This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, in addition to Father’s Day, St John’s is observing the National Indigenous Day of Prayer – transferred from its official date of June 21. The liturgy includes leadership by St John’s Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, Kimberly Johnson-Breen, and Jane Maxwell, a member of the Diocese of Ottawa’s All My Relations working group. Kimberly will offer smudging before the service as always.

One of the resources recommended by the Bishop for this service is the First Nations Version. An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament. I got a copy and I will read the Sunday gospel from it – with our regular translation printed in the bulletin so we can hear and notice the differences. The FNV (First Nations Version) was prepared by a translation council of Indigenous Nations from across North America and I am already intrigued by some interesting translation choices, notably, “The First Nations people of Turtle Island (North America) have many names and terms referring to the Supreme Being who created the universe.” The FNV does not use the word “God” – instead it prefers Creator, Great Spirit, Great Mystery, Maker of Life, Giver of Breath, One Above Us All, and Most Holy One. In addition, names of people and places are given by the meaning of the words. For example, Jesus is “Creator Set Free” and Christ is “Chosen One.” Abraham is “Father of Many Nations” and King David is “Great Chief Much Loved One.” Bethlehem is “House of Bread” and Jerusalem is “Sacred Village of Peace”. The original names are always given in brackets so we don’t get lost.

This week, I had a wonderful visit with our current Music Director Gordon Johnston and our upcoming Interim Music Director Barb Hallam-Price as we looked ahead to a smooth transition in the wonderful music ministry of St John’s Church. Barb’s first Sunday is September 10 and keep in mind that June 25 will be Gordon’s final Sunday. I hope you will add both of these dates to your calendar.

As always, I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday. Remember, the service is at 9:30 a.m.

Gary+

A NEW ST JOHN’S VIDEO

St John’s presents “Why We Are Here.” This new video features interviews with St John’s parishioners about why we are glad to be here. With many thanks to Jeff & Erin Biggs, Bill Broughton, Barbara Dransch, Maxine Payne, and Christine Unrau. We’re glad you’re here!

Think of the stories presented here as a first installment.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

While the Ottawa Pride Parade takes place on August 28 (add it to your calendar and plan to walk with St John’s in the parade), June is Pride Month everywhere!

We are welcome to join our Jewish friends at Temple Israel for Pride Shabbat on Friday, June 23. Their celebration includes Drag Story Time at 5:30, and the Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 6:15, concluding with a Drag King performance by Boy Vey at 7:30 p.m. Bio: “Boy Vey is a local disabled Jewish drag performer who has been performing in Ottawa since 2019. He is passionate about accessibility and gender creativity and aims to share his unique personality with everyone he meets.” And the invitation from Temple Israel: All ages welcome to attend all sessions. Allies are more than welcome to attend.

Aanii!

National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st is a national holiday, aligns with the Summer Solstice and the Indigenous National Day of Prayer.

You can find detailed explanations on the history of this day below.

Also take a look at the meaning behind the design elements on the included picture for 2023's recognition.

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013718/1534874583157

DILIHELISDODI DIGIDODA IGA (Cherokee)

Happy Father's Day!

Kimberly Johnson-Breen

St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs of The Well/La Source

Our Parish

Gary, Allen, Gordon, Josh, Kimberly, Kerry, Stephen, Brian, Michelle, Jill and all who minister at St John's.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, Sacred Circle, the ministry of reconciliation and National Indigenous Bishop, Sidney Black.
St. John the Baptist, Richmond and the Reverend Allan Budzin.
The Parish of Maberly-Lanark and the Reverend Dr. Ron Hunt.
All church musicians serving in our Diocese.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Provincial Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land.

ACC/ELCIC

The National Indigenous Day of Prayer: for healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Anglican Church of Australia.

Parish Prayer Group

If you wish to have someone prayed for send an email to:

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

TAKE NOTE

Cornerstone Housing for Women is an Anglican Diocese of Ottawa Community Ministry that helps over 230 women every day and nearly 600 women each year transform their lives from crisis to hope, housing and healing.

The Purple Tie Gala in October is Cornerstone's anchor fundraising event each year. It features a silent auction, which raises a good proportion of the funds intended to support Cornerstone's facilities and programs. They are looking for businesses to donate items for the auction this year. Auction items should be over $100 (items can be paired together to get to that range), and particularly valued are items that involve experiences in the community, auction items that get people out, and into the community.

The attached letter addressed to business owners explains the process in more detail and provides contact information. Please consider if you or any of your contacts would be interested in donating an auction item to support this important Ministry.