SPPC Today

News for Palm Sunday, March 22, 2026

The observance of Holy Week emerged in the early centuries of the Church as a concentrated period of fasting and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Historical records from the fourth century, such as those written by the pilgrim to the Holy Land, Egeria, already describe Christians in Jerusalem retracing the final path of Jesus through processions and prayer services at specific holy sites. These practices eventually spread throughout the Roman Empire, evolving into a structured liturgical sequence that allows the faithful to walk alongside Christ during his final days. By the Middle Ages, the Western Church had formalized the rites of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, creating the profound narrative journey that remains central to the tradition today.

Holy Week represents the spiritual pinnacle of the Christian year, serving as a vital bridge between the discipline of Lent and the triumph of the Resurrection. It is more than a historical reenactment; it is an invitation for the community to enter into the "Paschal Mystery"—the suffering, death, and burial of Christ. By intentionally dwelling in the somber reality of the Passion, believers are prepared to experience the full joy of the empty tomb. This week calls the Church to reflect on the depth of divine love and the cost of redemption, ensuring that the celebration of Easter is grounded in the profound sacrifice that made it possible.

We invite you to join us for this sacred journey through Holy Week as we follow the path of Christ from his triumphal entry to the glory of the Resurrection. Our observances begin on this Palm Sunday, followed by an intimate Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room, held in the Ross Lounge on April 2 at 6:00 p.m. On Good Friday, April 3, we shall gather at 10:00 a.m. for a solemn service of hymns and readings. Our Easter Sunday celebrations on April 5 will commence with a Sunrise Service at Cy Hampson Park at 8:00 a.m., followed by a warm breakfast in Molloy Hall at 9:00 a.m. hosted by the Fellowship Committee. We shall conclude our week of devotion with the Easter Sunday Celebration and Communion Service at 10:00 a.m. This fellowship provides us with the opportunity to honour the sacrifice of our Lord and celebrate the joy of the empty tomb together as a church family.

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 24

• John 12:12-27—Triumphal Entry

• John 19:16b-22—The Sign above the cross

This week our choir is singing the anthem Prepare the Way! by Don Besig & Nancy Price.

Announcements

• Our Easter services this year will be as follows:

  • Palm Sunday—This Sunday, March 29 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Maundy Thursday Communion in the Upper Room—April 2 at 6:00 p.m. This service of readings and communion will take place in the Ross Lounge (classroom).

  • Good Friday Service of Hymns and Readings—April 3 at 10:00 a.m.

  • Easter Sunday “Sunrise” Service—April 5 at 8:00 a.m. at Cy Hampson Park (8891 Lochside Drive, North Saanich)

  • Easter Morning Breakfast—April 5 at 9:00 a.m. in the Molloy Hal. Our breakfast will be hosted by the Fellowship Committee. All are welcome!

  • Easter Sunday Celebration and Communion Service—April 5 at 10:00 a.m.

• We need readers for the special services on Thursday, Friday and early Sunday morning. If you would like to be a reader, please sign up in the narthex or call the office.

• The next Sunshine Lunch will be held on Monday, April 13. The theme will be "Easter". Please register by Sunday, April 5, so we may know the number attending.

• Our Wednesday Study will tentatively resume on April 15. We continue with Ephesians, chapter 4.

• 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!

• 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

• Many thanks to all those donating their recyclables for Missions! Please note that the Return-it Depot only accepts beverage containers that are part of the Return for Refund program.

Community Events

• Schizophrenia Recovery is Possible, is a lecture evening led by Matthew Dickson. who has successfully recovered from schizophrenia and has dedicated his time and talent to connect people with mental illness in developing countries to get access to basic mental health care. He will share a short film that documents his adventures cycling across Canada. That will be followed by a talk where he describes what schizophrenia is and his journey to wellness. There will be time for your questions. Tea and coffee will be served. There is no charge for this evening, but donations for Matthew’s work will be gladly accepted.

  • Where: St. John’s United Church, 10990 West Saanich Road, Deep Cove

  • When: Tuesday April 1 at 6:45pm

• 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 on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 9691 Fourth Street, Sidney. Entry by donation.

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

May the Lord bless 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.