St John's Newsletter

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

Welcome to This Week at St John’s!

As always, there’s lots happening. But maybe you’re wondering about music at St John’s going forward? Please see our plans below.

Please also keep in mind that we move to one Sunday service at 9:30 a.m. starting Sunday June 11. This will continue for three months exactly until we return to two services at 8:00 and 10:15 on Sunday, September 10. On our final Sunday of two services, Sunday June 4, we will bring our two congregations together for shared refreshments at 9:00 a.m. We will meet in the parish hall for potluck refreshments – and our final coffee until September (it’s lemonade after this!).

Here’s the 8:00 group planning shared refreshments during coffee at Bridgehead. You’ll still see us at Bridgehead week by week at 8:45 a.m. before the combined 9:30 service. The 9:30 summer service will conclude with lemonade in the narthex.

Coming together for worship is the basis for everything we do, but there are still lots of ideas out there for community-building social times. Looking ahead, you’ll be hearing about a karaoke and a games evening. And we haven’t forgotten that some folks like scotch-tasting and hiking with the trilliums. We have also started to explore an initiative called “Caring for the Caregivers.” This idea came up at Parish Council where we realized - first-hand – how many people find themselves in this position and need support. Please see below for our first session.

Keep the ideas coming – together-time is a wonderful experience of growing in care and friendship.

Erin Biggs and the full range of games available for an evening at Level One in the ByWard Market.

Karaoke plans coming soon from Alex, TJ and Karen

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Gary+

CELEBRATING THE MINISTRY OF GORDON JOHNSTON

We are so grateful for Gordon Johnston’s 40 years of significant contribution to the life of St John’s. Here’s an outline of how we will celebrate his time with us and the process we will follow to find a new Director of Music.

Celebration of Ministry

Come to the Party! Sunday, May 28, 5-7 p.m.

· Special guests from Gordon’s years of initiatives and leadership.

· Speeches and remembrances (beginning at 5:30 p.m.)

· Time for visiting and conversation with Gordon.

· Food & Drink (not supper).

Gratitude Gift

We look forward to presenting a (financial) gift to Gordon. You are invited to contribute – please indicate with your donation: “Gordon Johnston Gift.” This will be presented to Gordon on his official final Sunday, June 25 at the conclusion of the service.

Listening Process

As we look ahead to the future of music at St John’s, we want to hear our community’s input early on in the search process. Plan to be with us for the following listening events focused on these questions: What are your hopes for the future of music at St John’s? What are the qualities we look for in a person who would be the next Director of Music?

Sunday, June 4: Listening process at the conclusion of the 10:15 service. This will take place in the church immediately following the service.

Thursday, June 8: Listening process especially for the choir: Think about the role and qualities you would hope for in a choral leader as coach, conductor, pastor, musician.

Sunday, June 11: For everyone – especially for you if you were not able to join us on June 4 or 8. This session will take place on Zoom at 4:00 p.m. Join HERE.

Posting and Hiring

Following the listening process, St John’s will post the Director of Music position. St John’s will continue over the summer with an organist and supply musicians (depending on availability). As the fall season begins, we will arrange supply musicians or an interim music director depending on how long the search process takes (and the available start date of the successful candidate). There will be regular updates to keep our community informed.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

A few spots left for Paint Night. Get your ticket before they are sold out.

GET YOUR TICKET HERE

Do you look after someone, either full-time or occasionally, such as a family member or friend?

If you do, you are among millions of Canadians who regularly care for someone else, often for no or very little pay. Would you find it helpful to meet with others in a similar situation to exchange information and ideas? Come to a Zoom gathering on Wednesday May 17 at 10:30 to discuss how your St John's community might support you. This will be a first step - next steps will depend on the ideas generated. (Those with previous caregiving experience are also welcome!) Please let us know if you plan to attend by registering with the St John's office kerrystjohnsottawa@gmail.com. Also, if this day and/or time does not work for you, please let the office know and we will try to schedule a second Zoom call.

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

Linda & Rick, Heather & Scott, The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs of The Well/La Source

Our Parish

Gary, Allen, Gordon, Josh, Kimberly, Kerry, 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; Bishop Susan Johnson and Bishop Michael Pryse.
St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa and the Reverend Gary van der Meer

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. Susan Bell, Bishop, The Most Rev. Colin Johnson, Assistant Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Niagara.

ELCIC

Bishop Sid Haugen, the people and rostered ministers of the Saskatchewan Synod.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Church in Wales.

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.