SPPC Today

News for Sunday, February 1, 2026

The sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, stands as a central pillar of Presbyterian worship and identity. In the Reformed tradition, we understand this meal not merely as a symbolic memorial, but as a "means of grace" where Christ is truly present through the Holy Spirit. When we gather at the Table, we nourish our souls and strengthen our communal bond as the body of Christ. It is a time of profound thanksgiving for the sacrifice of Jesus, a joyful celebration of his resurrection, and a hopeful anticipation of the heavenly banquet yet to come. By participating in the bread and the cup, we are spiritually renewed to continue our mission of service and love in the world.

The roots of our practice trace back to the Protestant Reformation, particularly the teachings of John Calvin in the sixteenth century. Calvin sought a middle path between the view that the elements literally become the body and blood of Christ and the view that the meal is purely a symbolic act of remembrance. He emphasized the "spiritual presence" of Christ, teaching that while the bread and wine remain unchanged, believers are lifted up by the Spirit to commune with the living Lord. This historical perspective shifted the focus from a repetitive sacrifice to a communal feast of faith. Today, we continue this heritage by welcoming all who trust in Jesus Christ to the Table, affirming that it is the Lord’s Table, not our own, and that it serves as a sign of God’s inclusive and redeeming grace.

This Sunday we gather in worship and to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

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 Linda Cliff. The Scripture readings are:

• Psalm 42:1-8

• John 4:1-42 – Jesus meets a Samaritan woman

This week our choir is singing the anthem In This Moment of Remembrance by Dale Wood.

Upcoming

• This Sunday, February 1, we celebrate The Lord’s Supper. If you are unable to attend, but would like to receive communion, please contact your elder and we will arrange for communion to be brought to you.

• The Session meets next Wednesday morning, February 4 at 10:00 a.m..

• The Certificate for Missional Leadership Group meets Wednesday afternoon, February 4 at 3:30 p.m.

• Our Wednesday Study on the Letter to the Ephesians will resume on Wednesday, February 11. Classes are held at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and you are welcome to join either. Our next session begins the second chapter of the Epistle.

• Our next Sunshine Lunch will take place on Monday, February 16, at noon. The theme will be ‘Valentines’. In order that we may prepare for the right numbers, please, sign-up by February 8.

• The Lunch Bunch has a reservation for 15 people at The Good Fortune Restaurant in Sidney. Lunch will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20. Please sign up in the narthex by Sunday, February 15.

• The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on March 1, 2026. Reports are due in the office this Sunday and the Congregational Report will be distributed to the congregation on Sunday, February 15.

• 2026 Vancouver Island Presbytery Summer Camps: This Presbytery Camp Committee has made the following reservations:

  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park on June 8–12

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park on July 15–30

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park on July 30--August 3

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

  • VIP Camp Website: https://vipresbytery.net

May God be with you all!

SUNDAY MORNING

Welcome to Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. 

Our worship takes place at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning both in-person and online (via the SPPC YouTube Livestream button above). We invite you to join us each week as we continue to explore and follow the Word of God. Following the service, there is a fellowship time at the back of the sanctuary.

For the safety of your neighbours, when you attend worship: 

• Please, perform a health check prior to attending.

• While masks are not required, feel free to wear one if you prefer.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.