THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

I’m looking forward to being with you for worship this coming Sunday. I tried a new thing as the first part of my vacation. When I’ve described it as a “busman’s holiday,” younger folks have no idea what I’m talking about so I explain that “it’s when a bus driver has an inexpensive vacation by going on a bus trip as a passenger.” My father was a bus driver so I may have learned the phrase at home. The clergy version is I got a free place to stay by doing the Sunday church services.

It was a lovely visit to Tadoussac, Quebec - a connection made through St John’s parishioners Sheila Campbell and Sally Williams. I saw whales, got in over 10,000 steps per day, and I cycled lots of hills in preparation for the bicycle trip I’m doing in August. The hills were really steep and I found myself thinking ahead to how flat it is between Toronto and Montreal - though that trip will be six days.

There’s a scripture verse in this coming Sunday’s readings that might inspire any rest time you’re taking in these summer months. Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower, which concludes by encouraging us to be good soil for the growth of good news: “But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."

Wishing you joy and rest - for its own sake and because it makes us good news to each other. I hope to see you this Sunday at the 9:30 service.

Gary+

Gary with Sheila Campbell and Sally Williams

Cycling in Tadoussac

WHAT'S HAPPENING

SUMMER READING

Falling Upward

What says "summer" better than a lively discussion with friends over delicious food? Mark your calendars now for this year's edition of "Books and BBQ"!

On July 26th, Ian and Michelle will host a BBQ to discuss the book "Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life" by Richard Rohr. The book explores how losses and set-backs often provide important opportunities for spiritual growth, and how this growth often requires letting go of some of the things we have worked hardest for during the earlier parts of our lives.

The event will begin at 6pm. Food and beverages will be provided. Weather permitting, the gathering will take place on Ian and Michelle's back patio. Feel free to bring your bathing suit for a dip in the pool!

To confirm numbers and to obtain directions, please speak to Ian or Michelle or register through the church office.

Our Home and Treaty Land: Walking Our Creation Story

This is our book study for early fall. It is written as a dialogue between Rev. Dr. Raymond Aldred, a status Cree and Rev. Dr. Matthew Anderson, a settler-descended biblical scholar.

"Treaty is the key to the shared narrative, shared spirituality and shared respect for the land." Through each author's chapters we learn the importance of understanding what Treaty meant to First Nations and to Newcomers.Accepting the truth of what happened is the first step in reconciliation.

Copies are available at Perfect Books on Elgin Street. There are three sessions, all on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11, beginning on Saturday Sept. 9th, then Sept. 23rd and the third on October 14th.

TAKE NOTE

THANKS FROM GORDON

What a wonderful way to wind down my musical ministry at St John's!

Thank you all so much for celebrating with me. It was very meaningful to see people who had been parishioners over the years and came back to reconnect and reminisce. I'm especially grateful to the Rector and wardens for their support; to the choir for their hard work; and to Lannie and crew for celebratory cakes! Thanks to you all for a wonderful

financial gift also. Gaston and I look forward to transitioning into a new role as members of the parish this fall.

Highway 417 will close between July 13 and 17 for bridge replacement

Parking, roads, traffic and transit

The Bronson rapid bridge replacement on Highway 417 is scheduled to take place July 13 to 17. The project will close the following sections of the highway, starting at 8 pm on Thursday, July 13 and slated to reopen at 6 am on Monday, July 17:

Eastbound lanes between Carling/Kirkwood and Metcalfe
Westbound lanes between Metcalfe/Catherine and Rochester.

Lane reductions and ramp closures are scheduled to start at 7 pm on Thursday, with the full closure of Highway 417 scheduled to be in place by 8 pm.

The following access ramps will also close:

O’Connor westbound
Lyon westbound (ongoing)
Bronson westbound
Maitland eastbound
Carling eastbound
Parkdale eastbound

As a requirement for this construction, the southbound lanes of Bronson Avenue will be closed between Arlington Street and Catherine/Raymond streets.

The following detours will be in effect during the closure:

Westbound detour for Highway 417 closure:

Westbound motorists must exit the highway at Metcalfe/Catherine
Continue westbound on Catherine Street
Continue onto Raymond Street
Take the Highway 417 Rochester westbound access ramp

Eastbound detour for Highway 417 closure:

Eastbound motorists must exit the highway at Carling/Kirkwood
Continue eastbound on Carling Avenue
Turn left on Bronson Avenue
Turn right on Chamberlain Avenue
Continue onto Isabella Street
Take the Highway 417 Metcalfe eastbound access ramp

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

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 Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, Sacred Circle, the Ministry of Reconciliation and National Indigenous Bishop, The Right Rev. Christopher Harper.
The Area Parish of Mississippi Lake St. James, Carleton Place; St. James, Franktown; Christ Church, Ashton; St. Bede’s, Nolans Corners; The Venerable Brian Kauk and The Reverend Jonathan Askwith.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Archbishop and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Calgary.

ELCIC

The assistant to the bishop and the staff of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Anglican Church of Burundi.

Parish Prayer Group

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

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.