THIS WEEK AT
ST JOHN'S
SPECIAL EDITION
TOWNHALLS IN JUNE
An Opportunity to Learn & Reflect Together
Before we move to a quieter summer pattern, 
please join us for discussion on 2 pressing matters.
PRAYING WITH AWARENESS FOLLOWING REVELATIONS ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30pm

Although the findings of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission included awareness of many deaths and burial sites, the current news is still shocking and re-traumatizing. This gathering is an opportunity to catch up if you have not been fully aware.

Please prepare for this discussion by familiarizing yourself with the following catch-up materials:

  • Watch the Video: “Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts” – a one-hour documentary produced by the Anglican Church of Canada 


  • Watch the two presentations by Murray Sinclair



  • Read the Letter from Bishop Shane Parker. Follow the links for further presentations by the Honorable Mary Jane McCallum, Senator and residential school survivor; and by Albert Dumont (Oshki Nodin) of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Ottawa Poet Laureate. Click here to read Bishop Parker's Letter.

  • Watch the National Indigenous Day of Prayer Video prepared by the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa by clicking here.
INVITING YOUR INPUT ON
"THE FUTURE SHAPE OF PARISH MINISTRY"
Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30pm

The Diocese has asked St John's to engage in the "Shape of Parish Ministry Consultation" exercise from now until the Diocesan Synod in October, 2022. Corporation has established a working group to represent St John's in this exercise. In Stage 1 of this exercise, we have been asked to prepare a Parish Profile that tells other parishes in the Diocese who we are. To this end, our working group has decided to convene a Parish Town Hall on Wednesday 23 June at 7:30 PM to discuss five questions posed by the Diocese, the responses to which will form part of our Parish Profile. Click here to refer to the SPMC webpage for background.

Here are the five questions:

  1. What is the single most important thing you would like our diocese to know about your parish/congregation?
  2. What are your ministry priorities, and how are these priorities lived out in your decisions, activities and use of your resources?
  3. In what way does your parish/congregation serve the wider community; how are you engaged with the local community beyond your walls - outreach, events, partnerships?
  4. What are the challenges to accomplishing the work you’ve described, in terms of finances, building status and human resources?
  5. Are there ministry opportunities you are aware of and what would you need to engage in them?
SPECIAL 8AM SERVICE
Sunday, June 27 at 8:00am
(In addition to our regular 9:30am service)

Hello 8:00am Friends,

I have been really hoping to have another 8:00am gathering before the summer but the weeks are slipping by. We originally proposed June 13, but I think we are all a bit overwhelmed by life - I certainly am!

But let's meet. Let's have one more worship service following the format we had on Ascension Sunday. Brief worship with traditional language, sermon with a bit of conversation invited, and Prayers of the People - with lots of room left for (homemade) coffee & fellowship following.

Sunday, June 27 - 8:00am
Texts: Psalm 30, Mark 5:21-43

**I would be pleased to have 3 volunteers, one for each reading and one for the Prayers of the People.

I hope you are all keeping well and I am looking forward to catching up.
Gary+
JERUSALEMA??

We have gone back and forth on when to hold our dance event, even announcing that we plan to do it over the next 2 weeks. But, sorry folks, we have had a rethink!

  • As we reach the end of June, more of our St John's family are away or making getaway plans.
  • The gathering rules are still pretty touchy and we don't want to rub up against them the wrong way.
  • We really want to make a big splash and invite the neighbours, including local shop owners, and local dance groups.

We think September is better and it gives us time to do it right and make it fantastic - and we hope you agree.

In the meantime, we would like to begin a sign up for the event. Please confirm with us or remind us that you have already expressed interest. 
And join us looking ahead to a great Jerusalema Dance. In the meantime, practice those moves!

Gary+
ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
ANGLICAN CHURCH

 154 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H8
613-232-4500
office@stjohnsottawa.ca
The Reverend Gary van der Meer, Rector
The Reverend Dr Caroline Ducros, Deacon 
The Reverend Michael Hicks, Honourary Assistant Emeritus
Dr Gordon Johnston, FRCCO, Organist and Choirmaster  
Detlef Dransch, Rector’s Warden 
Stephen Giles, People's Warden