St John's Newsletter 24 July 2022

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARISHIONERS OF ST JOHN'S

This is the first of what will be several Special Editions of This Week at St John’s

to members of the parish on the subject of property redevelopment.

This Special Edition is a follow-up to oral updates that have been periodically provided to the parish by your Wardens during announcements at Sunday services over the past 6 months.

A few years ago St John's held a Special Vestry to consider potential development of the parish hall as revenue generating rental space. The initial attempt was not successful, and ended when a potential tenant decided not to pursue the opportunity. Since then, Corporation has been examining opportunities for generating increased revenue streams to sustain the parish, while at the same time building presence in Centertown and beyond.

Based on the earlier work and support of the parish to rent the parish hall and to develop the Warrior Chapel into rentable space, Corporation continued to consider how to move these projects forward. In doing so, we were mindful of the financial situation of the parish and the need to consider the revenue potential of certain spaces within the church buildings. Like many projects, the timing for moving forward was delayed by Covid. This time was spent considering the scope of renovations and obtaining professional estimates. In November 2021, Corporation was in a position to reconvene discussions with the Diocese of Ottawa Property and Finance Committee. At the suggestion of Bishop Parker, a Working Group was struck composed of 2 members of the Property and Finance Committee the Diocesan Director of Finance, St. John's Corporation, (Canon Gary van der Meer, Rector, Detlef Dransch, Rector's Warden 2021-22, Steve Chaplin, People's Warden and Stephen Giles, Rector's Warden) and our Treasurer T.J. Purves. The Working Group has met several times to discuss the potential redevelopment plan and required financing. Bishop Shane Parker also met with the Working Group a few times to ensure that all options were considered within the overall diocesan perspective and the future place of St John’s within the community.

The redevelopment of St John's is in line with two important initiatives. The first, The Shape of Parish Ministry (SPM) exercise currently underway across our Diocese located here: Shape of Parish Ministry and the Sam Wells initiative "Reimagining Church" that St John's is presently examining located here: Sam Wells

As you will see in the attached PowerPoint presentation, which was the first presentation to the Property and Finance Committee, there are three areas proposed for redevelopment--the Parish Hall, The Warrior Chapel and the Nave. In addition to renovating these spaces, there are two safety related projects--the repair of the bell tower and the replacement of outdated wiring throughout the building. Please note that in subsequent meetings, as a result of discussions within our Working Group, our approach changed slightly. We will address these changes in subsequent communications

We are aware that you will have many questions on the redevelopment proposal. In subsequent Communiques we will attempt to cover all aspects of the redevelopment plan and the financing that will be required. You will be receiving broad details of what changes would be implemented to our spaces to generate revenue and increase safety, and a recommended financing option.

These are significant decisions for the future of your parish and your diocese. And they will require your input and fully informed support. Many opportunities will be provided for your questions, comments, suggestions, input and support, through written communications, discussion groups and meetings including special vestry meetings to decide, as a parish, whether and how to proceed. The first special vestry will be held September 11, 2022. The formal notice of the meeting is set out below. In order for you to be able to make an informed decision you will be sent various communiques over the summer months. If you have specific questions or comments, please send them to our Parish Administrator at kerry@stjohnsottawa.ca We will make every effort to answer them in future communiques and at vestry.

NOTICE is being provided that a Special Vestry will be held

Sunday, September 11 immediately following the 10:15 service

to discuss and vote on a redevelopment plan for St John's and the required financing.

Gary van der Meer

Rector

Stephen Giles

Rector’s Warden

Steven Chaplin

People’s Warden

Please share this Special Edition of This Week at St John’s with members of the Parish who do not have email access.

Copies of the attached and subsequent presentations will be available at the back of the Church after each service.

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

Robin, Pat H., The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs of The Well.

Our Parish

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

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate as well as:

Staff at Ascension House

St. James, Manotick

The Reverend Kerri Brennan

St. James, Perth

The Reverend Canon Kenneth Davis

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. Stephen London, Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Edmonton.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC)

The dean, council, and congregations of the East Central Area of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Church in Wales.

Parish Prayer Group

If you wish to have someone prayed for, please call (613) 232-4500 ext 21 or send an email to prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

JOIN US

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

24 JULY 2022

Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19); Luke 11:1-13

WHAT'S HAPPENING

St. John's Demystified!

Did you ever wonder why people come to St. John's? What they believe? Why they worship the way they do? Why they always seem so busy with outreach programs, community engagement, social justice activities, and a million other things? You are not alone!

The Lifelong Learning Committee is planning a series of conversations to help all parishioners, new and old, to deepen their understanding and appreciation of who we are and what we do at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church. Over 4 sessions there will be time to engage in thoughtful dialogue on topics like these:

Where does Christianity fit among religions of the world, and where does Anglicanism fit among Christian traditions, and where does St John’s fit in the Anglican tradition?
Why do we worship the way we do?
How do we live out our faith in practice?
How do we engage with the world?

The above topics will be explored through four 2-hour Saturday morning sessions to be held (in person) on Oct. 15 and 29th, and Nov. 12th and 19th (10 AM-12PM). This is intended for everyone – you might be new to these questions or maybe you have been thinking about them for a long time. Join us for a chance to learn from each other and to share your views and insights.

FLOWERS

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of

Tillie Dickson by April Dickson.

TAKE NOTE

If you are available to volunteer for a few hours a day picking up mail, answering voice messages and checking emails. Please let Kerry know at kerry@stjohnsottawa.ca

Open Doors will pause from the week of August 8 through the rest of the month.

It will start up again on September 8.

Thanks for your support of this important ministry, with special thanks to the volunteer hosts.

Support Affordable Housing in Ottawa

- buy a Loblaws Gift Card

St John’s Affordable Housing Committee raises funds to support various affordable housing projects through the sale of Loblaws Gift Cards.

How does this work? Loblaws provides a discount to non-profit organizations that purchase gift cards in bulk. We buy in bulk, sell the cards at their face values and the discounted amount flows into our fundraising effort. The cards come in various denominations. Available in the church vestibule following the 10:15 service or by contacting Peggy Lister (peggylister@rogers.com)

Centretown Emergency Food Centre (CEFC)

St. John's is one of 23 downtown churches supporting this ministry, and our food and money contributions are essential. Any food donations are welcome, but obviously not out of date cans or dried goods. These days, and particularly in the summer, many people need this help.

Money is better than a gift card, because the Centre deals with suppliers who sell them food at cost.

Financial donations can be made at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/centretown-churches-social-action-committee/ and select Emergency Food Centre Fund.

Or you can donate by sending a cheque, made out to the

Centretown Emergency Food Centre, to the Food Centre at 507 Bank, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Z1.

Please Give Generously.

PWRDF responds to ACT

Alliance appeal for Ukraine

PWRDF is supporting Ukrainians forced to flee their homes due to the Russian invasion. A grant of $20,000 has been issued to an ACT alliance appeal funding the work of ACT member, the Hungarian Interchurch AID (HIA). HIA has been working in Ukraine for more than 25 years in humanitarian and development projects. It had already shipped 28 tons of food to support those fleeing to Hungary, and their staff have been working with refugees at the Ukraine/Hungary border.

To make a donation go to pwrdf.org/give-today and click on Response in Ukraine. You may also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and PWRDF will return your call. You can mail your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2 or give through St. John’s. Please mark Ukraine in the memo field. Thank you for your support. St John’s PWRDF Committee.