St John's Newsletter for 19 Jan 2020

THIS WEEK AT

ST JOHN'S

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Parish

For our clergy, volunteers, and all who minister and worship here.

Diocese of Ottawa

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and the work and ministry of our Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, The Reverend Canon John Wilker-Blakley; Leigh Anne Williams, editor of Crosstalk, our diocesan newspaper.

Companion Diocese of Jerusalem

The clergy and people of St Peter’s Church, Birzeit, West Bank.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

Executive Director, Will Postma, and staff of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC)

Executive Director, Karin Achtelstetter, and staff of Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

For the Election of a New Bishop

God of wisdom, in every generation you raise up leaders for the people who bear your name. You bless the Diocese of Ottawa with faithful, hopeful, and loving communities.

As we seek a new bishop, help us remain open to your Spirit's guidance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Flowers this Sunday

Are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Eeke de Vries and Arie Verduijn by their daughter Emmy Verdun.

Parish Prayer Group

If you wish to have someone prayed for, please call (613) 232-4500 ext 21 or send an email to prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca .

WHAT'S HAPPENING!

POTLUCK &

VISIONING CONVERSATION

Sunday, January 19th

Noon, Hall

This is a very important time in the life of our parish. St John's parishioners are invited to do what we do best – gather as a community, share in a meal,and be creative! St John’s vision is to be a vibrant ministry hub in the Centretown community. How do we put “ministry hub” into practice on the ground? Are we able to grow our presence and partnerships? And how may we become financially sustainable? Bring food to share and we will gather in table groups for our conversation. Some guiding questions will be provided. If you are a new or long-time member, come and share your ideas. Let’s spark one another!

BIBLE STUDY

EPIPHANY WONDERS!

Wednesday, January 22nd

Noon, Hall

Ever wondered about the season of Epiphany, the Sunday readings, and how they relate to us? This informal Bible study and time of conversation will explore the themes and theology underlying the weekly scriptures. Come, bring your lunch, and wonder! Led by Bishop Dennis. Coffee, tea and juice provided, and no previous Bible study experienced required.

Event at St John's

BISHOP DENNIS APPRECIATION

Sunday, January 26th

Coffee Hour after 10.15 am

Over the past year, we have been blessed with the presence and ministry of Bishop Dennis. As Bishop in Residence, he has encouraged, supported, taught, cared and prayed for us. This arrangement has now come to its end, so please express your appreciation to him at coffee time following the 10.15 am service.

ARMCHAIR TRAVEL

Wednesday, January 29th

7 pm

Join Alex Bissett on a trip from Lisbon, travelling north to Porto and on to Santiago de Compostela with the pilgrims; then across the north to Leon and Bilbao. We will visit Pamplona and then travel through and stay in the Pyrenees Mountains before heading south to lively Barcelona.

Event at St John's

PLEASE NOTE

PWRDF APPEAL FOR

AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRES

PWRDF has made a $5,000 solidarity grant to the Australian Anglican Board of Mission’s Bushfire Appeal, to provide relief and support to those in need across the dioceses impacted in the north and eastern parts of Victoria State. Please consider donating to this cause. For more information and to donate, visit PWRDF Bushfire Appeal.

OPEN DOORS AT

ST JOHN'S

Do you have a couple of hours at noon on weekdays to come to St John’s and welcome visitors to our wonderful space? Through our Open Doors ministry you’ll meet people who are curious about our presence at the corner of Somerset and Elgin and keen to learn about our history, as we well as our current ministries.

You’ll have a helpful guide to follow, and of course time to sit with experienced Open Doors volunteers as you get started. If you are interested, please contact Monica.

And thanks to all of you who are already Open Doors volunteers!

Open Doors Info St John's

NEW INSTALLATION

IN THE PRAYER CORNER

At Synod in October 2019, the Diocesan All My Relations Working Group presented each parish with a ceramic feather to show a commitment of building relationships with all Indigenous people in the Ottawa area, and to symbolize the church's journey toward truth, justice and reconciliation. The delicate white feathers were crafted in 2017 for an outdoor public art installation at the Canadian Museum of Nature named 'Populace'. The feather was chosen by the local Algonquin community as a representation of their presence on this land in the time of confederation. The territorial acknowledgement that accompanies the feather in a shadow box, is a photo of the plaque on the grounds of City Hall. Please take a moment to read the acknowledgement and enjoy the sacred space.

TAX RECEIPTS ARE READY!

Tax receipts for 2019 donations to St John's have been prepared and are available for pick-up on Sunday, January 19th and 26th, at the Elgin Street entrance to the church. Those receipts not picked-up will be mailed. Please review this to ensure that you have been credited with the full amount of your donation to St John's for 2019. Should you have any questions please email Peggy Lister, Envelope Secretary, ( Peggy) or leave a message at the church office.

YES! SERMONS ARE AVAILABLE ON-LINE

Have you wanted to listen again to a recent sermon? Want to hear the Sunday sermon even when you are out of town? Our sermons are recorded and available on-line!

www.stjohnsottawa.com/podcasts/media

ANNOUNCING...

...that the room in the basement of St John's formerly known as the "Youth Lounge" has now grown up! To honour its current artistic use, it will now be known as THE STUDIO. Please make note of this for future bookings and events.