This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Hello to my brothers and sisters in Christ in the church of St. John the Evangelist!

My name is Tim Taylor and I have the honour to serve as your Interim Priest-In-Charge for the next two weeks. I am looking forward to worshipping with you and learning how the love of God drives this worshipping community.

The focus for our readings for the next couple of weeks is the intimate relationship with God that we are called into. This line from Exodus takes my breath away:

'I know you by name, and you have also found favour in my sight.' Exodus 33:12

It is God talking to Moses, but – if we dare - each of us can also claim this passage!

After years of reading the Bible and trying to discern what God is calling us to be, I have come to the conclusion that it can be summarized in seven words. And, because I used to work in advertising, I thought it would be helpful to put it into a poster inspired by the English wartime “Keep Calm and Carry On.”

The seven words are:

It seems to me that every story in the Bible has this at its centre. Whether it’s Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, Israel constantly disobeying God in the desert, David wandering from the righteous path and then being called back, the dozens of kings who turned from God, provoking the Babylonian captivity, to the teachings of Jesus, and ultimately to him making the offer of Grace through his death on the cross so that we could become one with the Father – just as he is one with the Father.

It’s all in that tiny apostrophe. When we stop trying to be in control of our own life (trying to be our own God) and instead turn to becoming a Child of God – trusting in the gift of reconciliation offered through Jesus – that’s when we become God’s. The apostrophe says it all – we enter into a trusting, intimate relationship with God. We become God’s. God knows us by name and we have found favour in his sight.

To help us explore these ideas I would like to offer a slightly different way to consider the themes. I grew up in the 1960s and 70s, so pop music has been an integral part of my life and helps me understand the world we move in. I am convinced that truly great love songs speak of the relationship of two people, but (if they are truly great) also reflect the love that God has for us.

As a prelude to this week’s sermon I offer the classic Joe Cocker song “Do I Still Figure in Your Life.” It’s a lament by a man watching his relationship with his wife fade away. She has started to move in new circles and has little time for him anymore.

Many times in the Bible our relationship with God has been described as a marriage. Perhaps the clearest example is Isaiah 54:5 “For your maker is your husband..and you (Israel) were a wife deserted”. Another example is the Song of Solomon which is often seen as an almost erotic expression of the love of God for God’s people. And, of course, Jesus is often cast as the bridegroom and the church as his bride.

In that context, I invite you to listen to Cocker’s song HERE and imagine it to be God singing to you. Does God still figure in your life? This will be our springboard into the sermon on Sunday. My hope is that we will land in the conviction that God’s providence is overwhelmingly good and our role is to gratefully accept that providence and express our praise and thanksgiving.

During Gary’s Sabbath leave, I understand that this newsletter comes out every other week. Since this is the only chance I will get to write to you, I wanted to turn to the focus of our second week together, which will be our response to God’s providence.

And to help you prepare for that conversation, I offer a more recent recording. It’s Jelly Roll’s “I Need a Favor.” Jelly Roll is a powerful voice in modern American music. Originally a rapper, he moved into country music and some of his songs reflect his profound spiritual journey from addiction into faith.

This song shakes our understanding of a “magical” God: someone to whom we turn, but only when we need God to do something for us. Instead, we need to come back to the tiny apostrophe of “Stop being gods, and start being God’s.”

If we are in a constant relationship with the Father, then we have a completely different perspective on events as they impact our lives. As a cancer survivor, I was amazed at how much my faith grew as I walked through those scary times. You can listen to the song HERE.

I am so looking forward to exploring these themes with you over the next two weeks.

SUNDAY October 18 | Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost | 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

SUNDAY October 25 | Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost | 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship recordings include the following portions of the service: prayers, readings, the sermon, and music.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 23, 2026

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - August 16, 2026

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - August 9, 2026

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

Above: Barb and Vicki did a wonderful job decorating the church for Harvest Thanksgiving. All the fruits and vegetables were contributed to The Well after the service.

Below: Alex, Rebecca, James and Ryan of the Young Adults Group took advantage of the glorious fall weather with a hike in Gatineau Park after Sunday service.

Below: The Children's Service on October 4 was an opportunity for the children of St John's to learn more about our Indigenous peoples. Margaret talked about the Medecine Wheel and how it shows that everything in life is connected.

Below: Nick and Pat joined in a craft related to the Medicine Wheel, and Nick taught the children a new song: "We must Learn To Walk Together." There was also a Eucharist, snacks, and lots of free play.

Below: On Sunday, October 11, we said farewell to The Very Reverend Paul Millward, with gratitude for his thoughtful and engaged ministry as Sabbath Clergy.

UPDATES

INTRODUCING TIM TAYLOR

Sabbath Clergy from October 16 - October 31

"When Gary announced his intention to take a Sabbath leave, I immediately called him up to volunteer to fill in for part of the time. As a retired priest, I knew that I would be available and the last two weeks of October aligned with our annual trip to the cottage to take the dock out, so it worked out perfectly.

I am a husband to Trish (for 47 years), a father (of 3) and a grandfather (of six wonderful grandchildren.) I had a wide ranging career with Imperial Oil for 35 years, which included a leave of absence in the early 1980s to do my Masters of Divinity. I retired in 2014 to pursue Holy Orders, was made Deacon in 2015 and ordained as priest in 2016, serving in the Diocese of Toronto until 2021 and then the Diocese of Nova Scotia & PEI.

I have known Gary for over 20 years. He was our parish priest from 2004 until 2010 at St John West Toronto, which is where we first met. He was my sponsoring priest when I was ordained. We have travelled together to Israel, done the Friends For Life Bike Rally from Toronto to Montreal together, and we make a point of getting together several times each year.

This is not the first time that I have followed in Gary’s footsteps. When he came to be with you in Ottawa in 2021, I followed him at St Anne’s in Toronto. We share a conviction that the love of God is the core of our faith and that it is expressed wonderfully when a community of faithful people worship together."

HOMELESSNESS:

A Reflection from Multifaith Housing Initiative

October 10 was World Homelessness Day, and the occasion for a reflection by Sarah Lorenz of Multifaith Housing Initiative on the significance of having a stable home. As we approach the municipal elections, you are encouraged to read her reflection and assess the importance that the candidates you will be choosing give to the issue of affordable housing. You can find her piece HERE.

LEGACY GIVING: A WEBINAR

October 27, 2026

THIRD QUARTER DONATION STATEMENTS

Third Quarter Statements will be distributed with the Stewardship packages. The Third Quarter Statement summarizes all donations directly to St. John’s (by category) from Jan. 1 – Sept 30, 2026. It does not include donations to St John’s through Canada Helps. Please review the statement for accuracy and contact Peggy Lister, Envelope Secretary if you have any questions (peggylister@rogers.com or call the church office to leave a message).

NEWSLETTER SCHEDULE

For the next four months, during Gary's absence, This Week at St John's will be published every second Thursday. Please contact Brian Cameron if you have something you would like included. The deadline for the next issue will be Wednesday,October 28, but the earlier the better!

IN MEMORIAM

RON CHAPLIN

Ronald (Ron) Rex Chaplin, 74, passed away peacefully at The Ottawa Hospital on October 12, 2026. Born in Belleville, Ontario, Ron graduated from Carleton University and went on to work as a parliamentary aide, in public policy for the Canadian Manufacturing Association, and as a lobbyist for the Canadian Petroleum Association. A passionate advocate for equality, Ron devoted decades to volunteer service with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Egale Canada, and the Anglican Church. He loved traveling, especially to Paris, and his faithful dog, Wilf, who was a cherished companion.

Ron was the beloved son of Rex Chaplin and Lois Chaplin (Liddle) and is survived by his brother, Gary (Sheryl); nieces Amy and Laura (Gregory); great-nieces Kiersten and Sydney; and great-nephew Evan. He leaves a lasting legacy of love, service, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. Relatives and friends are invited to join us for a celebration of Ron's life at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Saturday, October 31 at 11:00 a.m..

ELEANOR ISABELL PARMELEE (NEE CROSSLEY)

Eleanor Isabell Parmelee passed away peacefully in North Vancouver on April 15, 2026 at age 93. Born in Ottawa, she lived a dynamic life; her career spanned sales, modeling, and business administration. A pioneer in sports, she founded the Ottawa Gymnastics Club, and served as Vice President of the Ontario Gymnastics Federation.

A talented singer and memorable host, Eleanor welcomed international students into her home, traveled the world, and even began acting in TV commercials at age 92.

She is survived by her brother Bill, children Geoffrey, Margot, Gail, Sandi, Nancy, and Lynda, along with four grandchildren.

Eleanor's family has a long association with St John's, dating back to 1919, when her mother was confirmed and had her first communion here. Eleanor was married at St John's, and her children were all christened and attended Sunday school here. After moving to Vancouver, she always spoke fondly of St John's, and it was one of her final wishes that there be a gathering of friends after a Sunday service to celebrate her life.

You are warmly invited to join this gathering hosted by her family in the Nave after the 10:15 service on Sunday, October 18.

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

Note that Tara Gereaux's Wild People Quiet (see below) has been short-listed for the prestigious Giller Prize!

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY AT 8:00 AND 10:15 A.M.

Tuesday, October 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Legacy Giving Webinar (see above)

Saturday, October 31, 11:00 a.m.

Celebration of Life for Ron Chaplin

Sunday, November 1, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Children's service

Sunday, November 8, 12:00 p.m.

Sisters of St. John the Divine (SSJD). Local Associates of SSJD will meet in the Parish Hall. Parishioners are welcome to come and learn about SSJD's mission and ministry.

Saturday, November 21, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Market

Saturday, November 28, 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Community Compassion Workshop with India Bedson, Belong Ottawa

Saturday, December 5, 10:00 a.m.

Sacrament Preparation with Gary, 10:00 a.m.: First Meeting

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

Prayers for those in leadership roles: Gary, Allen, Christina, Pat, Nicholas, Kerry, Aot, Monica, Barb, Chris, Pat and all who minister at St. John's.

Pray for St John's Sabbath Clergy: Tim Taylor & Pat Johnston

Prayer Requests: John, Sandy, Dixie, Kevin, Anna, Alice and David.

Our Diocese

Kathryn, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Shane, our Primate, as well as (Oct. 18): The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples; Archbishop Christopher Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop; Sacred Circle Events; and the ministry of reconciliation; Our Community Ministries: Belong Ottawa: Centre 454; St Luke’s Table; The Well/La Source; and Centre 105 (Cornwall); Cornerstone Housing for Women; Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre; and the Refugee Ministry Office; our Diocesan Partners: Kairos Ottawa and Saint Paul University; and for the Parish of Mattawa (St. Alban's, Mattawa St. Margaret's, Rutherglen), The Reverend David Shields (Oct. 25): Staff at Ascension House, including the Archives; Our Diocesan Partner: International Anglican Women’s Network in Canada (IAWN Canada); and for the Parish of Maberly-Lanark (St. Alban's, Maberly St. Paul's, Lanark St. Stephen's, Brooke) The Reverend Allan Gault

Anglican Church of Canada

(Oct. 18): The Rt. Rev. Lynne McNaughton, Archbishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Kootenay (Oct. 25): The Rt. Rev. John Stephens, Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of New Westminster

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
(Oct. 18): The dean, council, and congregations of the Vancouver Island Region of the British Columbia Synod (Oct. 25): Remembering October 31, 1517 – as the day Martin Luther published the Ninety-five Theses. Sometime cited as the launching of the Protestant Reformation

The Moravian Church
(Oct. 18): The people and ministries of the Southern Province of the Moravian Church in

America

Together (Oct. 25): For an end to gender-based violence and human trafficking

Parish Prayer Group

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

Prayer Request

DONATE

CANADA HELPS QR CODE

e-transfer accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca

HOW YOU CAN DONATE TO ST JOHN'S

Identified donations to St John’s are charitable donations and are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Receipts for donations made directly through St John’s are usually generated on an annual basis. Donations to St John’s through Canada Helps are receipted by Canada Helps.

Here are the different ways that you can give:

E-Transfer

accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca

PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance)

Enrol in the PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) program, whereby a designated monthly amount is withdrawn from a parishioner’s bank account or credit card. Peggy Lister, the Envelope Secretary, will provide you with the application form required to enrol in this program.

Weekly Offering Envelopes

Use identified weekly offering envelopes to make your cash or cheque donation to St John’s. A request for such envelopes goes to Peggy Lister, the Envelope Secretary, who will provide the envelopes.

Cash or Cheque Donation on Sunday

Make a cash or cheque contribution during a weekly service. The donation must be identified (i.e. a name & address on the envelope or a cheque with the donor’s information) if the donor wishes to receive a charitable receipt for the donation.

Canada Helps

Make a donation to St John’s through Canada Helps by scanning the QR code on the weekly bulletin, the QR code on the sign at the back of the church or through the ‘donate’ button on the St John’s website. Canada Helps donations can be for a single time or set up as an on-going monthly donation.

With thanks to God for your generous support