This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

Here are a few pictures that show the present moment in our life at St John’s.

A wonderful standing ovation for Gordon Johnston at the conclusion of the postlude on Sunday.

This past Sunday was our finale with Gordon Johnston as Director of Music at St John’s. We sang some of his absolute favourite hymns with choir members interspersed throughout the congregation coaxing all our voices to fill the rafters with glorious sound. Speaking personally, I am so grateful for Gordon’s passion for St John’s and how he has introduced me to the culture of this wonderful community. We were so pleased to present a final appreciation gift that comes from all of us as we shared cake after the service.

Please note that – musically-speaking – we are in good hands going forward. Josh Zentner-Barrett will take us through July. We look forward to welcoming Frances Macdonnell for all of August. Interim Director of Music Barb Hallam-Price starts in September, bringing the choir back starting the Sunday after Labour Day.

The repair and restoration of the church tower has begun. Initially, we thought it would be scaffolding, but it’s a cherry-picker! A part of the sidewalk is cordoned off for pedestrian safety. We will keep you posted about the duration of this long-awaited project.

Gary van der Meer & Allen Box from the beginning of our collaboration and shared ministry.

This week, I begin a holiday break with two weeks in Tadoussac (east of Quebec City where the Saguenay River meets the St Lawrence River). I will lead the Sunday services at the summer chapel and stay in a lovely rectory with a beautiful view. I hope to see lots of whales!

While I am there, I will also be doing some “hill training.” I am bringing my bicycle in preparation for the Friends for Life Bike Rally, a fundraising bike ride from Toronto to Montreal to support the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation. Our group of 300 riders leaves from Toronto on August 6 on a six-day ride of 600 km to Montreal. I have done this ride before. My personal best fundraising effort was $10,000 and I would welcome your support. So far, I have raised $6000 so I have a way to go – please sponsor me by clicking the link HERE.

Welcome to church this coming Sunday at 9:30 a.m. You’re in wonderful caring hands with Allen Box – see you in a couple of weeks!

Gary+

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.
The Diocese of Jerusalem and Archbishop Hosam Naoum.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; Bishop Susan Johnson and Bishop Michael Pryse.
St. Thomas the Apostle, Ottawa - The Reverend Tim Kehoe & The Reverend Tom Hubschmid.
The Parish of West Carleton-March; St. Mary's North March; St. Paul's Dunrobin; St. Thomas, Woodlawn and The Reverend Alana McCord.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. David Greenwood, Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Athabasca.

ACC/ELCIC

Let there be greening – Assembly 2023: gathering of Anglicans and Lutherans and celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Full Communion.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil – Province.

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.