: Do not forget to read our SPPC blog, published by Alice Valdal. Each week, it features articles of interest prepared by members of our congregation that teach, inform, and entertain. You can visit us at saanichpeninsulapc.blogspot.com.

May God bless you all!

News for Sunday, November 9, 2025

This Sunday we begin our service with a moment of Remembrance. Remembrance Sunday, observed on the second Sunday of November across the Commonwealth, evolved from Armistice Day, which marked the end of the First World War on November 11, 1918. After the Second World War, the focus shifted to a Sunday to commemorate losses from all conflicts. For the church, this day is a important annual rite that connects national solemnity with Christian theology.

The importance of Remembrance Sunday to the church extends beyond a simple ceremony; it offers a necessary opportunity to address the moral and spiritual ambiguity of war and to pray for God's shalom (peace). The churches provides a crucial spiritual dimension to remembrance, incorporating prayers for the deceased, comfort for the bereaved, and a commitment to justice and peace-making, elements drawn from scripture and Christian tradition. It allows congregations to stand in solidarity with veterans and active service members, to acknowledge the extraordinary courage and selflessness of those who served, and to wrestle with the difficult tension between honouring that sacrifice and upholding the calling of Christ as the "Prince of Peace." For we blend patriotic honour with a profound Christian commitment to non-violence and the hope of a world where "nation shall not take up sword against nation, nor shall they train for war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4).

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.

We are pleased to have Alan Newman reading for us this Sunday. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 82

• Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24 – Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

• John 7:37-44

This week our choir is singing the anthem A Time for all Things by Douglas E. Wagner.

Upcoming

• The Wednesday Study will resume on November 19, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. with a video session and discussion.

• Our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC will be held on Thursday, November 20, at 10:00 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• Our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon is a member of The Greater Victoria Police Chorus, which is presenting A Celtic Christmas on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street (North of McKenzie Avenue). Tickets are $25 each and may be obtained from Rob at 250-208-2813.

• Save the date!  SPPC Carol Sing and Great Peninsula Shortbread Bake-off and Bake Sale takes place on Saturday, December  21 at 2:00 pm. Bakers are needed for shortbread – Scottish, whipped, flavoured, decorated, or Men’s / first time baker. Please sign up in the narthex. For more information, contact Alice Valdal, or Janet Smith.

• Make sure to come back each week to check out our SPPC blog, published and edited by Alice Valdal. Each week it teaches, informs and entertains us with articles of interest prepared by members of our congregation.

May God bless you!

News for Sunday, November 2, 2025

This week we celebrate All Saints Day (November 1) and with it All Saints Sunday. All Saints Day, traditionally observed on November 1st, is a significant moment in the Christian year dedicated to honouring and remembering all faithful Christians who have died—the saints, both known and unknown. Its origins date back to the early Church's practice of commemorating martyrs, which eventually evolved into a single day to acknowledge the vast, spiritual unity of believers known as the "communion of saints." This day serves as a powerful reminder that we are part of an unbroken spiritual family that transcends the boundaries of life and death, all united in Christ.

In the Reformed tradition, including Presbyterianism, the focus of All Saints Day shifts away from the veneration of individuals to a celebration of all believers. The term "saints" refers to all people baptised into Christ's body, not just a select few. We use this time to give thanks to God for the lives of all who have gone before, forming the great "cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1), especially those who have blessed our lives. It is a time to celebrate the hope of the resurrection and the enduring unity of the people of God.

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 or on the SPPC website.

We are pleased to have Tore Valdal reading for us this Sunday. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 46

• 1 Kings 19:1-18  Elijah at Horeb; The prophet in despair, God speaks in the silence.  

• John 12:20-29

This week our choir is singing the anthem Whisper to my Heart by David Angerman and Joseph M. Martin.

Upcoming

• Next week we will be observing Remembrance Sunday.

• Our Minister Emeritus, the Rev. Noel Kinnon is a member of The Greater Victoria Police Chorus and they are presenting “A Celtic Christmas” on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street (North of McKenzie Avenue). If you would like to attend tickets are $25 each and may be obtained from Rob at 250-208-2813.

May God bless you all!

News for Sunday, October 26, 2025

After being away for the past four weeks, it is a pleasure to be back among you. The first three weeks Diane and I spent on holiday, travelling to South Africa to reconnect (or in my case often to connect for the first time) with family and to discover this beautiful land. Between meeting with family, exploring Cape Town, traveling through the Western Cape and going on safari, it was a wonderful and immensely refreshing time.

Following that journey, I traveled last weekend to Kimberley, B.C., to attend the annual Presbyterian Synod of British Columbia. This gathering is always an important time of fellowship, worship, and attending to the work of our wider church family in the province. It is encouraging to connect with fellow Presbyterians from across our region and be reminded of our shared ministry and mission.

I am grateful for the opportunity for both personal refreshment and for the chance to serve as your representative to the Synod. Many thanks to all those who continued the work, worship and ministry of SPPC while I was away. I look forward to reconnecting with you all in the coming days.

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.

Following worship this week, we gather together for a potluck lunch and time of fellowship in the hall.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18

• 1 Samuel 3:1-21 - God calls Samuel in the night.

• John 20:19-23

This week our choir is singing the anthem Come Before His Presence With Singing by Christi Cary Miller.

Upcoming

• The Cosy Toes project for the Mustard Seed Church ends this Sunday. If you wish to contribute the following items are needs suggested by the Mustard Seed ministry:

  • Toiletries

    • Baby diapers size 3-5

    • Travel size shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste

    • Sanitary napkins

    • Toilet paper

    • Kleenex 

    • Toothbrushes 

    • Combs

  • Clothing

    • Hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts (women, teen & men)

    • Socks

    • Underwear (women, teen & men)

    • Outer wear; coats, vests, jackets

    • Leggings

    • Sweatpants

    • Pajamas (teen)

    • Leggings 

• Friendship Coffee will take place this Thursday, October 30, at 10 a.m. Feel free to bring a friend.

May God be with you all!

News for Sunday, September 21, 2025 and following

For the next three weeks, my wife and I will be travelling to South Africa. This vacation holds a special significance, as it will be my first time visiting the land of her birth and only her second time returning since immigrating to Canada in 1976. While we are eager to explore the beauty of this remarkable country, we most cherish the opportunity to reconnect with many family members who still live there.

Shortly after our return, my travels will continue closer to home, as our Presbytery Elder and I attend the Synod of British Columbia meeting in Kimberley. After Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church hosted the Synod, many kindly suggested we become the permanent meeting place. However, it is important for the Synod to gather in different parts of our province, and we look forward to meeting with fellow Presbyterians from across B.C. in the beautiful Kootenay region.

This means that over the next four weeks, our congregation will have the pleasure of welcoming several gifted visiting ministers to lead our worship services.

Here is the schedule for our guest preachers:

• September 28: The Rev. Harold McNabb will return to our pulpit.

• October 5 & 12: The Rev. Grant Wilson will be preaching. On World Communion Sunday (October 5), he will also lead us in the Lord's Supper.

• October 19: Pastor George Hodgson will be with us once again.

We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends in ministry, all of whom are looking forward to worshipping with you.

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 139:1-12, 23-24

• Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17

• John 1:44-51

This week our choir is singing the anthem Creator of the Stars of Night by Johann Franck, arranged by Thomas Hockstra.

Upcoming

• For thenext four weeks we continue our Wednesday Study, The Art of Biblical Words, a video series with Dr. Tim Mackie of the Bible Project. The series explains the challenges of understanding our Bible given that they are translations from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek; it also reveals how our understanding of these languages can enrich the meaning of the Word for us. The class will begin at 10:00 a.m. (or you can also follow the series at home).

And may God be with you all!

News for Sunday, September 14, 2025

September always feels a bit like a new beginning. After the slower rhythms of summer, our church family is gathering again, ready to step into a new season of worship, fellowship, and service. The choir is starting up once more, and as always we're looking for more volunteers to lead the song of the congregation. Our Wednesday Studies are also set to resume, though I will be absent for most of the first sessions (more on that next week), so we are using a video based study. Sunday School is also restarting.

As our programs restart, there are many ways to grow in your faith and serve alongside others. This season, we are especially excited to be participating in  the new Certificate in Missional Leadership, a wonderful opportunity for deeper engagement (more details below in "Upcoming"). Whether you are joining our Wednesday Studies, lending your voice to the choir, or helping in our various ministries, each of us has a role to play in building up the body of Christ. Let us approach this new season with open hearts, willing hands, and prayerful anticipation for all that God will do among us. It is a time to look forward with hope, trusting that God has new things in store for us this fall.

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 116:1-2, 12-19

• Genesis 21:1-3, Genesis 22:1-14 

• John 1:23-31

This week our choir is singing the anthem For the Beauty of the Earth by Konrad Koche.

Upcoming

• Journey for Hope — Together in Motion and Song: The Journey of hope is a Fundraiser for Presbyterian World Service & Development. Our congregation has been invited to join together with those of Trinity, Knox and St. Andrew’s, Victoria as well as Knox, Sooke, in raising funds for this year’s PWS&D Journey for Hope. 

  • There will be a Hymn Sing at Trinity (2964 Tillicum Rd, Victoria) this Thursday, September 18, starting at 7:00 p.m. 

  • The Walk for Hope is planned along the beautiful Gorge Waterway Park next Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m., meeting by the parking lot at Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion near the Tillicum Bridge. Further information can be found at: https://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/together-in-motion-and-song

• This year, Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church is excited to participate in the Certificate for Missional Leadership, a thought-provoking and practical course offered by St. Andrew’s Hall, UBC. This program is designed to equip our congregation to more effectively engage our neighbours and neighbourhoods with the love of Christ. We are seeking a group of up to ten people from our church to take part. If you are interested in being one of our participants on this journey, please speak with me, Rev. Irwin Cunningham. The commitment involves:

  • Five Saturday morning learning sessions (held between September and April, with options to attend remotely or in person).

  • Four coaching sessions with trained CML coaches to help us apply what we learn.

• This week we meet to begin our Wednesday Study, The Art of Biblical Words, a video series with Dr. Tim Mackie of the Bible Project. The series explains the challenges of understanding our Bible given that they are translations from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek; it also reveals how our understanding of these languages can enrich the meaning of the Word for us. The class will begin at 10:00 a.m. (or you can also follow the series at home).

May God be with you!

News for Sunday, September 7, 2025

Welcome to September! Just as students return to their studies and a new academic year begins, so too does September mark a time of renewal  in the life of our church community. As we transition from the slower rhythms of summer, we look forward to resuming our various programs and ministries with fresh energy and purpose. This month also signals the beginning of a new preaching cycle, and it is with great anticipation that we will delve into God's word together in the coming year. So we will be starting at the very beginning, with Genesis 1 and continuing through the Old Testament. Fittingly, to ground this new beginning in grace and fellowship and we will start this time by celebrating the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ at the centre of our life together and receiving His grace for the journey.

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 (selected verses)

• Genesis 1:1—2:4a – Creation by word

• John 1:1-5

This week our choir is singing the anthem Taste and See by Jay Althouse and Sally Albrecht

Upcoming

• Interested in Scottish Country Dancing? There will be a free Cailidh this Sunday, September 7 at 2:30 p.m. at 1229 Clarke Road, Brentwood Bay (the hall next to the Brentwood Library). All ages welcome. Please, wear clothes that allow for movement and flat, lightweight, closed shoes.  For further information contact Janet Mitchel at mitchel5@telus.net

• The Session will be meeting this Wednesday, September 10 at 10 a.m.

• Journey for Hope - Together in Motion and Song: The Journey of hope is a Fundraiser for Presbyterian World Service & Development. Our congregation has been invited to participate joining together with members of St. Andrew’s, Knox, and Trinity, Victoria as well as Knox, Sooke, in this year’s fundraising events for the PWS&D Journey for Hope. 

  • There will be a Hymn Sing at Trinity (2964 Tillicum Rd, Victoria) on Thursday, September 18, starting at 7:00 p.m. 

  • The Walk for Hope is planned at the Gorge Waterway Park Walk on Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m., meeting by the parking lot by the pavilion at Kinsman Gorge Park near the Tillicum Bridge. Further information is available at: https://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/together-in-motion-and-song

And may God's blessing be with you all!

News for Sunday, August 31, 2025

This week's newsletter is a team effort. Janet wrote the introduction before she left for England. Rev. Irwin supplied the worship details, and Alice put it all together.

A message from your Clerk of Session:

I am presently in England, I’m home after 10 years away and it’s wonderful to be here with my family. Anyhow, after our Annual Mini Golf tournament and during our amazing lunch with friends from church,. However, after lunch at Mary’s  restaurant, I had to drive to Victoria. We went there through Lochside Drive, Welch Road, through Mt Douglas and onto Shelbourne  for the clinic. As I drove those beautiful roads, it was quiet and quite beautiful and I got to thinking, could I write something now and send it to Alice? I guess the beauty of the trip brought this song to mind, sung by Louis Armstrong back in 1967.

I see trees of green red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying I love you
I hear babies cry I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself what a wonderful world
Ooh, yes

After checking for the lyrics, I looked further and found the following :

Firstly, the song's lyrics evoke themes of hope, love, and appreciation for the beauty of the world, transcending barriers of race, nationality, and background. Through its simple yet poignant message, Armstrong aimed to promote a sense of shared humanity and interconnectedness among people worldwide.

God is so good, go out and enjoy all that He has given us!

Please join us for worship this coming Sunday and experience  seeing friends, shaking hands and saying, “How do you do?" because They're really saying "I love you and God loves you too".

Janet

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 upload. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 46

• Revelation 21:1–7; 22:1–5 - The New Heaven and the New Jerusalem

• John 4:1-14; 16:20–22

This week our solo is The Lord's Prayer by Albert Hay Malotte.

Upcoming

• Next Sunday, Sept. 7, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper.

May God's bless you all!

News for Sunday, August 17, 2025

I will be absent from the pulpit for the next two Sundays, and I want to share with you what is happening during that time.

This coming Sunday, we will be blessed to have the Rev. Dr. Ray Sanford Jr. leading our worship service. Rev. Dr. Sanford serves as the Senior Vice President of OC International (known as Outreach Canada in Canada). After a career in management with AT&T Corporation, he and his family moved into missions in 1986, serving for 12 years in France before he returned to minister through mission leadership. Ray also preached at Knox Presbyterian Church in Sooke during their vacancy, and there also preached a wonderful sermon at the Presbytery induction service for the Rev. Jacqueline Cleland. We look forward to welcoming him and hearing the message God has given him for us.

While you are in good hands here at SPPC, I will be preaching at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Victoria. The Presbytery has assigned me to serve as their interim moderator as they continue in their vacancy and seek to call a new minister. Interestingly, I believe this will be my first time preaching at St. Andrew's since 1992, when I did so for the Presbytery of Vancouver Island as a student candidate for ministry.

The following Sunday, Diane and I will be at Camp Imadene, beginning our service as kitchen helpers for the Senior Teen camp. It is always an exhausting but wonderful time preparing delicious and nutritious meals. The kitchen is led by Byron Knight, the former assistant Pastor at Friendship Community Church, who has also preached here at SPPC on occasion. We are also looking forward to working alongside some members of the mission team that we accompanied to the Dominican Republic this spring.

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 1

• John 15:1-10

• Colossians 3:12-17

This week our soloist will be singing Meine Seele hört im Sehen (My soul hears through seeing) by George Frederic Handel.

Upcoming

• This week we welcome the Rev. Ray Sanford Jr. to the pulpit. Next week we will be welcoming back Rick Wismer.

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, at SPPC.  Feel free to bring a friend.

• Tea and Tour of the Legislature: details will be forthcoming.

May God's blessings go with you!

News for Sunday, August 10, 2025

This week we skip ahead a bit in Revelation, from Chapter 7 to Chapter 13. 

Revelation chapters 8–12 describe the opening of the seventh seal and the sounding of seven trumpets, which unleash escalating divine judgments upon the earth. The first six trumpets bring a series of woes, including plagues of hail, fire, poisoned waters, locusts, and a massive army that kills a third of humanity. Interludes in this section feature John eating a prophetic scroll and the ministry, death, and resurrection of two witnesses, whose return to life sparks an earthquake. The sounding of the seventh trumpet announces the arrival of God's eternal kingdom.

Chapter 12 introduces a new, highly symbolic vision that shifts the focus from earthly judgments to the cosmic conflict between good and evil. It depicts a woman "clothed with the sun" giving birth to a male child, who is immediately caught up to God. A great red dragon, identified as Satan, attempts to devour the child and then pursues the woman. She is given eagle's wings to escape to a place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she is nourished for 1,260 days. The chapter culminates in a war in heaven, where Michael and his angels defeat the dragon, who is cast down to the earth in a fury. This passage is widely interpreted as a symbolic depiction of the birth of Christ, the persecution of the church, and the ultimate defeat of Satan by God's power.

Scholars widely agree that these chapters are symbolic rather than a literal prophecy. The judgments are seen as a theological message of God's sovereignty and a call for repentance. The passages serve to offer hope and encouragement to the faithful, affirming that despite suffering and chaos, God is in control and will ultimately prevail over evil.

Why that call to repentance often goes unheeded is the subject of this Sunday's sermon.

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 2

• Revelation 13:1-18 - The Beast and the Dragon

• John 12:28-32

This week our solo will be Fill My Cup, Lord by Richard Blanchard.

Upcoming

• Sunday, August 18 and the following Sunday, August 24 I will be away at St. Andrew's, Victoria and Camp Imadene respectively. In my absence we look forward to welcoming to the pulpit  Dr. Rick Sanford Jr. on August 17 and Rick Wismer on August 24.

• Tea and Tour of the Legislature: details are on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign up to indicate your interest by this Sunday, August 10 for either September 11 or 18. 

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, August 3, 2025

We are truly blessed to be experiencing such beautiful weather this week, with warm sunshine and clear skies gracing our days here on the Saanich Peninsula. This stunning display of creation, from the vibrant greens of the trees to the sparkling waters surrounding us, offers a profound reminder of God's artistry and boundless love. It is during these times, surrounded by such natural splendour, that our hearts are often most readily lifted in worship and gratitude for the magnificence of our Creator.

As we embrace these wonderful summer days, we remember the value of recreation and relaxation for our well-being. Taking time to rest and rejuvenate allows us to return to our responsibilities with renewed energy and spirit. Yet, even amidst our enjoyment, we are called to remain mindful of those in our community and beyond who may be facing hardship or loss. With ongoing troubles in other parts of the world and economic uncertainty, the need for compassionate care continues. Challenges do not pause, and our commitment to supporting one another remains essential. Let us continue to carry the spirit of God's love into all our interactions, offering support and kindness to those around 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 100

• Revelation 6:1-8; 7:1-3, 9–17

• John 14:1-4

This week we will have a trio accompanied by cello, singing If Ye Love Me by Thomas Tallis.

Upcoming

• Next Thursday, August 7 we are holding our Annual Mini Golf Tournament at Island View Farm & Mini Golf (7081 Central Saanich Rd.), starting at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $10.00 each and it will be  followed by a 12:30 p.m. lunch at Mary's Bleue Moon (9535 Canora Road). Please sign up by this Sunday, August 3.

• Tea and Tour of the Legislature: details are on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign up to indicate your interest by Sunday, August 10 for either September 11 or 18. 

News for Sunday, July 27, 2025

This week, we are delighted to welcome the Reverend Mitch Coggin to our pulpit at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. Mitch is a wonderfully gifted pastor and preacher, and we are truly privileged to have him serving in our Presbytery. His presence means we will pause our journey through the Book of Revelation for one week, but I assure you, it is a worthwhile pause! It is important to extend our visiting ministers the freedom to share from their hearts, and perhaps insisting on Revelation might make future pulpit supply a bit tricky.

When we return to Revelation next week, we will jump ahead slightly, past chapter six and the beginning of chapter seven. For those of you who like to follow along, here is a brief summary of what those verses cover: Revelation 6:1-7:8 describes the dramatic opening of the first six seals, portraying events of conquest, war, famine, and death across the earth. It is a powerful reminder of the challenges and suffering humanity has faced throughout history, and it gives us a glimpse into God's ultimate justice. Yet, amidst these intense scenes of judgment, there is a beautiful assurance of God's unwavering protection. Chapter 7 provides an interlude where 144,000 servants of God are sealed, signifying divine safeguarding even when the world is in turmoil. This passage reassures us that no matter the circumstances, God faithfully preserves His people. It is a message of hope, reminding us that even in times of tribulation, we are held securely in God's hands, called to remain faithful and trust in His ultimate plan for redemption. We will pick up our study at Revelation 6:9 next week.

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 85:8-13

• Hosea 1:2-10

• Luke 11:1-13

Our soloist will be singing Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

Upcoming

• This Sunday we welcome Rev. Mitch Coggin to the pulpit. I will be leading worship at Trinity, Tillicum, where I am Interim Moderator until the end of this month.

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering is this Thursday, July 31 at  10 a.m. at SPPC. Come and enjoy this time of fellowship and sustenance! You are encouraged to bring a friend.

• On August 7 we are holding our Annual Mini Golf Tournament at Island View Farm & Mini Golf (7081 Central Saanich Rd.), starting at 10:00 a.m. The cost is $10.00 each and it will be  followed by a 12:30 p.m. lunch at Mary's Bleue Moon (9535 Canora Road). Please sign up by Sunday, August 3.

• Tea and Tour of the Legislature: details are on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign up to indicate your interest by Sunday, August 10 for either September 11 or 18. 

News for Sunday, July 20, 2025

This Sunday, we will continue our journey through the Book of Revelation. Get ready for a fascinating exploration as we receive our first glimpse into the throne room of God in Chapters four and five.

Our preaching series on Revelation will then pause for one week, resuming in two weeks' time. Next Sunday, I will be preaching at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Victoria. This marks my final Sunday as their interim moderator, as I will be taking on the interim moderator position at St. Andrew's Victoria at the beginning of August.

We look forward to welcoming the Reverend Mitch Coggan as our guest preacher here at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church next Sunday. Many of you will remember Mitch, who retired in February from his interim minister role at St. Andrew's. He is, of course, well known to us, having led the visitation committee to Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church last year. Although retired, Mitch will be taking over as interim moderator for Trinity.

You might notice a lot of "interims" within our Presbytery these days! This is an important part of our church's ministry. When a congregation finds itself without a minister for any reason, it remains under the care of the Presbytery. For this reason, the court assigns one of our ministers to provide care for that congregation during its time of vacancy. It is a hallmark of our denomination that we care for and take responsibility for one another.

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 47

• Revelation 4-5 (selected verses)

Our duet, accompanied by piano and flute will be The Gift of Love, arranged by Hal Hopson

Upcoming

• Next Sunday, July 27 is Foodbank Sunday.

• We will again be gathering for Friendship Coffee at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, at SPPC.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, July 13, 2025

The summer season has finally arrived here on the Peninsula, bringing with it beautiful weather and a slightly quieter pace of life. As many of us enjoy holidays and time with family and friends, the regular rhythm of our church community shifts. While this period of rest and renewal is wonderful, it also means that our usual volunteers may be away, creating a need for a little extra help to keep things running smoothly on Sunday mornings.

Your support is especially needed in a couple of key areas during the later part of these summer months. We are looking for people to step up and serve as greeters, offering a warm and welcoming smile to everyone who comes through our doors before the service. We also need help with our audio visual equipment to ensure that our worship services are accessible to all. If you are able to spare some time and help fill these important roles, please speak with our minister or elders after a service. Thank you for your continued dedication to our church community.

Worship this Sunday

Our service this Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. This Sunday Trinity Presbyterian Church in Victoria will once again be joining us on-line for the sermon. 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 1

• Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches (selected verses)

Our solo will be Arioso by J. S. Bach.

Upcoming

• Our Next Foodbank Sunday is on July 27.

• We will again be gathering for Friendship Coffee at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, at SPPC.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, July 13, 2025

The summer season has finally arrived here on the Peninsula, bringing with it beautiful weather and a slightly quieter pace of life. As many of us enjoy holidays and time with family and friends, the regular rhythm of our church community shifts. While this period of rest and renewal is wonderful, it also means that our usual volunteers may be away, creating a need for a little extra help to keep things running smoothly on Sunday mornings.

Your support is especially needed in a couple of key areas during the later part of these summer months. We are looking for people to step up and serve as greeters, offering a warm and welcoming smile to everyone who comes through our doors before the service. We also need help with our audio visual equipment to ensure that our worship services are accessible to all. If you are able to spare some time and help fill these important roles, please speak with our minister or elders after a service. Thank you for your continued dedication to our church community.

Worship this Sunday

Our service this Sunday begins at 10:00 a.m. This Sunday Trinity Presbyterian Church in Victoria will once again be joining us on-line for the sermon. 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 1

• Revelation 2-3 - Letters to the Seven Churches (selected verses)

Our solo will be Arioso by J. S. Bach.

Upcoming

• Our Next Foodbank Sunday is on July 27.

• We will again be gathering for Friendship Coffee at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, at SPPC.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, June 22, 2025

This past Tuesday, the Presbytery of Vancouver Island met at Comox Valley Presbyterian Church. We extend a warm welcome to the Reverend Jacqueline Cleland, who attended her first Presbytery meeting as the newly ordained and inducted minister of Knox Presbyterian Church, Sooke. Having just started her ministry on Monday, she truly jumped in at the deep end, and we congratulate her! We also marked the occasion of the final Presbytery meeting for the Reverend Laura Kavanagh as minister of Knox Presbyterian, Victoria, before her retirement at the end of August. We are nonetheless certain that Laura will continue to be involved in the life of the Presbytery moving forward. That evening, the Presbytery gathered for a very pleasant retirement dinner in Laura’s honour.

With the Reverend Laura Kavanagh’s retirement, Knox Presbyterian will now be vacant. However, the church will not be seeking a minister for the foreseeable future. Instead, Knox will be moving into an ecumenical shared ministry with Hollydene Community Church, sharing Hollydene’s ministry and worship leadership in Knox’s building.

On the other hand, St. Andrew’s, Victoria, recently completed an extensive ministry review facilitated by the Reverend Doctor Dale Woods from Westminster Presbytery. They have prepared a congregational profile and will likely begin their search for a new minister in early fall. At that time, I will serve as their Interim Moderator. In the meantime, Trinity, Victoria looks forward to the Rev. Mitch Coggin as their new IM.

Overall, it was a very positive Presbytery meeting. Immediately following the formal meeting, the Presbyters participated in a brainstorming session led by the Reverend Jeremy Bellsmith of St. Andrew’s, Nanaimo. We explored the greatest stressors facing congregations today and discussed how the Presbytery and its congregations could collectively help alleviate these pressures, specifically in areas of financial management, administration, and discipleship training. While this was just a first step, we anticipate rapid progress on these initiatives in the fall.

We covet your prayers for the congregations of the Presbytery, but especially for Knox, Sooke, and St. Andrew’s, Trinity and Knox, Victoria as they all face the challenges of change. 

On a different note, I will be away on leave for two weeks starting this coming Monday. The first week is for study leave, as I will be taking a Formational Prayer Seminar with Healing Care Canada. The second week is a medical leave that will prevent me from being in the pulpit on Sunday. In my absence, we look forward to the Reverend Arnie Alksne sharing the Word with us on July 29. The following Sunday, July 6, we will welcome the Reverend Wes Denyer, who recently retired to Victoria from Rosedale Presbyterian Church in Toronto.

Worship this Sunday

Our service this 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 93

• Revelation 1

• John 8:13-20

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, Give thanks to God, and the anthem, O Give Thanks by Hal Hopson.

Upcoming

• Rev. Irwin Cunningham will be on leave for the next two weeks. So next week, June 29, we welcome the Rev. Arnie Alksne back to the pulpit. The following Sunday, July 6, we welcome the Rev. Wes Denyer.

• For our final Wednesday Study before the summer break we will be watching the movie The Blind Side from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• The Sunshine Lunch takes place this Monday, June 23 at noon. The luncheon follows a Hawaiian Theme.

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering takes place this Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Resthaven Park, next to the Sidney Library. Please, if possible, bring your own coffee, or beverage, and a folding chair. If it rains, we will meet at the church. Feel free to bring a friend.

• Our Food Bank Drive continues until June 29. There is a special request for personal hygiene products, tea bags, canned milk, canned meat and pasta sauce. There will be a draw for a flower basket for all donors.

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact Janet or the office before the end of the month, so we may make a bulk order.

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, June 15, 2025

Last Sunday, we celebrated the great gift of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that breathed life into the church. This week, we are given another profound gift: the invitation to gather as one family at the Lord’s Table.

It is especially fitting that our Communion service falls on Father’s Day. On this day, we honour the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have guided and nurtured us. Their love, however imperfect, reflects the boundless, welcoming love of God our Father, who invites us all to this special meal. The table is a place of remembrance, of grace, and of deep community. It is a place where we are all children of God, welcomed and fed.

As the warmth of summer begins to settle over our beautiful peninsula, we have so much to be thankful for. Let us come together this Sunday with hearts full of gratitude, ready to be nourished in body and spirit.

Finally, please keep our church presbyters in your prayers next week as they travel to the Comox Valley for the meeting of the Presbytery. At this gathering, we will also be saying farewell to the Rev. Laura Kavanagh, who is retiring from Knox Presbyterian Church in Victoria at the end of July. With all the changes happening within our Presbytery, your prayers for the wisdom and guidance of all its members are needed and deeply appreciated.

Worship this Sunday

Our service 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 122

• Acts 2:42-47 – The Church of Pentecost

• Philippians 2:1-5

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, Give thanks to God, and the anthem, Credo by Jane Marshall.

Upcoming

• This Sunday we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper.

• For our Wednesday Study, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., we continue with the movie Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy, Assassin. 

• Our next Sunshine Lunch is on June 23. Please register by Monday, June 16. The luncheon will follow a Hawaiian Theme.

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering will be on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. It will take place outside at Resthaven Park, next to the Sidney Library. Please, if possible, bring your own coffee, or beverage, and a folding chair. If rain is forecast, we will meet as usual at the church. Feel free to bring a friend to enjoy this wonderful fellowship time.

• Our Food Bank Drive continues until June 29. The Food Bank has circulated a special request for personal hygiene products, tea bags, canned milk, canned meat and pasta sauce. There will be a draw for a flower basket for all donors (tickets are available in the Narthex).

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact Janet Smith or the office before the end of the month, so we may make a bulk order.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, June 8, 2025

Pentecost is a pivotal celebration in the Christian calendar, marking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other believers in Jerusalem. This event, chronicled in the Book of Acts, empowered the early Church to proclaim the Gospel with boldness and understanding, transcending language and cultural barriers. It is considered the birth of the Church, demonstrating God's ongoing presence and active involvement in the lives of His people. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost ignited a transforming fire, enabling believers to live out their faith with courage, wisdom, and a profound sense of unity. This Spirit continues to inspire and guide Christian communities today.

As we commemorate Pentecost, we also have the joy of celebrating the thirty-fifth anniversary of our church building here at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. The promised Holy Spirit descended upon the early Church, empowering its mission and growth. God's gifts to us are so often sent to fulfil these purposes. So this building has served as a sacred space for our congregation to gather, worship, learn, and grow in faith for over three decades. It is a place where the Holy Spirit has undoubtedly moved, fostering fellowship, inspiring service, and enabling us to share the love of Christ within our community. This anniversary serves as a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness, both in the enduring gift of His Spirit and in providing a home where we can continue to live out the Pentecost legacy.

Worship this Sunday

We celebrate Pentecost this Sunday; our service begins as usual at 10:00 a.m. To mark this joyous occasion, you are encouraged to wear red. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here or on the SPPC website.

The Scripture readings are:

• Responsive Psalm 145: 1-7, 10-12, 18, 21 

• Acts 2:1-41 - Pentecost

• Galatians 5:16-18, 22-26

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire by Rabanus Maurus and translated by John Cosin, and the anthem, We’re a Fellowship of Believers by Jay Althousem.

Upcoming

• For our Wednesday Study, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. this week we will watch the first half of the movie Bonhoeffer: Pastor Spy, Assassin which relates the life of the German Lutheran pastor, anti-Nazi dissident and Christian Martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 

• Next Sunday, June 15, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

• Our next Sunshine Lunch takes place on June 23. Please register by June 16. The luncheon will follow a Hawaiian Theme (bring your brightest shirt).

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering will be on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m. It will take place outside at Resthaven Park, next to the Sidney Library. Please, if possible, bring your own coffee, or beverage, and a folding chair. If rain is forecast, we will meet as usual at the church. Feel free to bring a friend to enjoy this wonderful fellowship time.

• Our Food Bank Drive continues until June 29. The Food Bank has circulated a special request for personal hygiene products, tea bags, canned milk, canned meat and pasta sauce. There will be a draw for a flower basket for all donors (tickets are available in the Narthex).

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact Janet Smith or the office, so we may make a bulk order.

• A huge thanks to all involved in planning and preparing our SPPC 35th Anniversary Luncheon, which takes place this Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, June 1, 2025

This coming Sunday, the annual meeting of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church in Canada will commence at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. The Assembly is a significant event for the life and witness of our denomination, and by extension, for our own congregation here at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. It is the highest decision-making body in our church, bringing together ministers and elders (commissioners) from across the country. These individuals gather to pray, worship, and discern God's will for the church on a national level. The Assembly considers a wide range of matters, including doctrine, church governance, mission strategies, social justice issues, and the work of the national committees and theological colleges.

The decisions made at the General Assembly have a direct and indirect impact on our local church. Policies set by the Assembly can shape our worship practices, our understanding of ministry, and how we engage with the wider community. Resources and programs approved at the national level often become available to support our local ministries. Furthermore, the General Assembly is a vital expression of our connectional nature as Presbyterians. It reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers, united in Christ, and working together to further God's kingdom across Canada and beyond. It is an opportunity for shared learning, mutual encouragement, and a collective seeking of God's direction for our future.

We are also pleased that one of our own, Elder Darlene, is attending this year's General Assembly. She will be serving as a Commissioner on behalf of the Presbytery of Vancouver Island. We earnestly ask for your prayers for Darlene and for all commissioners as they convene for their significant work next week.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service 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 67

• Acts 15:1-33 - The Council of Jerusalem

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, Give thanks to God, and the anthem, The Beauty of the Lord power by D.S. Gaines & R.E. Schram.

Upcoming

• Our Food Bank Drive begins this Sunday, June 1 and runs to June 29. While all donations are welcome, there is a special request for personal hygiene products, tea bags, canned milk, canned meat and pasta sauce. There will be a draw for a flower basket for all donors (tickets are available in the Narthex).

• We will be celebrating SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a lunch at SPPC. Tickets are $25.00 each. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex. Please sign up  by this Sunday so that we have numbers for the caterers.

• Next Sunday, June 8th, we will celebrate Pentecost. To mark this joyous occasion, you are encouraged to wear red.

• Mark your calendars for the next Sunshine Lunch on June 23. Please register by June 16. This is the last Sunshine Lunch before summer and will follow a Hawaiian Theme (bring your brightest shirt!)

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact Janet Smith or the office, so we may make a bulk order.

And the blessing of the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, May 25, 2025

Our recent, extensive journey through The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth in our Wednesday Bible studies has been a truly enriching and transformative experience for those who participated. For several months, we have had the profound privilege of walking alongside Jesus through the pages of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We have listened to his parables, marvelled at his miracles, and wrestled with his often challenging teachings. This deep dive reminds us that God's unconditional love, boundless grace, and unwavering call to discipleship is as relevant today as it was two millennia ago.

As we now reflect on this profound exploration, the truths we have uncovered speak powerfully within our hearts and minds. It is not simply about intellectual understanding of ancient stories; it is about how we, as followers of Christ in the community we live in, are called to embody and live out the Good News in our daily lives. May the Spirit empower us to translate these sacred lessons into a life of compassion, forgiveness, service, and proclamation, becoming faithful witnesses to God's love within our homes, our church, and our broader community. I pray that the truths we've uncovered will continue to shape our hearts and actions, inspiring us to love God and our neighbours more fully, reflecting the very heart of the Gospels.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. This week things are going to be a bit different as we are going to try an experiment suggested to us by Presbytery. We are going to share part of our worship with Trinity Presbyterian, Victoria. At Trinity the service will follow its usually pattern, led by one of their elders; however, when it comes to the sermon, SPPC will be streaming from our worship to theirs, where it will be projected on their screen. You can participate in our worship in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 2

• Acts 12:1-19 - Peter’s arrest and escape

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, God reveals his presence by G. Tersteegen & J. Neander, and the anthem, His Strength is My Song by J. Parker & S. Pethel.

Upcoming

• Our Dominican Republic Mission Luncheon and presentation follows the worship service this Sunday. Join us for a Dominican lunch and learn more about our recent mission trip to House Upon the Rock in Pedregal.

• If you missed any of the video sessions of The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, or simply want to review them, Wednesday, May 28 is your chance. The videos will start promptly on the hour and half hour to enable you to attend those you wish to see. 

  • 10:00 a.m. - Episode 9 - The Sermon on the Mount: We visit the hillsides of Galilee and hear Jesus deliver the Sermon on the Mount.

  • 10:30 a.m. - Episode 10 - Jesus Travels the Sea of Galilee: Jesus chose twelve apostles from his group of followers. We spend time on the Sea of Galilee. 

  • 11:00 a.m. - Episode 11 - Jesus Travels North: We travel north to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus started to wrap-up his public ministry. We hear Peter’s Confession.

  • 11:30 a.m. - Episode 12 - A Final Trip to Jerusalem: Jesus journeyed for the last time to Jerusalem. On his way, he spent time with children and confronted a rich young ruler.

  • 1:00 p.m. - Episode 13 - Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem: Jesus visited Jericho on his final approach to Jerusalem. We experience the accounts of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, and Zacchaeus. We witness the Triumphal Entry of Jesus.

  • 1:30 p.m. - Episode 14 - The Last Supper: Jesus looked ahead to later times, when not one stone will be left standing at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. We experience the Last Supper between Jesus and his closest followers.

  • 2:00 p.m. - Episode 15 - The Trial of Jesus: Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the religious leaders. Jesus was taken before the high priests. Jesus was taken before Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate. He was convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to death.

  • 2:30 p.m. - Episode 16 - The Crucifixion of Jesus: We experience the horrible torture of Jesus and his agonizing execution just outside the walls of Jerusalem.

  • 3:00 p.m. - Episode 17 - The Resurrection of Jesus: We share in the excitement of an empty tomb three days after Jesus’ death.

  • 3:30 p.m. - Episode 18 - Who is Jesus?: We finish with the ongoing impact of the Gospels and the different biographical perspectives on the life of Jesus.

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering takes place this Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• Our Food Bank Drive begins June 1 and runs to June 29. While all donations are welcome, there is a special request for personal hygiene products, tea bags, canned milk, canned meat and pasta sauce. There will be a draw for a flower basket for all donors (tickets are available in the Narthex).

• We will be celebrating SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a lunch at SPPC. Tickets are $25.00 each. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex.

• Mark your calendars for the next Sunshine Lunch on June 23. Please register by June 16. This is the last Sunshine Lunch before summer and will follow a Hawaiian Theme (bring your brightest shirt!)

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact the office, so we may make a bulk order.

The Memorial service for sister in Christ, Gladys Calder, will take place next Friday, May 30 at 10:30 a.m.

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, May 18, 2025

Why, in 2025, do we still mark Victoria Day? For many, it is simply the welcome "May long weekend," a signal of summer's imminent arrival, a time for gardening, camping, or gathering with family. The direct connection to Queen Victoria herself might feel distant for some. Yet, its persistence points to something deeper about us and our need for tradition.

Traditions, whether national holidays like Victoria Day, family rituals, or even the familiar rhythm of our local community events, act as anchors. They provide a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world, connecting us to a shared past and a collective identity. We hold onto them tenaciously because they offer comfort, predictability, and a way to mark the passage of time together. Traditions often embody values, stories, and a sense of heritage – even if we don't always consciously articulate it. They become part of the story we tell ourselves about who we are, as a nation or a community.

This human instinct for tradition, for meaningful, repeated practices that bind us together and root us in a larger narrative, finds a profound echo in the life of the Church. Think about it: our Christian faith is steeped in traditions that have been passed down through millennia. We follow a liturgical calendar that annually rehearses the great story of salvation – Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost. These aren't just arbitrary dates; they are sacred traditions that shape our worship, our prayers, and our understanding of God's ongoing work in the world.

Our sacraments, like baptism and communion, are also ancient traditions instituted by Christ himself, connecting us not only to God but to countless believers throughout history and across the globe. The hymns we sing, the creeds we affirm, even the scriptures we read and preach upon – these are all part of a vibrant, living tradition.

Like national holidays, these church traditions can risk becoming mere habit if we lose sight of their deeper meaning. But when embraced with understanding and intention, they become powerful channels of grace, spiritual formation, and communal identity. They remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves–a "great cloud of witnesses." Just as Victoria Day, for all its evolving interpretations, still offers a pause and a shared marker in our civic calendar, our church traditions offer us sacred pauses and holy markers in our journey of faith, grounding us in the unchanging love and faithfulness of God. This long weekend, as we enjoy a break from the ordinary, perhaps we can also reflect on the traditions, both civic and sacred, that shape and enrich our lives.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Responsive Psalm 66:1-9, 16 & 20

• Acts 9:1-30 - Saul’s conversion

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, God reveals his presence by G. Tersteegen & J. Neander, and the anthem, The Lord is my Shepherd by W. Griffith.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on May 21 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. 

• Our Dominican Republic Mission Luncheon and presentation will take place next Sunday, May 25 following the worship service. All are invited

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering takes place on May 29 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• We will be celebrating SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC. Tickets are $25.00 each. The menu and sign-up sheets are available in the Narthex.

News for Sunday, May 11, 2025

This coming Sunday, our church calendar brings us to two meaningful observances: Mother's Day and Christian Family Sunday.

Mother's Day provides an occasion to acknowledge the profound influence of mothers in our lives. We recognize that the concept of "mother" can evoke a wide range of experiences and emotions. For many, it's a time of deep gratitude for loving, nurturing mothers. For others, the day may be tinged with sadness, perhaps due to loss, difficult relationships, or the longing for motherhood. As a church community, we seek to hold all these experiences with compassion. We honour the spirit of motherhood—the sacrificial love, guidance, and care—wherever it is found, celebrating those who have embodied these qualities, whether they are biological mothers, grandmothers, aunts, mentors, or spiritual mothers within our faith family. We also remember the biblical principle of honouring parents and the faith that is often passed down through generations.

Paired with this, Christian Family Sunday invites us to celebrate the broader concept of the Christian family in all its diverse expressions. This is a vital reminder that our church itself is a family in Christ, called to be a place of welcome, support, and mutual encouragement for everyone, regardless of their personal family experiences. It is a day to cherish the bonds we share as brothers and sisters in faith, and to reflect on how we can all contribute to making our church a nurturing environment where God's love is a lived reality. As we navigate the varied emotions that Mother's Day may bring, Christian Family Sunday reassures us that we all belong to God's family, a community intended to offer solace, strength, and a shared journey of faith.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

We are pleased to have Dorothy Napier as our reader this Sunday. The Scripture readings are:

• Responsive Psalm 67

• Acts 8:26-40 - The Ethiopian Eunuch is baptized

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, God reveals his presence by G. Tersteegen & J. Neander, and the anthem, Praise God for Every Gift by D. Williams & J. P. Lantz.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on May 14 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. only. 

• The next Friendship Coffee gathering takes place on May 29 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• We will be celebrating SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC. Tickets are $25.00 each. The menu and sign-up sheets are available in the Narthex.

• If you still need to update your Earthquake Emergency Kits with fresh food and water, please contact the office, so we may make a bulk order.

News for Sunday, May 4, 2025

Since our last newsletter, significant events have unfolded both locally and nationally, prompting reflection and prayer.

Most immediately and tragically, our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating incident at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver last Saturday. A senseless act of violence shattered lives and families in moments. This tragedy touches our church community directly, as we host the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Filipino congregation here at SPPC. While we are relieved that no JIL members were directly harmed, they share the sorrow of their close-knit community, knowing those who were impacted. We hold the victims, their families, the Filipino community, and our sister JIL congregation in our prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Premier David Eby has declared Friday, May 2nd, an official day of mourning in B.C. He described it as “a day for all British Columbians to reflect on the loss of life of innocent people; the injury to people who were only seeking to celebrate; both physical and psychic scars that are going to last for a lifetime.” Let us indeed take time tomorrow to grieve with those who grieve.

Events like these remind us starkly of the fragility of life, as Scripture notes in Isaiah:

All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty
is like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:6b-8)

In this enduring Word, we find solace and confidence. Even in the face of sudden tragedy, we affirm that death does not have the final say. As the name of our sister congregation powerfully reminds us: Jesus is Lord!

Also occurring since our last update was the Canadian General Election. The result is a minority Liberal government under new Prime Minister Mark Carney, with the Conservatives forming the official opposition and the NDP and Bloc Québécois holding the balance of power. While the political configuration shares similarities with the previous parliament, we pray for wisdom and guidance for all our elected leaders as they serve our country.

May God grant peace to the grieving, wisdom to our leaders, and steadfast faith to us all.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 27:1-6, 13-14

• Acts 6:1-7:2a, 44-60 - Stephen’s Witness

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, God reveals his presence by G. Tersteegen & J. Neander, and the anthem, Come Follow Me by Jay Althouse & Sally Albrecht.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on May 7 at 7 p.m. only.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place next Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• The next Friendship Coffee will be on May 29 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our sister in Christ, Gladys Calder, last Friday evening. Please keep her family in your prayers.

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

News for Sunday, April 27, 2025

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Presbytery of Vancouver Island convened its regular session via Zoom. Participation in the life of the Presbytery is an important part of the work of ministers and sessions in The Presbyterian Church in Canada, as we seek mutual guidance and support among our sister congregations.

Our Presbytery is currently struggling with an increasing problem seen across our Church: a high rate of congregations without ministers. Presently, four of our eleven pastoral charges are vacant. Furthermore, we anticipate the imminent retirement our minister at Knox Presbyterian, Victoria.

Therefore, we were thrilled that Knox Presbyterian Church, Sooke, is calling Ms. Jacqueline Cleland, a gifted recent graduate from the Vancouver School of Theology. While the Presbytery approved sustaining the call on Thursday, the process requires further steps: the call must be received and placed in her hands by her home Presbytery of New Brunswick, and she will then be ordained there. Although this takes time, we look forward with excitement to potentially inducting a new minister into Vancouver Island Presbytery.

In the meantime, several of us continue serving as Interim Moderators, caring for congregations during vacancies. I currently fulfill this role at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Victoria, and will be transferring to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Victoria, in August.

Worship this Sunday

Our Sunday service begins at 10:00 a.m. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 30

• Luke 24:13-35 - The Road to Emmaus

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, Come into His Presence, and the anthem, Praise the Lord by J. Althouse.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on April 30 at both 10:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place on Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

The Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, April 20, 2025 - Easter

Easter Sunday stands as the very cornerstone of our Christian faith, the radiant sunrise that dispels the darkness of Good Friday. It is the day we joyfully proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb, a victory over sin and death that offers hope and new life to all who believe. This single event validates Jesus's divine nature and confirms the truth of his teachings, transforming him from a mere historical figure into the living Lord and Saviour. Without the resurrection, the sacrifice on the cross would be in vain, and our faith would lack its foundational power.

The significance of Easter extends far beyond a historical commemoration; it is a living reality that shapes our present and secures our future. Through Christ's resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. It inspires us to live with courage and purpose, knowing that even in the face of earthly challenges and mortality, we share in Christ's triumph. As we gather this Easter Sunday, let us celebrate this profound gift of grace and allow the transformative power of the resurrection to renew our hearts and strengthen our commitment to following Jesus.

Worship this Sunday

At SPPC, our celebration begins with the "Sunrise" Service at 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park (8891 Lochside Dr.). Rain or shine, warm or storm, we meet to read the Word, retelling the story of the empty tomb, and to sing songs of praise to our risen Lord. At 9:00 a.m., we gather in Molloy Hall at SPPC for our Easter breakfast (all are welcome!). And at 10:00 a.m., we join in worship of the risen Christ in the sanctuary. This Easter Sunday, we will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper. You can participate in person or connect with our community online via the livestream. The link is available here.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

• Isaiah 65:17-25

• Luke 24:1-12

This week we also look forward to our choir singing of both the introit, He is Risen by Larry Skaggs, and the anthem, This Joyful Easter by Dale Grotenhuis.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, resumes on April 23 at 10:00 a.m. As there is an All Candidates Meeting that evening at SPPC, the 7:00 p.m. class will resume on April 30.

• SPPC is serving as a polling station for the Federal Election on Monday, April 28. Volunteers are needed to man the narthex. If you wish to volunteer please sign up on the sheet in the narthex. 

• The Out to Lunch Bunch will be gathering for lunch at the Legislature Dining Room on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Information and signup sheet in the Narthex.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place on Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

• We are seeking further volunteers to host our after Church Coffee Fellowship. We are also seeking volunteers as greeters or ushers before worship. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office.

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, April 13, 2025

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, a journey through the final days of Jesus's earthly ministry. It begins with Palm Sunday, and culminates in the glorious celebration of Easter. Within this week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday hold profound significance. Maundy Thursday, with its focus on the Last Supper and Jesus's act of humble service in washing his disciples' feet, reminds us of the importance of love and self-sacrifice. It is a call to communion, both with God and with one another as Christ's followers, and a reminder of the new commandment Jesus gave us: to love one another as he loved us.

Good Friday, a day of solemn reflection, commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is a time to contemplate the immense sacrifice made for our sins, a stark reminder of the cost of redemption. This day invites us into a space of grief and repentance, acknowledging the weight of our human failings and the immeasurable love that bore them. Finally, Easter Sunday bursts forth with the triumphant proclamation of Christ's resurrection. It is a day of joy, hope, and new beginnings, signifying the victory of life over death, and the promise of eternal life for all who believe. It's a celebration of God's boundless love and the transformative power of faith.

In the life of SPPC we commemorate each of these events in our life of worship, starting this weekend, with Palm Sunday, remembering the glorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to our perhaps unwitting cries of the crowd, "Hosanna!" which translates us "save us." And through Holy week we may witness the depth and the cost of what our cry meant in Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour!

Worship this Sunday

We are pleased this Palm Sunday to once again welcome the Rev. Grant Wilson to our pulpit. The Rev. Irwin Cunningham will this week be preaching as well as leading baptisms and new membership at Trinity, Victoria, where he still serves as Interim Moderator. We look forward to hearing Grant's preaching here at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. So, come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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 116

• John 12:12-16

This week we also look forward to the singing of both the introit, Come into His presence, and the duet, The Holy City by Stephen Adams.

Holy Week Services

• The Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room will take place at 6:00 p.m. on April 17. This short service is a reading of the events of the Upper Room followed by a the Lord's Supper.

• The Good Friday Devotional Service will take place on April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The string quartet will play The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross by Joseph Haydn interspersed by the readings from Christ's passion in the Gospels.

• Easter Sunday Sunrise Service will take place on April 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park and will be followed followed by the Easter Breakfast, hosted by the Fellowship Committee, at 9:00 a.m. in the hall at SPPC.

• Easter Sunday Celebration & Communion will then take place at 10:00 a.m.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: the Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth will not take place this week, as it is Holy Week. It will resume on April 23.

• The Out to Lunch Bunch will be meeting for lunch at the Legislature Dining Room on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Information and signup sheet in the Narthex.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place on Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, April 6, 2025

It is wonderful to be back home after our recent mission trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, alongside our friends from Saanichton Bible Fellowship. Words truly struggle to capture the profound experience we shared. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone feeling called to consider participating in such a journey in the future.

While I gained a surprising amount of knowledge about concrete and discovered muscles I didn't know existed (resulting in some memorable aches), my true highlight was the overwhelming joy found in the Lord. The deep fellowship we experienced with our mission team, the dedicated missionaries at House Upon the Rock, and the warm, welcoming local Dominican Christians who guided our work was truly remarkable.

Following Easter, the mission team is planning a special luncheon and presentation to share our experiences with you, offering a deeper glimpse into our time in Jarabacoa. While we travelled to the Dominican Republic with the intention of blessing the community there, we found ourselves receiving an abundance of blessings in return. We look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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 24:1-6, 9-10

• Luke 16:1-15 - Parable of the Shrewd Manager

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, Come into His presence, and the anthem, God So Loved the World by John Stainer.

Upcoming

• The next Sunshine Lunch takes place next Monday at noon.

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: the Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth resumes next week, April 9 with classes at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Next Sunday, April 13, Rev. Grant Wilson will again be in the pulpit here at SPPC. Rev. Irwin Cunningham will be leading worship at Trinity Presbyterian, Tillicum, where he continues as Interim Moderator.

• The Out to Lunch Bunch will be meeting for lunch at the Legislature Dining Room on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. Information and signup sheet in the Narthex.

• SPPC’s Cleaning Bee will take place on Friday, May 9, (note date change) from 10 a.m. to noon. 

• We will be celebrating Saturday, SPPC’s 35th Anniversary on Saturday June 7, at 12:30 p.m.with a special catered lunch at SPPC; tickets will be $25.00 each. The menu will be available soon in the Narthex.

• Holy Week Services

  • The Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room will take place at 6:00 p.m. on April 17

  • The Good Friday Devotional Service will take place on April 18 at 10:00 a.m. The string quartet will play The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross by Joseph Haydn interspersed by the readings from Christ's passion in the Gospels.

  • Easter Sunday Sunrise Service will take place on April 20 at 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park and will be followed followed by the Easter Breakfast, hosted by the Fellowship Committee at 9:00 a.m. in the hall at SPPC.

  • Easter Sunday Celebration & Communion will then take place, as usual, at 10:00 a.m.

• We are seeking further volunteers to host our after Church Coffee Fellowship. We are also seeking volunteers as greeters or ushers before worship. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the office.

• Many thanks to those who participated in our survey on the use of "Amens" in congregational singing. Our ongoing practice will be to play the closing "Amen" where it is printed in the hymn book.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for March 2025

We are filled with anticipation as the Mission Team prepares to journey to the House Upon the Rock Ministry in the Dominican Republic next Wednesday, March 12th, returning on March 28th. We have been deeply touched by the incredible generosity of our church family. Your outpouring of support, providing medications and vitamins for the clinic in Pedrigal, our home base, has been a great blessing. And we're so grateful for the two suitcases of supplies donated by The Compassionate Warehouse!

As we embark on this adventure, we humbly ask for your loving prayers. Please hold our team in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels both to and from the Dominican Republic, and especially for our health and safety while we are there. We anticipate days filled with meaningful, though physically demanding, work in the tropical heat, alongside precious opportunities to connect with the wonderful people of the community.

Above all, we pray that God will guide us as we serve Him in Pedrigal. We ask for your prayers that He will lead us in our witness, opening doors for us to share the Gospel through our words and actions. Your prayers, your unwavering support, and your heartfelt encouragement are a tremendous blessing to our team. We truly feel your love and partnership in this mission.

Sunday Worship

As the webmaster will be off on the Mission trip starting March 12, here are the links for worship for the rest of the month. Worship will begin, as usual, at 10:00 a.m. and you can participate in person or connect with our community online via the live stream. Click on the link below for each Sunday:

• March 9

• March 16

• March 23

• March 30

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, is on a break and will re-commence on April 9, at 10:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• This Sunday during worship we are commissioning our Mission Team to the Dominican Republic. 

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, March 2, 2025

This week we celebrate Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the season of Lent. The observance of Lent developed gradually in the early Church, solidifying its form by the 4th century. Its origins are rooted in the period of intense preparation for baptism, which traditionally occurred on Easter Sunday. This preparatory time involved fasting, prayer, and instruction for catechumens. The 40 day period (excluding Sundays) symbolically echoed Jesus's 40 days of temptation in the wilderness, as recorded in the Gospels. Over time, Lent became a season for all believers to engage in penitence and spiritual renewal, focusing on the themes of sin, repentance, and the sacrifice of Christ. While the formal practices of Lent have varied through the centuries, the underlying purpose has remained consistent: to prepare the heart for the celebration of Easter.   

While Presbyterianism has historically downplayed certain liturgical practices, including the formal observance of Lent, the season offers valuable opportunities for spiritual growth that align with Reformed theology. The emphasis on Scripture, self-examination, and the centrality of Christ's atoning work are core tenets of Presbyterian belief, and these can be richly explored during Lent. Even without formal liturgical observances, Presbyterians can use this time for deeper Bible study, particularly focusing on the Passion narratives, as well as engaging in personal reflection and prayer. The focus on repentance and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice is a key part of our faith, and Lent offers a focused time to consider these important aspects of our Christian walk. While formal fasting or other traditional Lenten practices are a matter of personal conviction, the spirit of humility and a desire to draw closer to God are valuable for all believers.

Our seminary in Vancouver, St,. Andrew's Hall, seeks to guide us through our Lenten journey and has produced a series of devotions that we can follow through the weeks before Easter. You can find them here.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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.

We are pleased to have Dorothy Napier reading as our reader this Sunday. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 36:5-10

• Luke 9:28-45 - Transfiguration, healing a boy with a demon, passion prediction

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, Open Our Eyes, Lord by Robert Cull, and the anthem, For Where Love Is, There is God by Douglas Wagner.

Upcoming

• Between the Session Meeting and the Mission to the Dominican Republic, there will be no Wednesday Study during March. We will however schedule some movie mornings in March. Please watch for further information.

• The Mission Team to the House Upon the Rock in the Dominican Republic leaves on  March 12, returning on March 28. We will be commissioning our missionaries during the worship service on March 9.

• Next Sunday, March 9, marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time, so please  remember to set your clocks forward before you go to bed on Saturday night, otherwise you will be joining us for the closing “Amens” (you will nonetheless still be welcome to join us for fellowship).

News for Sunday, February 23, 2025

This week's newsletter is a little early, as I'll be in Vancouver this Friday and Saturday cheering on the international HSBC Rugby Sevens at BC Place. While it makes for a busier week, it's a great opportunity to spend time with family, and I must admit, I do love rugby! The challenge is that I'm writing this while also trying to keep up with the Canada-USA Four Nations hockey final on my phone (don't worry, I'll proofread after the game!). It's a reminder that we sometimes have to juggle our passions. Rest assured, I'll be back in time for worship on Sunday morning.

We often find it easy to choose between good and bad, and even discerning "the lesser of two evils" can be manageable. The real challenge comes when we must choose between two good things, like family and church (a dilemma some friends and colleagues have faced). Yet, Jesus calls us to make just such choices, asking us to prioritize following him, even above the best things this world offers. He assures us that this is the only truly worthwhile choice. And in return, he gives us his family, his abundant blessings, and his enduring love, not just for today, but for eternity. Perhaps, then, the choice isn't so difficult after all?

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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. And please take the opportunity to stay afterwards for fellowship followed by our Annual Meeting.

The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 103:1-6, 20-22

• Luke 7:36-50

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, The Lord is in His holy temple, and the anthem, Make Me A Channel of Your Peace by Sebastian Temple.

Upcoming

• Following the service this Sunday there will be a brief fellowship time, followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting. Please remember to bring your copy of the Annual Report. Agendas will be available in the Narthex.

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on February 26, with classes at 10 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• We'd love for you to join us for our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC on Thursday, February 27, at 10:00 a.m. Bring a friend and enjoy some friendly fellowship!

• Our Out to Lunch Bunch is heading to the Thai Corner Restaurant on Friday, February 28, at 11:30 a.m. The delicious buffet lunch is back for $19.95. Please sign up this Sunday, February 23, so we can get a headcount.

• The Mission Team to the Dominican Republic leaves on March 14, returning on March 28. We will be commissioning our missionaries during the worship service on March 9.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, February 16, 2025

Valentine's Day, a day replete with heart-shaped candies and romantic gestures, has a surprisingly murky past. Its origins are often traced back to ancient Roman festivals, perhaps Lupercalia, a mid-February celebration of fertility and purification. Later, the story of Saint Valentine, a martyred priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by performing weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry, became intertwined with the holiday. So by the Middle Ages, Valentine's Day had become associated with courtly love and the exchange of affectionate messages. While the modern commercialization of the holiday can feel overwhelming, its roots do remind us of the enduring human need for connection, affection, and love.

In the church, Valentine's Day can serve as a gentle reminder of the importance of love in all its forms. Beyond romantic love, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the agape love described in the scriptures – a selfless, sacrificial love that extends to all. It is a chance to consider how we express love not just to our partners, but to our families, our neighbours, and our community. Perhaps Valentine’s Day can prompt us to examine how we embody Christ's love in our daily lives, reaching out with kindness and compassion to those around us, and fostering a spirit of love within our church community.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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

• Luke 7:18-35 - Tell John what you see and hear

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, The Lord is in His holy temple, and the anthem, Many Gifts, One Spirit by Mary Lynn Lightfoot.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, continues on February 19, with classes at 10 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Join us for our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 23, 2025! If you haven't already, please grab a copy of the 2024 Annual Congregational Report from the narthex this Sunday.

• We'd love for you to join us for our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC on Thursday, February 27, at 10:00 a.m. Bring a friend and enjoy some friendly fellowship!

• Our Out to Lunch Bunch is heading to the Thai Corner Restaurant on Friday, February 28, at 11:30 a.m. The delicious buffet lunch is back for $19.95. Please sign up by next Sunday, February 21, so we can get a headcount.

May the Lord bless you all!

News for Sunday, February 9, 2025

The Lord's Supper, also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist, is a central sacrament in the Presbyterian Church, a sacred meal instituted by Jesus Christ himself. It is a profound act of remembrance, not merely recalling a past event, but truly participating in the ongoing reality of Christ's sacrifice and his presence with us. Through the symbolic elements of bread and wine, we are spiritually nourished and strengthened, our faith renewed, and our union with Christ and with one another deepened. This sacrament is a visible sign and seal of God's grace, not a means of earning it, but a gift freely offered to all who believe. It is a celebration of the covenant relationship we share with God through Christ, a reminder of his unwavering love, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come.

In the Reformed understanding, the Lord's Supper is more than just a symbolic gesture. While we do not believe in the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, we affirm the real spiritual presence of Christ in the sacrament. This means that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers truly partake of Christ's body and blood in a spiritual sense, receiving the benefits of his atoning sacrifice and experiencing a renewed communion with him. It is a time of intimate fellowship with our Saviour, a moment to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness and grace. As we gather around the Lord's Table this Sunday, we are reminded of our shared identity as members of the body of Christ, bound together by faith and love. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, a glimpse of the eternal fellowship we will share with Christ in his kingdom.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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 32:1-7

• Luke 5:27-35 - Calling Levi

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, The Lord is in His holy temple, and the anthem, Living Bread by Gilbert M. Martin.

Upcoming

• The Wednesday Study resumes this week on February 12 with classes at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Barbara Lyon and her amazing team are hosting a delicious Soup & Sandwich Fundraising Luncheon this Saturday, February 8th, at 12:30 p.m. in Molloy Hall. We're raising money to help pay for our new heat pump. Come on out and enjoy a warm and wonderful meal while supporting a great need! We'll have a variety of delicious soups, tasty sandwiches, and yummy desserts, plus tea and coffee.

• Please remember to pick up a copy of the 2024 Annual Report this Sunday. The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 23, 2025..

• The Sunshine Lunch takes place on Monday, February 10 at noon with a Valentine’s theme. 

• Our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC will be on Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• Out to Lunch Bunch: the next adventure is at the Thai Corner Restaurant on Friday, February 28 at 11:30 a.m. The buffet lunch is once again available at $19.95. Please sign up by Sunday, February 21.

And may the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, February 2, 2025

Canadians like to talk about the weather. Perhaps that's because we actually have weather; it changes day to day and season to season. You know the old saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait half an hour." Well, I've heard that expressed across our country, from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Prince George, BC. Indeed, if the weather isn't changing much, it tends to be because we're stuck in some extreme, like a heat dome, an atmospheric river, or a deep freeze. Okay, so technically Canadians like to complain about the weather. Last week I was complaining about the cold; this week I'm complaining about the damp.

Of course, we talk about the weather because it makes a real difference in our lives. Think, "What shall I wear today?" If the difference between summer and winter for you is that the temperature drops from 27°C to 25°C and the trade winds shift from easterly to southeasterly, you just don't have much to talk about. When the hurricane comes, you'll talk about it. That's why the Inuit have dozens of words for "snow," or the Polynesians have many words for "wind" and "wave."

In the same vein, Scripture is full of names for God. Apart from the personal name of God, often written as YHWH (from the Hebrew יהוה), though traditionally transliterated as Jehovah or LORD (it's complicated), He is called the Provider, Healer, Shepherd, Abba, Alpha and Omega, Adonai, Elohim, El-Shaddai, Immanuel, Prince of Peace, or even simply Jesus. Each of these and the many other names of God reveals more to us about Himself and how He relates to us and affects our lives. We may have our favourites ("Heavenly Father," perhaps), but the Scriptures encourage us to turn to the richness of God's names, to know Him better, to talk about Him. Because if you think the weather can change your plans, how much more can an encounter with the living God transform your life?

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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 95:1-7a

• 1 Samuel 21:1-6

• Luke 6:1-11

This week we also look forward to our choir singing both the introit, The Lord is in His holy temple, and the anthem, Sing A New Song to the Lord by Natalie Sleeth.

Upcoming

• There will be no Wednesday Study this week as Session meets that day. The study will resume next week on February 12.

• Come and join Barbara Lyon and her amazing team for a delicious Soup & Sandwich Fundraising Luncheon! It's happening on Saturday, February 8th, at 12:30 p.m. in Molloy Hall. We're raising money to help pay for our wonderful new heat pump, so come on out and enjoy a warm and wonderful meal while supporting a great need! We'll have a variety of delicious soups, tasty sandwiches, and yummy desserts, plus tea and coffee. It's just $20 per person. Sign up on the poster in the Narthex this Sunday—we can't wait to see you there!

• We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, February 9.

• The next Sunshine Lunch takes place on Monday, February 10 at noon with a Valentine’s theme. Tickets are $15. Please purchase your tickets by this Sunday.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on February 23, 2025 following worship and fellowship. 

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, January 26, 2025

It will be a pleasure to return to SPPC after my two-week absence. I extend my sincere gratitude to Pastor Byron Knight for leading us in worship during that time.

I enjoyed the opportunity to worship with other congregations, both Presbyterian and non-denominational, and to experience the diverse ways in which we express our devotion to God. I had the privilege of preaching at St. Andrew's in Nanaimo and attending a service with my daughter at Lambrick Park Church in Victoria. It was interesting to note that their styles of worship were more similar to each other than to ours, highlighting the diverse nature of Presbyterian worship.

This week, Roy and I attended the Presbytery Retreat in Nanaimo. We enjoyed the fellowship and found the meeting to be remarkably positive, despite the many challenges facing the Presbytery and its churches. One such challenge is the increasing number of churches without ministers. In addition to the current vacancies at Knox in Sooke, Trinity in Victoria, and Knox in Campbell River, we will soon see additional vacancies at St. Andrew's and Knox in Victoria, as Mitch Coggin and Laura Kavanagh begin their well-deserved retirements. By August, nearly every member of the clergy in our Presbytery will be serving as an Interim Moderator. This will undoubtedly place additional strain on both ministers and congregations, and the Presbytery is grateful to those who are willing to share their ministers with other churches. I ask for your prayers for all these churches as they navigate these challenging times of transition and express my gratitude to this congregation for graciously sharing my time with Trinity on Tillicum. We move forward with hope.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship at SPPC this Sunday 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 51:1-9

• Luke 5:1-11

This week we also look forward to the duet, Praise His Name Forever by Katherine K. Davis & J. Rosen Muller.

Upcoming

• Our Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, will resume next week on January 29, at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Barbara and crew are holding a Soup & Sandwich Fundraising Luncheon on Saturday, February 8, at 12:30 p.m. in the Molloy Hall. All funds raised will be used to offset the cost of our new heat pump. Come and enjoy a hot bowl of soup in the warm embrace of our Lord and the new heat pump! A variety of sandwiches will accompany the choice of soup as well as a selection of desserts. Tea and coffee will, of course, be provided! The Cost is $20 – please sign up on the poster in the Narthex.

• Our next communion will take place on Sunday, February 9.

• The next Sunshine Lunch is on Monday, February 10 at noon with a Valentine’s theme. Tickets are $15. Please purchase your tickets by January 26.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on February 23, 2025. Committee reports are therefore due this Sunday, so they may be published and circulated in good time. 

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, January 12, 2025

Guest Preacher: Welcome Back, Pastor Byron Knight!

Over the next two Sundays, we are delighted to welcome Pastor Byron Knight back to the pulpit at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. Many of us remember Byron from his time as the assistant pastor at Friendship Community Church. He has also led our mission trips to the Dominican Republic, although he's unable to do so this year. Currently, Byron is using his considerable culinary talents as Head Cook at Camp Imadene at Mesachie Lake, where he nourishes both body and soul for staff and campers (and I can attest to this, having served in the kitchens with him!). This week, he shares his gift for preaching the Word with us.

This weekend, I will be preaching at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Nanaimo. The Rev. Jeremy Bellsmith will be leading worship at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Victoria, guiding the congregation through an exercise to discern their gifts for ministry. Please keep Trinity and our fellow churches in the Presbytery in your prayers.

Next week, I will be on study leave, taking an intensive online refresher course on expository preaching through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship here at SPPC this Sunday 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 103:1-12

• Mark 2:13-22

• Ephesians 3:3-14

This week we also look forward to our choir singing the anthem, Gifts of the Spirit by Austin C. Lovelace & Fred Pratt Green.

Upcoming

• Our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC will be on Thursday, January 23, at 10 :00 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting has been set for February 23, 2025. Committee reports are therefore needed by Sunday, January 26 so they may be published and circulated in good time. Those submitting reports are encouraged to get them to Patricia, our secretary, early.

• The Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, will re-commence on January 29, at 10:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• We would like to express our gratitude to all the bakers, buyers, and helpers who made the bake sale a big success! We raised over $500! Thank you so much

May the Lord be with you all!

News for Sunday, January 5, 2025

As the glow of Christmas fades and we pack away the decorations, it is tempting to think the season of celebration is over. But in the church calendar, we find ourselves stepping not only into a new year, but also into a deeper understanding of the Christmas story.

Epiphany, though often overshadowed by the festivities of Christmas, holds a pivotal place in the life of the Church. It marks a crucial turning point in the narrative of Christ's birth, shifting the focus from the intimacy of the manger to the global implications of his arrival. While Christmas centres on the incarnation – God becoming human in the person of Jesus – Epiphany reveals the profound purpose of that incarnation: to bring salvation to all people. The Magi, guided by a star, represent the first Gentiles to acknowledge and worship the newborn king. Their journey from distant lands signifies that the good news of Christ's birth is not limited to the Hebrews, but is a universal message of hope and redemption offered to all nations. This inclusive message forms a cornerstone of Christian faith and its mission to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

Moreover, Epiphany serves as a powerful reminder of God's active presence in the world and his desire to reveal himself to those seeking truth. The star that led the Magi symbolizes divine guidance and the miraculous ways in which God can lead us towards him. It encourages us to be attentive to both the subtle and extraordinary ways in which God's light can illuminate our own paths, even when they seem uncertain. Just as the Magi offered their precious gifts to the Christ Child, we too are called to offer our own gifts of worship, service, and love. By celebrating Epiphany, the Church reaffirms its commitment to be a beacon of God's light, drawing people from all walks of life towards the transformative love of Christ. It is a festival that calls us to embrace the universal message of salvation and to actively participate in God's redemptive plan for the world.

This Epiphany, let us reflect on the ways we can be a light to the world, sharing the love of Christ with all those we encounter. May the light of the world illuminate our paths as we journey through the year ahead.

Worship this Sunday

Come join in worship here at SPPC this Sunday 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.

We are pleased to have Dorothy Napier reading as our reader this Sunday. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 2

• Luke 2:41-52 - The Boy in the Temple

This week we also look forward to our choir singing the anthem, Can This be the Child? by N. Price & D. Besig.

Upcoming

• Our next Friendship Coffee gathering at SPPC will be on Thursday, January 23, at 10 :00 a.m. Bring a friend to enjoy this fellowship.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting has been set for February 23, 2025. Committee reports are therefore due by Sunday, January 26 so they me be published and circulated in good time. Those submitting reports are encouraged to get them to Patricia, our secretary, early.

• The Wednesday Study, The Gospels: The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth, will re-commence on January 29, at 10:00 a.m. and 7 p.m.

• We would like to express our gratitude to all the bakers, buyers, and helpers who made the bake sale a big success! We raised over $500! Thank you so much

May the Lord be with you all!