Rev. Steve Filyk: Recent Episodes
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This video is a 1990s community cable TV recording of worship at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Kamloops. It features excerpts from a service led by Rev. George Peters, the baptism of Colin MacDonald, and musical contributions from organist Geoff Brown, soloists Norm MacDonald and Evelyn Dale Hunger, and the Choir of St. Pauls Cathedral.
Malcom Mac Harvey Porter(Dec 12, 1938 Feb 26, 2026)Mac Porter was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on December 12, 1938, the beloved only child of Hugh Chug Cecil Porter and Opal Fern Porter (ne Kern). When Mac was just four years old, his mother Opal passed away, and his early years were deeply shaped by the loving presence of his Grandma Katherine Porter (ne Munn) and Grandma Rhuby Kern who delighted in spoiling him on the family farm. He spent countless hours there, creating adventures with his cousin William Billy Goebelmemories he cherished throughout his life. In 1948, Virginia Verg Ball married Chug and became a devoted mother to Mac, giving him the steadfast family foundation he carried forward into adulthood.Mac attended Edmonton public schools, where he excelled in math and science, gifts that guided his path into engineering. He studied Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta, graduating on May 24, 1962. Throughout his career, he earned a remarkable list of professional certifications and designations, reflecting his dedication to excellence and lifelong learning across provinces and disciplines.Macs greatest adventure began in September 1959 when he met the love of his life, Berna Blackstock, during her first week at the University of Alberta. Though he never formally asked her on a date, Mac faithfully walked eleven blocks to visit her at the Sahara Restaurant, left sweet notes on her car, and patiently courted her for four years. They were engaged in August and married on December 21, 1963, at First Presbyterian Church in Edmontona love story that remained strong for more than six decades.Mac and Berna welcomed their three childrenDavid Hugh in 1966, Daniel Bruce in 1968, and Moira Leigh in 1977building a home filled with curiosity, laughter, and adventure. Work took the young family from Saskatoon to Kamloops in 1972, where Mac joinedStrong Lamb Nelson Ltd.He later foundedM.H.P. Engineeringin 1983 and co‑founded Greystone Engineering, working many devoted hours from his basement office. His children fondly remember learning to answer the phone the professional way, one of many small life lessons he passed along.Mac lived a life of service. He volunteered with theProfessional Engineers Board of Directorsin Kamloops, served withScouts Canadawhile his boys were in Cubs and Scouts, supported theKamloops Aquatic Clubduring Moiras swimming years, and continually offered a helping hand wherever it was needed. Mac also devoted many years to supporting his church community, quietly and faithfully contributing wherever he was able and even lending his engineering expertise to research and guide the installation of an elevator for the church. His commitment to helping his church thrive was one of the many ways he lived out his generosity and care for others.Family adventures filled the Porters lives: skiing at Todd Mountain, summers at Paul Lakewhere Mac and Berna eventually purchased their beloved cabinand countless outdoor explorations. Later in life, Mac and Berna traveled the world together, scuba diving in Australia, Fiji, the Caribbean, Cuba, Micronesia and beyond. When their scuba years slowed, Tai Chi became their shared passion, even practicing on roadsides during travelsmuch to the curiosity of local RCMP officers. Mac treasured his collection of Tai Chi swords, symbols of both discipline and joy.In retirement, Mac embraced hunting, always ensuring the freezer was well stocked with healthy wild game. His favourite chair was draped with a bear hide from a bear his son David had takenone of many reminders of his lifelong passion for the wilderness. Through every phase of life, he remained steady, curious, generous, and devoted to his family.Mac is survived by his loving wife Berna; his children David of Kamloops, Daniel of Vancouver, and Moira of Lethbridge; seven grandchildren Nathan, Sara, Grace, Natalya, Sophia, Alex and Emma, and a lifetime of friends, colleagues, and family who were touched by his warmth, wit, and steadfast kindness.Mac lived a full, adventurous, and thoughtful lifeone built on love, integrity, service, and deep appreciation for the world around him. His legacy lives on in every story shared, every lesson remembered, and every life he quietly helped shape.In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. (Kamloops).
The beginning of this service is missing due to technical difficulties. Please read Revelation 5 in advance of watching the video.
To watch the video click "watch on Facebook" below "This video can't be embedded because it may contain content owned by someone else."
Our Christmas Day service was in the Lower Hall (the church was dealing with boiler issues and an internet outage). Thanks to all who adapted so quickly, and to Amy & Isobel Filyk for last-minute AV arrangements.
Unfortunately, Shaw Internet failed at the beginning of the service so we only have half of it available. Our apologies to those who intended to watch online.
Guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Todd Statham talks about bringing our doubts to church, to God.
Photo credit: By Ariely - Own work, CC BY 3.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4533576
In times of uncertainty and despair we are called to proclaim the new life God sends us by God's Spirit. Can these dry bones live? You bet they can.
Sound is muted for hymns and choruses because of copyright (our licence is for live-streaming). Photo byAlfred KenneallyonUnsplash
Image: By Jusepe de Ribera - Galera online, Museo del Prado., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45108196
Today's worship service challenges us to see the Divine ordering of all things, even when our world seems to be in chaos. Music is not included--only available in livestream.
Our Good Friday service is an adaptation of John van de Laars Facing the Shadows-a Tenebrae Drama. The service of Tenebrae, meaning darkness or shadows, has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christs suffering. Readings trace the story of Christs passion, the music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day.
The Thursday before Easter is known as either Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday. Maundy is derived from the Latin word for "command," and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to "Love one another as I have loved you." Maundy Thursday remembers how Jesus washed the disciples' feet and shared his last meal with them. This service was streamed from Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church in Vancouver; they welcomed us as their guests. The Lord's Supper is celebrated.
Welcome (missed because of technical difficulties) Welcome, Welcome from wherever you are. You are welcome to join us at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Kamloops B. C. this Sunday, March 28th, 2021.
We call this day Palm Sunday and the Gospel accounts are some exuberant, some quiet, as Jesus and his followers, enter the City of Jerusalem, not for a Holy week with Good Friday and Easter Sunday, as they didn't exist. They were arriving to celebrate the Passover, an annual remembrance of Jehovah/God sparing His people from the terrible bondage under the Pharaohs of Egypt. The Angel of Death was destroyingthe firstborn of families and livestock all over Egypt, 'passing over' only the homes where God's people obeyed God's command to be prepared to flee Egypt by eating specially prepared lamb, painting lamb's blood on the doorposts and lintels of their homes and following Moses' guidance.
Jesus had probably travelled to Jerusalem on pilgrimage with his family, perhaps many times, to celebrate "Passover Week". But... this week was to be very, very, different.
Join us in a quiet moment of meditation, as we prepare our hearts and minds for worship, and then join together in our call to worship.