This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

A “little” thought from Allen Box

In a clear depiction of the Garden of Eden, a recent cartoon in the newspaper has the woman wearing strategically-placed fig leaves ask: “Do these plants make me look fat?”

The other night we were prepared to watch the baseball game on TV. It was rained out. This tragic story led me to a fantasy account, for Marilyn (she didn’t request it) of allowing the game to be played and the Jays winning with remarkable work done by “yours truly”.

I don’t believe she was much impressed, but my magnificent effort led me to recall Lies I have told. I used to create “whoppers” for the children. The story would arise from an event just noted. I always emerged as the hero who saved the day, often in the pattern of Big Joe Mufferaw, as told by an Ottawa Valley friend and story-teller Bernie Bedore. Our children bought them (I think) - they were so well raised.

Our grandchildren never seemed to buy them at all - clearly a smarter generation who would not be fooled.

Both knew what was true and untrue. Their fantasies came from other places and heroes. All said I was their hero. And that’s the story I’m sticking with.

Don’t take any of this too seriously - especially my roles.

But remember: often our lighter moments open the deepest truths.

Watch for them. And have a “fantastic” summer.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

SUMMER READING

Falling Upward

What says "summer" better than a lively discussion with friends over delicious food? Mark your calendars now for this year's edition of "Books and BBQ"!

On July 26th, Ian and Michelle will host a BBQ to discuss the book "Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life" by Richard Rohr. The book explores how losses and set-backs often provide important opportunities for spiritual growth, and how this growth often requires letting go of some of the things we have worked hardest for during the earlier parts of our lives.

The event will begin at 6pm. Food and beverages will be provided. Weather permitting, the gathering will take place on Ian and Michelle's back patio. Feel free to bring your bathing suit for a dip in the pool!

To confirm numbers and to obtain directions, please speak to Ian or Michelle or register through the church office.

Our Home and Treaty Land: Walking Our Creation Story

This is our book study for early fall. It is written as a dialogue between Rev. Dr. Raymond Aldred, a status Cree and Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, a settler-descended biblical scholar.

"Treaty is the key to the shared narrative, shared spirituality and shared respect for the land." Through each author's chapters we learn the importance of understanding what Treaty meant to First Nations and to Newcomers.Accepting the truth of what happened is the first step in reconciliation.

Copies are available at Perfect Books on Elgin Street. There are three sessions, all on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11, beginning on Saturday Sept. 9th, then Sept. 23rd and the third on October 14th.

TAKE NOTE

LINK

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.
Good Shepherd, Wakefield Holy Trinity, Lascelles St. Mary Magdalene, Chelsea The Reverend Canon Kevin Flynn

Our Community Ministries:

• Belong Ottawa: Centre 454; St Luke’s Table; The Well/La Source

• Centre 105 (Cornwall)

• Cornerstone Housing for Women

• Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre

• Refugee Ministry

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. William Cliff, Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Brandon.

ELCIC

Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, the people and rostered ministers of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Anglican Church of Burundi.