THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT |
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalms 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38
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Those in Our Hearts
Michelle, Marianne, Cecile, Maura, Kerry, Adrianne; Archdeacon Pat, Reverend Dr. Caroline Ducros, Gordon, Gregory and all who minister at St John's; The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer and the community of St Anne's in Toronto.
Our Diocese
For the Staff of our Diocesan Office: The Right Reverend Shane Parker, The Venerable Linda Hill, The Reverend Canon Dr. Peter John Hobbs, Sanjay Grover, Carol Sinclair, Jane Scanlon, Heidi Pizzuto, Joyce Couvrette, Lilian Asiimwe, Heidi Fawcett, Bill Gilbert, Kiran T Otto, Sandra Purdy and Glenn Lockwood.
Our Companion Diocese in Jerusalem
The Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, Redeemer Church, Amman, Jordan.
Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)
The Reverend Dr. Eileen Scully, Director, and the staff of Faith, Worship, and Ministry; Sheilagh McGlynn, Youth Ministries Animator; the Reverend Canon Dr. Scott Sharman, Animator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC)
Reverend Paul Gehrs, Assistant to the National Bishop, Justice and Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations; Gretchen Peterson, Assistant to the National Bishop, Youth and Leadership.
Parish Prayer Group
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THIS WEEK'S
MESSAGE FROM
CAROLINE
AND GORDON
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PARISH COFFEE HOUR
Wednesdays
10 am, via Zoom
We welcome anyone and everyone to join our Interim Rector Pat Johnston for virtual coffee and conversation on Wednesdays.
Mark your calendars and on the day "zoom in" at this link at 10 am to catch up with parish friends both new and old.
January Coffee Guests:
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Canon Peter John Hobbs,
Director of Community Ministries
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Bishop Shane Parker
ps: If you don't have computer access and would like to join this coffee hour call the Church Office and we can provide you with instructions on how to access via telephone.
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AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN
BISHOP PARKER & CANON HOBBS
Please listen to Bishop Shane and Canon Peter John discuss the "pivots" that have been necessary for all our diocesan community ministries. Click here to view the interview. |
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A CHRISTMAS READING IDEA FROM PAT+
You might like to ask for Michael Curry's book, "Love is the Way, Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times" for Christmas.
Hold the date of Wednesday, January 27 to meet on zoom to share reactions and reflections on this beautiful, inspiring and encouraging book. Details to follow.
Archdeacon Pat has received a generously donated copy of the book and would be happy to lend it to you for a week. If you would like to borrow it please let her, or the office know.
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CHILDREN'S YOUTUBE CHRISTMAS!
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 7:00pm
A Children's Christmas Service with St John's on YouTube. Have a candle ready at home that you can light in celebration of Jesus' birth! Click here for more information.
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CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 9:00pm
Christmas Day, Dec. 25 9:30am
Join us here at St John's for in-person worship to celebrate Christmas. For information on how to pre-register, please visit our link.
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COFFEE HOUR
WORD CLOUD
At our coffee hour this week we each contributed a word that expressed something of our view of the year 2020. See if your word is there!
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ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
SING-ALONG
Many thanks to everyone who participated in our "virtual" sing-along. We had 100 people from all over the world who joined together to sing carols and hymns, and to enjoy social and musical connection. The sing-along was recorded and is available online at this link. It is a fun way to enjoy the music of the season and to remember past years when we were able to sing together. |
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PARISH ADMINISTRATION AT ST JOHN'S
In the interim time between Laura's departure and the arrival of our new incumbent Gary van der Meer, Corporation has decided not to hire a new Parish Administrator. Instead, we will cover the many activities that Laura Macdonald handled in a number of ways.
Firstly, our music director Gordon and Cara Gilbertson will manage parish communications (Sunday bulletins, This Week at St John's e-newsletter and the website).
Secondly, a roster of volunteers comprising Vicki Robinson, Emmy Verdun and Bea Robertson will cover most of the day-to-day administration tasks including handling correspondence such as email, regular mail, phone messages, etc., procuring church supplies, coordinating activities of various church groups, and so on.
Finally, Ted Reeves, a member of our newly established Property & Building Committee will look after rentals. Many thanks go to all those who have agreed to help out.
Corporation believes that this arrangement will carry us through until such time as Gary is here with us at St John's and we can work together to develop a long-term plan for the various activities related to parish administration at St John's.
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THE WELL, ST LUKE'S TABLE & CENTRE 454
NEED YOUR HELP!
Ottawa has witnessed huge upheaval because of the effects of COVID-19. Despite the added challenges and increased numbers of people seeking services, we have remained true to our mission of supporting our homeless and vulnerably housed people.
We continue to provide food, respite from the street, access to showers and washrooms, and referrals to housing and health services, connecting people so they feel safe and supported. The emotional toll for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed is overwhelming. Many people have found it unbearable and their mental health has deteriorated.
Our outreach proved invaluable during Ottawa's lockdown. When services could not be offered indoors, we took our programs outside: on the street, at rooming houses, or in City respite facilities.
We remain concerned about the increased costs we are facing due to COVID-19 and our outreach programs still urgently need additional funds. As the festive season approaches, we know many of you are looking for meaningful ways to help those in need.
Please support our Year-end Appeal by making a donation online or by mailing a cheque payable to The Well or St. Luke's Table or Centre 454 referencing Year-end Appeal.
Thank you for your generous and continued support!
DONATE NOW
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KIM UMBACH REFLECTS ON PARTNERSHIP WITH
JANE MAXWELL
As The Volunteer Coordinator of PWRDF, Kim Umbach reflects on her partnership with the Diocese of Ottawa, and in particular our own Jane Maxwell. A beautiful tribute and description of Jane's many years of volunteering.
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MUSICAL ADVENT CALENDAR
One of our wardens was surprised to find our very own Cara Gilbertson featured in this unique Musical Advent Calendar. A surprise offering will be featured each day by various local artists. Spoiler alert...we wonder if Cara will appear on another day?
Click here to view the December 14th musical treat. Here is the link to view each day's musical offering.
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REMINDER ABOUT GATHERING FOR WORSHIP
Our diocese has asked all of our churches to be more mindful of the Covid-19 Protocol around gathering for worship. It seems that back in September we were all extremely careful, and that over time we have relaxed, perhaps just a bit too much. As hard as it is, we are not to socialize in the church space, either before or after the liturgy. Please refrain from more than a quick hello when you pass someone on the way to your place! And from 9:25 am during the prelude and ringing of the bell, please observe silence in preparation for the liturgy to begin. Thanks for your cooperation to keep us all healthy and safe!
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REGISTER FOR NEXT SUNDAY'S SERVICE
Each Sunday you can register to attend the in-person Church Service planned for the following Sunday, you can go to this website www.backtochurch.ca.
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ONLINE RESOURCES FOR SUNDAY
Sunday, Online
If you are not attending on Sunday and would like to find online worship and resources you can find many options and links on our website
Included on that page you'll find a video recording of our Service at St John's. The video of our morning Eucharist Service is usually available later in the day on Sundays.
If you cannot attend, or missed church last week, or would just like to watch it again, the recordings are available each week on our website and on our Youtube Channel.
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NEXT SUNDAY
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
Isaiah 61:10—62:3; Psalms 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
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ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
ANGLICAN CHURCH
154 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H8
613-232-4500
office@stjohnsottawa.ca
The Venerable Pat Johnston, Interim Priest-In-Charge
The Reverend Dr Caroline Ducros, Deacon
The Reverend Michael Hicks, Honourary Assistant Emeritus
Dr Gordon Johnston, FRCCO, Organist and Choirmaster
Detlef Dransch, Rector’s Warden
Stephen Giles, People's Warden
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