St John's Newsletter 12 February 2023

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Each day brings its challenges but St. John’s members faced an unexpected set last Sunday. The chill morning air extended from the outdoors to the interior of the church.

The furnace was not working. Indoor temperature was 7 degrees.

What to do?

Notify members of our email list of the situation. But it was getting late. Some would already be on their way to church.

We decided to encourage people to go home where it was warm. But if they wished to stay for worship, I (Allen) would remain and join the hardy few for a brief, simple liturgy together. Ten or twelve of us could huddle around the altar and join worship.

Well, St. John’s people are more hardy than that. Forty five remained. Josh improvised a set of lively music appropriate for the experience, designated readers, etc.did their bit and we had a marvellous worship.

Included in our number was a couple from another parish who had come to see the parish

which had produced such marvellous video work during the pandemic. They would see the real nature of our congregation in that special experience on Sunday. They said they would return at a later date to see the “ordinary” St. John’s.

Are we ever ordinary??? I’ll tell you we’re always hardy.

People left invigorated by the experience, thankful for our community, and ready for any

challenges ahead.

Allen Box - Honourary Assistant

COVID Safety Update from the Diocese of Ottawa:

“Winter is here, people are indoors more, and COVID infections are on the rise. Throughout the pandemic, our response to the reality of the virus has been science-based and in line with public health, and this latest challenge must be met the same way. Effective Sunday, October 30^th, all liturgical leaders — including clergy, choirs, servers, chalice bearers, readers, intercessors, and sidespeople/greeters — must wear a mask before, during and after services except when speaking into a microphone, eating or drinking.”

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

Cliff and Maura, Barbara D, Pat H, The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs of The Well/La Source

Our Parish

Gary, Allen, Gordon, Josh, Kerry, Stephen, Brian, Michelle, Jill and all who minister at St John's.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate.

Our Community Ministries:

Anglican Day Programs: Centre 454; St. Luke’s Table; The Well/La Source; Centre 105 (Cornwall)
Cornerstone Housing for Women
Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre
Refugee Ministry
For the Director General of Community Ministries The Reverend Canon Dr. Peter John Hobbs and members of the Community Ministries Committee.
Resurrection Lutheran Church and all who minister there.
For all called to vocations in the diaconate, priesthood, and religious life.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. Sam Rose, Bishop, and the people and clergy of the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.

ELCIC

The dean, council, and congregations of the Central Toronto Area and Greater Toronto Areas East and West of the Eastern Synod.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

JOIN US

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

12 FEBRUARY 2023

Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Please bring in any palms you might have on Sunday, February 19th.

They will be burned after the service in preparation for Ash Wednesday.

PWRDF Ash Wednesday Soup-Supper Event

Mark your calendars! We are going “live” with our PWRDF Ash Wed.

Soup-Supper this year. Join us on Wednesday, Feb. 22^nd at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall to sample delicious soups made by our parishioners, followed by a program on PWRDF. This year Bart Dickinson, PWRDF Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, will be joining us as our guest speaker. Bart will speak about PWRDF’s work around the world after a short video on our work in Ukraine moderated by Patricia Maruschak. Patricia is Ukrainian and served as the former Director of Partnerships and Programs for PWRDF.

We welcome contributions of soup, bread/rolls and butter. There is a sign-up sheet for attendance and contributions located both on a table at the back of the church and on the bulletin board in the hallway across from the washrooms. All are welcome; there is no cost. This is a great opportunity to get to know other parishioners, enjoy a tasty soup and learn more about the important work which The Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund is doing around the world.

St. John’s has long been a strong supporter of The Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund which is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. The Ash Wednesday Soup-Supper is PWRDF’s major fundraiser during the year. We welcome your contributions to PWRDF at the event. The Ash Wednesday service will follow in the church at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Jane Maxwell at jane.maxwell@sympatico.ca should you have any questions.

TAKE NOTE

Centretown Churches Social Action Committee is looking for a treasurer.

If you are interested, please contact Emmy Verdun (emmy.verdun@gmail.com).

Information on CCSAC and the treasurer’s role is attached.

Tax Receipts for 2022

Tax receipts for 2022 donations to St. John’s have been prepared. They will be at the back of the church for parishioners to pick up on Sunday, January 29th and Sunday, February 5th . Those not picked up will be mailed out after February 5th . 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 2022.

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.