This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

Many people say Advent is their favourite season in the church year. What's to love about Advent? It might be the special theme of waiting, singing the Advent carols, the candles, or the weekly themes of hope, peace, joy and love. Please join the Advent Learning Day this Saturday. I am making an Advent wreath on Saturday and I'm looking forward to lighting the the candles at home every day until Christmas.

On Sunday, the colour in the church becomes a rich blue. We sing our first Advent carols. We light the first candle on the church's Advent wreath.

This Sunday, we welcome our local Member of Parliament, Yasir Naqvi, who will worship with us at the 10:15 service. Yasir is bringing his team of case workers for a session on supporting newcomers to Canada. You are welcome to join this workshop in the Chapel immediately following the 10:15 service; details below.

In keeping with the theme of the first candle, you may want to reflect on your hopes this week.

Please join us for worship this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Gary+

A fantastic Christmas Market - pictures and report below.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30 | First Sunday of Advent - YEAR A

Scriptures: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

SUNDAY DECEMBER 7 | Second Sunday of Advent

Scriptures: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7,18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

The Reign of Christ - November 23, 2025

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost - November 16, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

THIS WEEKEND

ADVENT LEARNING DAY

Saturday, November 29, 9:30-12:00 p.m.

Scriptures: Advent begins with the invitation to throw off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. How do "end of the world" readings prepare us for the birth of Jesus? An overview of the scriptures of Advent. Introducing some theological words: Apocalypse & Eschatology.
Music: Introducing the carols of Advent. Why do we hold off on Christmas carols until Christmas?
Customs: Christmas Tree, Special foods, Advent Wreaths, Significance of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Wreathmaking: Make your Advent Wreath - if you need candles for your wreath, we have them (suggested donation $20).

Coffee and muffins at 9:30. Presentation begins at 9:45 a.m.

SUPPORT FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA

Sunday, November 30, 12:30 p.m.

We look forward to welcoming our local Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Yasir Naqvi, to worship with us on Sunday morning. Yasir's team, including community case workers, invite your attendance and questions in the Chapel following the 10:15 worship service. Here is the description from Yasir's office:

Support for Newcomers (Immigration, Asylum, Refugees):

MP Yasir Naqvi’s constituency staff will be hosting an information table at St John's. Yasir's team will be available to help newcomers and long-time residents understand which responsibilities belong to federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Because immigration is a federal matter, they can explain how Ottawa Centre residents may open an immigration inquiry with their office and what type of support they are able to provide. If you are not living in the Ottawa Centre area, they will be able to recommend to you where you can go for support. The constituency office acts as a liaison between federal government services and local residents, and staff will also be happy to answer questions about other federal programs and services.

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Pledge Cards Invited

We have completed our annual stewardship campaign on the theme "Tell Out My Soul." Thanks to all who submitted pledge cards. It's not to late to send in your card or bring it on Sunday. Complete the online Pledge Card HERE.

Read the Rector's Introduction HERE.

Read the Wardens' Introduction HERE.

Read the Tell Out My Soul brochure featuring the stories of Mary and Elizabeth HERE.

Thank you for your support.

Barbara Dransch & Emmy Verdun

Stewardship Co-Chairs

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

Yasir Naqvi - Ottawa Centre MP

St John's welcomes our local MP who will worship with our community at the 10:15 service this coming Sunday. Photo: Imam Fatir Ahmad, Yasir Naqvi, Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg, Imam Naveed Mangla & Gary. Imam Fatir and Imam Naveed lead Ottawa's Ahmadiyya Mosque community. Rabbi Mikelberg serves at Temple Israel.

CHRISTMAS MARKET PICTURES

Above left: Some of the 30 vendors' tables that filled the Nave, Chapel and Chancel.

Above right: Luka and a fellow artist at their table.

Above: Maxine and Elinor in their Christmas sweaters.

Below: Caitlin, Brian and Margot at the Refugee Action Group's Cheese Fundraising table.

Below: Mary Ann and Pat, and Carolyn at their vendors' tables.

Below: Rebecca, Mary Frances and Marilyn at the Bakery table;

and Barbara, Bea and Lannie in their matching Christmas Café aprons.

Some more familiar faces in the crowd of attendees:

Idris and Amani; Muriel; and Gary and Mary Frances.

CHRISTMAS MARKET REPORT

Despite the Santa Claus parade and side street closures, 600+ visitors attended St John’s Christmas Market! The artists, crafters and artisans were pleased with the market and many said that they would like to return next year.

Rebecca Gregg, Jill Moll and Mary Ann Varley, were the co-chairs of this year’s Christmas Market. Much gratitude to the team leaders and their volunteers: Thank you to Bea Robertson in the Christmas Café, Marilyn Collins in the Bakery, Mary Frances Marshall in charge of the greeters, Brian Cameron for the publicity and Facebook entries and Vicki Milnes and Barbara Dransch in charge of the decorations. Chris Chiavatti rounded up a crew to help with the set up and take down of the chairs and tables. Many of our parishioners contributed jams, cookies, squares and cakes to the Bake table, always the first table to sell out. Finally, we were fortunate that several of our local merchants donated decorated trees to our Christmas Café, certainly brightening up the hall. Once again the Christmas market has proven to be a very successful St John’s event.

Financial Report:

The Christmas Market brought in over $5000 in total revenue, including table rental ($2250), Bake Table ($2100), and Cafe ($1300). Expenses, including rental of tables, food costs, and posters came to approximately $1300. We are still awaiting a few expenses - with a net profit of over $4000. While we are delighted with these results, the main goal of the market was to invite people into our beautiful space to witness the wonderful vibrancy of our church.

Jill Moll

Christmas Market Co-Chair

IN MEMORIAM

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

Decorate St John's for Christmas

This year there are two ways to participate in filling the church with poinsettias for Christmas.

Bring a poinsettia or several to church on Sunday, December 21. Join in the great poinsettia hunt. If you wish to donate the flowers and designate them as a memorial to loved ones, please include a card noting the names of those being remembered. If you prefer to be reimbursed for your purchase, please include your receipt with your contact details.

Make a financial donation for the purchase of poinsettias. Please note the names of the people to be remembered. Donations can be put on the collection plate any Sunday or dropped off at the office.

Please note that we invite Christmas morning worshipers to bring poinsettias to their homes and to loved ones.

YOUR SUPPORT INVITED

VOLUNTEER

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

AUDIO TECHNICIAN

St John's invites 3 new people to join the Audio Technician roster. This role involves setting up the sound system and recording device before the worship service and putting everything away following the service. Setting up takes place a half hour before the service, and return to storage happens during refreshments. There may also be some troubleshooting if there is difficulty with the sound during the service. Volunteer participation is also invited for special services such as funerals, and for congregational meetings. Training is provided.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

With so many in our community having travel plans during the Christmas Season, we need your help planning the worship roster! We need the following roles: Sidespersons, readers, intercessors, hospitality, lock-up duty, bell-ringing. Here are the dates for which we especially ask your support:

Early Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m.
Late Christmas Eve 10:30 p.m.
Christmas Day 10:15 a.m.
Sunday, December 28, 10:15 a.m.

We especially need volunteers for Early Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Please offer your availability to participate HERE.

ALONGSIDE HOPE

Christmas Cards

Alongside Hope (PWRDF) Christmas cards are on order and should arrive any day. The Rt. Rev. John Watton, Bishop of Central Newfoundland, has painted both images: In “Something Happened in Bethlehem” a nativity scene is lit up in silhouette by a spectacular blast of light and colour. In “Winter Light” the rising sun shimmers in a purplish sky over a Newfoundland village.

Alongside Hope is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. It has been working with partners in 35 countries around the world and in Canada for 67 years.Your donation toward Alongside Hope Christmas cards supports our partners and also tells people about its good work. 12 cards - $25.

World of Gifts

Alongside Hope also offers a variety of gift opportunities to shipport its work.This year St. John the Evangelist is proposing to fund the “Garden Lover” group of projects among the World of Gifts as its 2025 Christmas donation to Alongside Hope.

Garden Lover Bundle: Support food security and good soil in four countries!

Seeds and seedlings in Cuba - $170

Food preservation in Cuba - $70

Vermicomposter in Colombia - $280

Farm tools in Zimbabwe - $270

Permaculture with kids in Uganda - $100

Total Fundraising Goal for the Garden Lover Bundle: $890

If you are able to make a donation to this year’s World of Gifts, we would be most grateful.You can donate by cheque to Alongside Hope - World of Gifts or donate to St John the Evangelist, subject line: Alongside Hope - World of Gifts

Thank you for your support!

St John's Alongside Hope Committee

CHURCH CALENDARS

The calendars parishioners have ordered are available this Sunday for purchase ($8) from Bill Broughton during refreshments after the service.

CLOTHING DONATIONS

The Shop needs winter outerwear for men: heavy coats, wind breakers that could be worn with layers, gloves and mitts. Please spread the word to your friends and family. Bring your items to the donation bin in the Church Office hallway.

COMING SOON

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Join the Choirs of St. John the Evangelist and Woodroffe United Church, together with the Strings of St. John's for our Winter Concert! The concert will feature John Rutter's beloved Magnificat, along with carols and other Christmas favourites.

December 7 @ 3:00pm

Woodroffe United Church

207 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa

December 14 @ 2:00pm

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

154 Somerset St. W., Ottawa

Get your tickets online following the links above, or at the door! Student pricing available.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY

Please join us at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. each Sunday.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:

Early Christmas Eve, 7:00 p.m.
Carols, 9:45 p.m.
Late Christmas Eve: 10:30 p.m.
Christmas Day: 10:15 a.m.
First Sunday of Christmas: December 28, 8:00 & 10:15
Epiphany Sunday: January 4, 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Saturday, November 29

Advent Learning Day: Scriptures, prayers, music, colours, concluding with wreathmaking. 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 30

Support for Newcomers to Canada: Yasir Naqvi MP, 12:30 p.m

Sunday, December 7

St John's Christmas Concert at Woodroffe United, 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 14

St John's Christmas Concert at St John's, 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 4

Star Words - get your prayer word for 2026

Sunday, January 10

Children's Eucharist, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

More about the Significance of Feathers

Osiyo Nigadv, Hello Everyone!

Today I want to share a teaching that many Indigenous peoples carry about feathers and how they’re used during smudging and morning prayer. While every Nation has its own teachings, one thing we hold in common is that feathers aren’t objects. They’re relatives. Each one carries a purpose, a responsibility, and a way of helping us move closer to Creator. When we smudge, the feather we hold isn’t random. The type of bird guides the intention of the prayer.

An eagle feather is used when the prayer needs to rise with strength and clarity. Eagle flies the highest and sees the farthest. Its feather helps lift our words and our intentions straight to Creator. We use it when we’re asking for truth, direction, or deep spiritual grounding.

A hawk feather brings focus and protection. Hawk sees the smallest movement from far away. When we smudge with hawk, we’re asking for clear minds, steady hearts, and protection for the space we’re gathering in.

Some communities use owl feathers when someone’s going through reflection or grief. Owl can see what’s hidden and guide people who are carrying heavy emotions. Other Nations don’t use owl feathers at all. And that difference is respected. There’s no one way, only the right way for each Nation.

Turkey feathers are gentle. They’re often used for everyday smudging or when smudging children and families. Turkey grounds us. It brings balance between body, mind, and spirit.

Goose and swan feathers remind us of family, peace, and unity. They’re often used in group ceremonies because these birds move together and care for one another. Their feathers bring a calm, healing energy.

Raven or crow feathers help people release emotional burdens. They’re used when someone needs to let go of what’s weighing them down. Some Nations reserve them for heavy healing work, while others avoid them. Again, each Nation has its own teachings.

In the morning, when many of us offer our first smudge of the day, we choose the feather based on the intention we’re setting. Goose or turkey for peace and grounding. Hawk for clarity. Eagle when we need strong prayer. Raven when we’re starting a new day after a hard night.

The heart of the teaching is this: feathers help guide our prayers. They help us be honest. They help us be present. They remind us to walk in a good way. And they connect us to the natural world and to Creator in a way that’s humble and respectful.

So when you see a feather in an Indigenous ceremony or gathering, know that you’re witnessing a relationship. A relationship between a person, a Nation’s teachings, the bird that offered that feather, the ancestors who walked before us, and the Creator who holds us all.

Wado,

Kimberly Johnson

St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

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

Prayer Requests: Connie, Alex, Doug, and Jill.

Our Diocese

Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of Canada; and Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario.
Our Diocesan Partner: Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Archbishop Hosam Naoum.
Our Community Ministries:
Belong Ottawa: Centre 454; St Luke’s Table; The Well/La Source
Centre 105 (Cornwall)
Cornerstone Housing for Women
Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre
Refugee Ministry
For the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we prepare to elect a new bishop: for those discerning a call to let their name stand for election; for the candidates; for Members of Synod; and for our diocesan Administrator, Bishop Michael Bird.

Anglican Church of Canada

The people of the Anglican Church of Canada.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Moravian Church in Canada

The people of the Moravian Church in Canada.
The Moravian Church has joined Full Communion with Anglicans and Lutherans - read about the Moravian Church HERE

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

The Anglican Church of Australia.

Flowers

Parish Prayer Group

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

office@stjohnsottawa.ca

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