St John's Newsletter 15 January 2023

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

St John’s made a significant step last week by appointing Kimberly Johnson-Breen as Indigenous Engagement Coordinator.

If you’re wondering what that is – and what it means for our future – I invite you to listen to how we describe what lies ahead. Whether you were present and want to hear it again, or this is the first time you’re hearing about this, have a listen.

In this first recording, my sermon focused on Peter’s comment in the Acts of the Apostles, that “God shows no partiality” and that God reaches out in love to “every nation.” For our part in this, I offer a definition of ministry – it’s such an elusive word – and then home in on what a commissioning is about. LISTEN HERE.

In this second recording, which is the commissioning itself, you will hear Kimberly offer her ideas and hopes for the coming year. LISTEN HERE.

By way of summary, Kimberly presents the word Gadugi from her Cherokee tradition: Caring for one another – community helping community – with the hope that we will be strong helpers and allies in developing friendships in the Indigenous community, and that we will take up the responsibility to do our own learning. The areas Kimberly noted especially for our learning include Indigenous Creation Stories, the 7 Grandfather Teachings, and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #48: “to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.” This call includes: “Respecting Indigenous peoples’ right to self- determination in spiritual matters, including the right to practise, develop, and teach their own spiritual and religious traditions, customs, and ceremonies…”

Our first planned activity to address this priority will be the Kairos Blanket Exercise. This will be new to some of us and familiar to others. We hope everyone will participate so we create a wide base of familiarity with the history of settlement that became Canada as we know it. We will hold this event on the morning of Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day) in the St John’s Parish Hall. Everyone is invited.

The second recording concludes with the wonderful musical Peace Prayer presented by special musical guest Merlin Homer of the Haudenosaunee Nation. So even with the summary above, I would encourage you to listen to the second commissioning recording. LISTEN HERE .

And please note these words of gratitude from Kimberly Johnson-Breen: “I would just like to say a grateful Wado (Thank You) to all that participated to make the day a good day and experience. Looking forward to learning and growth together.”

Gary van der Meer, Kimberly Johnson Breen, Louella Tobias – Delaware Nation Traditional Knowledge Keeper and host of the Indigenous Ceremony that followed the worship service & Merlin Homer, songwriter and composer, of the Haudenosaunee Nation.

Welcome to church this coming Sunday, 8:00 & 10:15 a.m. Please note that the 10:15 service includes a liturgical dance presentation in which all are invited to dance. Plan to stay after the service for “elevated refreshments” sponsored by Pat Fisher in celebration of her 80th birthday. Hope to see you Sunday.

Gary+

COVID Safety Update from the Diocese of Ottawa:

“Winter is on the horizon, 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 this 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

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.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, the Rt Rev Christopher Harper, Sacred Circle Events, and the ministry of reconciliation
St. John’s Smiths Falls and The Reverend Dr. Thomas Brauer
For the work and ministry of our Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, The Venerable Linda Hill.
For our Diocesan Newspaper Crosstalk, and for Leigh Anne Williams, Editor.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

Executive Director, Will Postma, and staff of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund.

ELCIC

Executive Director, Karin Achtelstetter, and staff of Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

JOIN US

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

15 January 2023

Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

FLOWERS

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

Eeke de Vries and Arie Verduijn

by their daughter Emmy Verdun.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Ottawa Sikh Temple

When: Saturday, January 14

Time: 9.30am

Location: 25 Gurdwara Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 7X6

POTLUCK MOVIE NIGHT

When: Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 p.m.

Potluck: What you bring is what we eat!

Location: The Well (lower level of the church)

Deacon Brodies for Robbie Burns

We have a special friendship with the pub just north of the church. Owner Ken Goodhue was a server at St John’s as a child, and he is an occasional reader on Sunday morning. We have a great deal as part of our friendship: Identify yourself as from St John’s and get 10% off your bill – plus Ken will give another 10% donation to the church!

Let’s show some love back. I’m booking a table for Robbie Burns, Saturday, January 28, 6 p.m.

Come and eat Haggis with me. Great music by the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band, dance, address to the haggis, and Scottish treats. Make a reservation for your own table by calling Deacon Brodies, (613)236-6464. Or send me a note here to join my table! Gary

TAKE NOTE

I am sending this note to advise you of a change to my email address.

My new email address is kerrystjohnsottawa@gmail.com please add my new email to your contacts to ensure you receive my emails.

office@stjohnsottawa.ca is still monitored.

Explore worship and music for Lent and Holy Week, and continue to discover the gifts of our supplement, Sing a New Creation.

Rev. Canon Kevin Flynn and Josh Zentner-Barrett present a workshop on liturgy and music for the Lenten season, in partnership with the Faculty of Theology at Saint Paul University. You'll get to deepen your knowledge of The Book of Alternative Services and Sing a New Creation, and reflect on new ways of enlivening your congregation's worship.

The workshop costs $10 and takes place from 9:30 AM until 12 PM at

De Mazenod Chapel at Saint Paul University. Register online at: http://bitly.ws/yGa3

Every year, Christians around the world gather together for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

This year's service in Ottawa takes place on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 4 PM at

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (corner of Kent / Wellington).

This year, the service includes an ecumenical choir under the direction of Marg Stubington, to join in the leadership of the music. All are welcome to join.

For more information, check out http://bitly.ws/yQyR or

contact Josh at jzentner-barrett@hotmail.com