This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

February 1 - This is a significant day in a significant month!

Black History Month starts today. Although it has been observed for years in many settings, it became part of my awakening when racial violence was in the news a few years ago, notably the horrible death of George Floyd in the United States on May 25, 2020. At a church meeting this week, we talked about how St John’s might observe Black History Month.

What might our observance look like? We might celebrate the cultures and stories in our congregation. We might recognize the barriers and prejudices of life in Ottawa. Recognizing that I am the white guy wanting to be an ally, I recognize the need to ask and listen. I am hoping we can start a conversation this coming Sunday during the coffee time after the 10:15 service. Let’s sit in a circle in the parish hall and listen and brainstorm.

Palms for Ash Wednesday. Today, I walked to church carrying my palm branches. We will burn palms on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. If you have palms at home from previous years, bring them! We are not short on palms to burn but that’s not the point. The point is that we each feel a sense of personal connection to our sacred stories. We are part of the crowd that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and then called for his death on Good Friday. Bringing palms also starts our personal preparation for Ash Wednesday when we receive the sign of the cross in ashes on our foreheads, and the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” This life is not forever (a powerful reminder) but God’s love is forever (a powerful comfort).

Burning Palms: This happened inside the church 3 years ago... much safer outdoors! This will happen on Sunday, February 11, outside on the sidewalk immediately following the 10:15 service.

Three Years at St John’s. On a personal note, I began as Rector of St John’s three years ago today. I stayed in my previous church for 9 years and the one before that for 10 years. I am grateful for the stability and warmth of community life here at St John’s – and for your faith and faithfulness!

Gary+

SCRIPTURES – Sunday, February 4 - Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11, 20c;1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

SCRIPTURES – Sunday, February 11 - Transfiguration Sunday

2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9

RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

January 28 - Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

January 21 - Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Find all Worship Recordings HERE

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Tax Receipts for 2023

Tax receipts for 2023 donations to St. John’s have been prepared. They will be at the back of the church for parishioners to pick up on Sunday, February 4^thand Sunday, February 11^th. Those not picked up will be mailed out after February 11^th. A printout of quarterly donations by category is included with the receipt. Please review this to ensure that you have been credited with the full amount of your donation to St. John’s for 2023. Should you have any questions please email Peggy Lister, Envelope Secretary, at peggylister@rogers.com or leave a message for me at the church office.

The Worship Roster is now open until April. Please update your availability HERE.

JOURNEY TO BAPTISM

Making our Plan: Allen, Abdi, Christina, Kiegan, Idris, Chris, Jeff, Gary

Come to our first session!

You are welcome to explore and grow in your faith through a series of conversations leading up to baptisms to be celebrated at the Easter Vigil - Saturday, March 30, at 7 PM.

You may be interested in this journey for yourself - for baptism or confirmation - or as a companion and friend supporting those who are preparing. You are also welcome to "sit in" to see if this feels right for you.

Join us for our first scheduled session on being human. Download the handout HERE.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

February 14, 7:30 p.m.

Bring your palms and place them in the basket.

PWRDF ASH WEDNESDAY SOUP SUPPER

Wednesday, February 14

St. John’s will hold its annual Ash Wednesday Supper in support of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) on Wednesday February 14, 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. This year Ash Wednesday is also Valentine’s Day so bring along your partner or a friend! We will enjoy a variety of delicious soups followed by a program presenting the work of PWRDF.

Our guest speaker is Chinelo Agom-Eze, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor with the Canadian Food Grains Bank (CFGB), one of PWRDF’s main partners overseas. Chinelo brings past experience as a Humanitarian Diplomacy Advisor with the International Committee of the Red Cross in diplomatic relations with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

We welcome contributions of homemade soup and bread/rolls (we will supply butter). Please add your name to the sign-up sheet located both on a table at the back of the church or the bulletin board in the hallway between offices and parish hall.

All are welcome! This is a great opportunity to get to know other parishioners, enjoy a wonderful meal and learn more about the PWRDF. There is no cost - the supper is free. We do welcome your donations to PWRDF at the supper. The supper will conclude in time to attend the Ash Wednesday Service in the church at 7:30 p.m.

*Contact Jane Maxwell at jane.maxwell@sympatico.ca if you would like to help with set-up and take-down or if you have any questions.

GOSPEL OF MARK

READ IT TOGETHER

Get to know the whole Gospel of Mark! We will listen to the whole story (it takes about 60 minutes), reading aloud. The session leader is the Rev. Canon Pat Johnston. Bring a sandwich lunch.

The Sunday scripture readings follow a 3-year schedule. We mostly read the Gospel passages from Mark this year. Come and experience the flow of the story early in the year.

Sunday, February 18, St John's Parish Hall immediately following the 10:15 service.

ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

February 25 - Noon - Parish Hall

St John's Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 25, following the 10:15 service. Meeting will start at 12:00 p.m.

The Annual Report will be ready to take home on February 18.

Deadline for Report Submission: Sunday, February 4!

Please submit your reports to office@stjohnsottawa.ca

IN THE COMMUNITY

Centertown Community Food Centre needs volunteers.

Please click here to learn more.

INDIGENOUS ENGAGMENT

Osiyo Nigadv, Hello everyone!

We are now past the longest nights as we make our slow journey toward Spring.

Please remember to hold space for upcoming times to be on the land with one another, to share in learning more about reconciliation through a Summer read, and to find ways to continue our learning, i-tsu-la (together) as we follow the red road through the seasons on Grandmother Earth.

Wado,

Kimberly Johnston-Breen

Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

Smudging: You are welcome to participate in Smudging before the Sunday 10:15 service, Smudging is a ministry offered by Kimberly in tower alcove entrance at the top of the wheelchair ramp in cold weather, and on the church steps when it gets warmer.

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

Prayers for those in leadership roles: Gary, Allen, Christina, Pat, Karen, Barb, Kimberly, Kerry, Jesse, 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 and Bishop Susan Johnson and Bishop Michael Pryse.
The Parish of Kanata North,The Reverend Dr. Jon Martin

A Time of Prayer - Living God, as we listen for your divine sparks in our midst, strengthen us for your service by your grace. Help us remember that we are like trees planted by your life-giving water and keep our hearts and minds open to hear your desires for our diocesan church, our parish, and our community. Give us your wisdom so that we might bear fruit worthy of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Anglican Church of Canada