This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

Holy Week is upon us! In addition to the services - details below - please especially note:

PREPARING THE CHURCH: Help us clean and polish this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Lunch provided.
FAURÉ REQUIEM: The beautiful Fauré music adds another dimension to the Passion of Jesus. Get your tickets HERE.
EASTER VIGIL: Plan to be with us for the Resurrection Party following the service. Idris will be baptized - all the more reason to celebrate. See the Baptism Conversation below!

Looking forward to seeing you for Palm Sunday at 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Gary+

SCRIPTURES – Sunday, March 24 -- Palm Sunday

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

SCRIPTURES – Thursday, March 28 – Maundy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Psalm 22; Matthew 26:30-46

SCRIPTURES – Friday, March 29 – Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Psalm 22; Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42

SCRIPTURES – Saturday, March 30 – Easter Vigil

Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Exodus 14:10-31; Isaiah 55:1-11; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Mark 16:1-8

SCRIPTURES – Sunday, March 31 – Easter Sunday

Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 118, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; John 20:1-18

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 17, 2024

Prayers and Songs for Peace - March 6, 2024 - For the People of Gaza

Third Sunday in Lent - March 5, 2024

Second Sunday in Lent - February 25, 2024 - Vestry & Black History Celebration

First Sunday in Lent - February 18, 2024

Ash Wednesday - February 14, 2024

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

BAPTISM CONVERSATION

Idris arrived in Ottawa from Algeria in early September 2023. He started attending worship at St John’s at the end of October.

What brought you to St John's?

In my teenage years, I was an atheist and I pursued pleasure to enjoy life. But pleasure isn’t as fulfilling as beauty, community, study, the search for greater truth, and self-reflection. There are other places to find these things but I decided to look in a church because of St Augustine. Reading his Confessions, I related to him as a countryman of mine (St Augustine lived in Hippo, located in what is now Algeria). He lived in the same vacuum as I lived in - seeking pleasure but not finding meaning in it – but then he ended up finding all those missing pieces within Christianity. In Augustine’s words: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” I didn’t relate to that feeling – I didn’t have faith – it was more wanting to emulate him in finding that feeling.

So it was on my mind that I wanted to find a church. I heard about the church-shopping experience, but I only went to one other church. St John’s is close to where I live and after the first time, I knew I would come back here.

Why did you decide to keep coming to St John’s?

All the elements of beauty are present here. Words, music, stained glass, the words in the hymns. I couldn’t think of one aspect of art that I didn’t see (except maybe dancing). I was never told what to think here – this is more of a place where I am given food for thought. Every time I attended service, I found on my way home that I was pondering ideas. I made friendships here and I enjoyed discussions after the sermons, especially with Jeff Biggs, who has been a real friend, (almost like an older brother). Jeff will present me to be baptized.

Why did you decide you want to be baptized?

I was unsure when I was asked about baptism. I asked for advice and some said I should wait and others said I should dive right in. After thinking it through, I came to the conclusion that it was the right thing to do. Not out of pros and cons but because it felt right. I opened my heart to it.

What especially interests you about Christian faith?

Gentleness! It was quite new to me as an approach to God based on love and forgiveness. St Augustine described approaching God almost as a romance. This stands in opposition to how I used to perceive myself. I tried to be an individualist who was in complete control of my feelings, bending morality to suit my ambitions. Forgiveness spoke to me because I was quick to cut off those who wronged me. The emphasis in Christianity on forgiveness seemed difficult and unfeasible but I wanted to challenge myself.

As you prepare to be baptized at Easter, the prayer that concludes the baptism asks God to give you “an Inquiring and discerning heart.” What aspects of Christian faith are your growing areas?

Becoming more familiar with Scripture – I have yet to read the Bible from cover to cover. The practice of including these ideas I have mentioned in everyday life, especially not having grown up with Christian tradition.

BAPTISM OF IDRIS BACHENE - SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 7:30 PM

FAURÉ REQUIEM - LINK FOR TICKETS HERE

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, 10:30 AM to 1 PM.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SUPPER

PASCHAL MEAL FOR MAUNDY THURSDAY

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 at midnight Thursday, March 21! Order HERE.

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

RESURRECTION PARTY

What is a Resurrection Party?

In the same way that Christmas Eve is a big celebration different from Christmas Morning, Easter Eve is a big deal. Easter Eve is a celebration!

What happens at the Easter Vigil:

We start a fire outside on the corner (safe of course!) symbolizing the return of light
Readings in Darkness - we each have a candle
Chanting of Psalms
The lights come on to hear the story of Jesus' resurrection
There are trumpets
Blessing of the water, celebration of baptism, blessed water sprinkled on everyone
First Eucharist of Easter
More amazing music with trumpets
Concluding with a party

The Resurrection Party. We stay to celebrate. Wine and cheese. Other non-alcoholic drinks. Easter Breads. Chocolate!

Bring food or drink to share
Help put away... remaining food and drink will be served following the Easter morning service.

Everyone is welcome!

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.

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.
Staff at Ascension House.
St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa & The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer.

Anglican Church of Canada

The theological colleges and training programs within the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada: The Atlantic School of Theology, Montreal Diocesan Theological, College, and Queen’s College.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The congregations of the Northwestern Ontario area of the Manitoba-Northwestern Ontario Synod.

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

The Church of the Province of West Africa.

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.