SPPC Today
Sunday Worship, February 2, 2025
Sermon: Keeping the Sabbath
Scriptures:
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:
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!
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 will be 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.