SPPC Today

News for Sunday, April 19, 2026

As we continue deeper into the busyness of April, it is easy to find ourselves caught in the momentum of "doing." Between the demands of our schedules and the natural urge to keep pace with the world around us, we often overlook the essential practice of the Sabbath. This is not merely a suggestion for a day off; it is a holy invitation to stop, breathe, and acknowledge that the world continues to turn under God’s care even when we are not the ones pushing it. When we intentionally pause, we create a sanctuary in time where we can reconnect with the One who provides our true rest.

We find this invitation clearly in the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29). I encourage you this week to look for your own "Sabbath moment" amidst the noise. It might be found in a quiet morning prayer, a reflective walk along the shore line of our beautiful peninsula, or simply sitting in stillness for a few minutes before the day begins. In these small moments of silence, we allow our souls to rest. Let us remember that we do not rest because our work is finished, for the work of the Kingdom is never truly done, but because God has commanded us to find our identity in His love rather than our own productivity.

Worship this Sunday

Our worship 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 30

• Matthew 6:24-27

• Acts 9:1-19–Paul’s Conversion

This week our choir is singing the anthem Stand Up, Rejoice and Sing by Robert Thygerson.

Announcements

• Our Wednesday Study of the book of Ephesians will continue on April 22 and 29 at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday, April 26 we are all invited to enjoy a delicious luncheon following the worship service. Everyone is welcome at this special time of fellowship!.

• Our next Friendship Coffee will take place on Thursday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. Join us for this wonderful time of fellowship and bring along a friend!

• We will be holding a Clothes Drive for the Mustard Seed Street Church during the month of May. This is a great time to go through your closet and help those in need. Some suggestions: sweat pants, jogging pants, shorts, tee shirts, coats, underwear, socks and shoes.

• 2026 Vancouver Island Presbytery Summer Camps: These Weekend Escapes are a camping ministry for people of all ages. Come and enjoy nature together. There will be speakers to engage the adults, activities to engage the children, and songs for everyone around the campfire. The Presbytery Camp Committee has reserved the following times and locations:

  • Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park June 8–12

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 25–30

  • Rathtrevor Provincial Park July 30–August 3

  • For inquiries concerning the camps, you can connect with the Camp VIP Registrar at jermareng@outlook.com

Community Events

• The Vancouver Island Chamber Choir, with Grant Harville, Director, presents Bouquet, an elegant arrangement of stunning pieces by Byrd, Cook, Debussy, MacDonald, Lauridsen, Tate, Whitacre and more. The concert takes place next Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 9691 Fourth Street, Sidney. By donation.

• Via Choralis presents Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third Street, Sidney, next Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under).

• A Piano Fundraising Concert, “Touches of Sweet Harmony” (with Mary Byrne on Flute) will be held Sunday, April 26 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3805 Cedar Hill Cross Rd. Admission is $20.

• The Greater Victoria Police Chorus presents A Mother’s Day Concert… Mama Mia! with special guests, Island Ukuleles. Directed by Tina Horwood and Patricia James, this concert takes place on Sunday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army Citadel (4030 Douglas Street). Tickets are $25 available at www.greatervictoriapolicechorus.com/events or from Rob at 250-208-2813.

• St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is hosting Choirburst, an exciting two-day choral marathon on May 15 and 16, starting at 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the Church sanctuary, 924 Douglas Street, Victoria. Admission is free. Presented by the St. Andrew’s Music Outreach program, local and visiting choirs and singing groups will share their music with the Victoria community. The St. Andrew's choristers are singing at 10:30am on Saturday, May 16. Each group will sing for 20 minutes, creating a vibrant showcase of voices throughout the day. A performance schedule is available at www.podium2026.ca/en/choirburst

And 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 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.