This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

Welcome to St John's this coming Sunday 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

You can expect compelling and beautiful readings from the scriptures, including one of my favourite passages from the prophet Jeremiah: "...this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God and they shall be my people."

As we move towards the end of the Season of Lent, Psalm 51 appeals to God: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me."

The readings call us to open our hearts - to lift up our hearts - for the inviting embrace of the Creator.

Gary+

Children's Ministry leaders with symbols for each of the upcoming Holy Week services: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday. See the Holy Week schedule below.

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, March 17 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33

SCRIPTURES – Sunday, March 24 - Palm Sunday

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 21:1-11

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship recordings include prayers, readings, a sermon, and music.

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

LIFELONG LEARNING

HEALING AND EXPANDING OUR IMAGES OF GOD

A Study for Lent by Gary van der Meer

We have many names to address God – and thus many ways to connect more deeply with the Creator, Father, Mother, and Lover of our Souls.

In Judaism, both as a living tradition and in the scriptures, we meet God in several names. The most significant is YHWH, called the Tetragrammaton (four letters) and regarded as too sacred to pronounce. When it comes up in the the text, Jews will often say Adonai “lords” or Elohim “gods”. While these appear to be plural, these are regarded as “majestic singular” and take the singular verb. Another one, from Moses’ encounter with God in the Burning Bush, is “Ehyeh asher ehyeh.” In English, this can be “I am that I am” or “I will be what I will be” or “I will prove to be whatsoever I prove to be.” There are many more: El Shaddai “God Almighty,” Elyon “Most High,” HaShem “The Name,” HaRachaman “The Merciful One.” Jews looking for gender-inclusive words might also say “The Eternal One.”

In Islam, there are 99 names for God: The Responsive One, The Most Loving, the Most High, the Eternally Just. One of the most common is Ar-Rahmaan “The Most Merciful” (see the same one above in the names in Judaism). Not to be outdone, Zoroastrians have 101 names for God. These include: Most Abundant Provider, Compassionate Judge, All-Embracing Holy Light. These include many that resemble the names in Judaism, and Islam… and that brings us to Christianity.

The Anglican Church of Canada adds many additional names in a new resource called “Alternative Collects” (the opening prayer in each Sunday service). These stood out for me: Divine Gardener, Lord of the Rising Sun and the Gentle Rain, Welcoming God, God of Deep Soil and Luxurious Growth, and God Made Known in Human Frailty. We will start using this resource after Easter.

How does using a different name help us to go deeper into our relationship with God? That’s the focus of this Saturday’s session “Healing and Expanding our Images of God.” All are welcome!

Part 2 - in the Parish Hall - Saturday, March 16, 10 AM to 12 PM

UPDATES

CLEANING UP FOR HOLY WEEK

As the season of renewal approaches and Easter draws nearer, we invite you to come together to prepare our sacred space for the celebrations ahead. On Saturday, March 23rd, at 10:00 am, we will gather to give the Narthex, Nave, Chancel, and Chapel a thorough cleaning.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and ensure our church is radiant and welcoming for all who enter. Your help is invaluable and greatly appreciated. To make this endeavor even more enjoyable, we will be providing pizza for lunch to all our hardworking volunteers.

Let us know if you can help by getting in touch with Kerry Bradley or Barb Dransch HERE. And if you find yourself available on Saturday, feel free to join us without prior notice!

Remember, everyone is welcome, and your presence will make a meaningful difference.

Let's come together to make our church shine brighter as we embrace the spirit of renewal and celebration. We look forward to seeing you there!

Saturday, March 23, 10:00 AM to 1 PM.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SUPPER

COMING SOON: The Paschal Meal

The Paschal Meal is the first part of the liturgy of Maundy Thursday, in which we remember the final meal Jesus shared with the disciples. Jesus shared bread and wine in what is known as the First Eucharist. He also washed the disciples' feet to remind them that leadership takes the form of serving others.

We look forward to sharing our Paschal Meal this year with Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg and representatives of Temple Israel, the Reform Synagogue of Ottawa. Rabbi Mikelberg will introduce the special role of questions in the Jewish tradition of the Seder Supper.

Thanks to all who have signed up to help! It looks like we have a great crew. We could still use a couple more and Michelle will be communicating soon with everyone regarding their roles. Contact Michelle Smulders HERE.

Ticket purchases will close on March 21. Tickets are available HERE. You are also welcome to purchase at the office - please bring cash if you prefer a paper ticket. Jill Moll will have paper tickets available this Sunday.

The price of the meal is $20/person. Please note that if the price is too steep for you, please contact Gary.

We look forward to sharing the Paschal Meal together.

Michelle Smulders

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT UPDATE

Osiyo, nigadv, Hello everyone!

A new Spring (March 19, 2024) season approaches, a new transition in our walk of reconciliation. I am looking forward to how we will participate with Creator as we continue our journey in Gadugi (supporting community). Please note the Children and Youth Powwow (above) and the Full Moon Celebration:

FULL MOON - March 25, 2024

Snow Crust Moon a time of reawakening and rebirth. We recognize it as a time of new beginnings. During this moon, we sound out our voices and begin the process of planting the seeds of creation. The snow still covers the earth, but underneath it, we know the world is awakening from its slumber. This moon is also known as the Worm Moon, Goose Moon, Sugar Moon, Eagle Moon, as well as many others.

Wado,

Kimberly Johnson

ST JOHN'S INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

ST JOHN'S COMMUNITY THRIFT SHOP

The changeover to spring/summer stock at the Shop will take place on March 25th and 26th. The Shop will be closed to clients on Tuesday, March 26th. It will open again on Thursday, March 28th.

MEMORIAL FLOWERS FOR EASTER

Remember your loved ones with flowers at the Altar. Make your donation to St John's noting that it is for Easter Flowers. Please include a note to indicate the names of the people to be remembered. You can put your donation in the collection plate any Sunday or drop it off at the Church Office.

ART CREDO IS COMING!

Saturday, April 20 - Sunday May 5

Mark your calendars for the 45th Art Credo Exhibit and Sale!

This annual show will comprise 100 works of art from 50 artists. The Vernissage will be in the evening of Friday, April 19th. Everyone is invited to come; and to bring a friend. Come meet some of the artists!

We are looking for volunteers for some of the activities related to Art Credo, such as receiving the artwork on Thursday evening April 18th, or hanging the artwork in the church on Friday morning April 20th. During the show, if you can offer three hours of your time to act as a sitter, there is a sign-up sheet online at HERE.

See what the church looks like during Art Credo HERE.

Contacts:

Detlef Dransch / 613.592.9897

Mary Ann Varley / 613.745.2996

COSA GALA

IT TAKES A VILLAGE!

Join the two tables of St John's parishioners who have already confirmed for the fifth fundraising gala for Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) Ottawa, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

CoSA Ottawa, one of 13 CoSA sites in Canada, is volunteer-driven, involving local citizens who are trained to support people who have been incarcerated for committing sexual offenses. Along with a network of advisors, community partners, and official supporters, they help these individuals develop a meaningful and crime-free life in the community.

CoSA's mission:

No More Victims - No One Is Disposable.

CoSA Ottawa has operated out of St John's Church for over 25 years. CoSA currently works with 14 clients, supported by 35 volunteers, and managed by one staff member. Their survival is possible with your help! We all need to help to ensure CoSA becomes sustainable in the Ottawa Gatineau region.

The Gala includes a full dinner, raffle and auction, and special guests Adrian Harewood and Catherine McKenney. Find out more about the Gala HERE.

For information about CoSA Ottawa and to purchase a ticket to and/or sponsor It Takes a Village! Gala, contact the Director, Kathleen Weedmark, at director@cosa-ottawa.ca.

Note: the early bird ticket price has been extended to March 31st, to accommodate vacationers during March Break.

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

Prayers for those in leadership roles: Gary, Allen, Christina, Pat, Karen, Barb, Kimberly, Kerry, Jesse, Monica, Barb, Jeff, Marianne, and all who minister at St John's. Those in need of our prayers: Robin, Diana, Sarah.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, Sacred Circle, The Ministry of Reconciliation and our National Indigenous Archbishop, The Most Rev. Christopher Harper.
The Area Parish of South Carleton
St. John the Baptist, Richmond
The Reverend Allan Budzin and Deacon Tamara Connors.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Rt. Rev. Mary Irwin-Gibson, Bishop, and the people and clergy of the Diocese of Montreal.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Assistant to the Bishop and the staff of the Manitoba – Northwestern Ontario Synod.

Together

The elimination of racial discrimination.

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

The Church in Wales.

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

A Time of Prayer - As we engage in a Time of Prayer across our diocese to listen for your divine sparks in our midst, we remember that you, O God, have been with your church since its beginning. You are with us now, and you will be with us as we prayerfully discern how to support your action in the world you love. Help us keep our hearts and minds open to hear your desires for our diocesan church, our parish, and our communities, and give us your wisdom and grace so that we can faithfully bring them to fruition. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.