This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

There’s a good chance you never met Hendrik Siré, a longtime member of St. John’s Refugee Action Group. He attended services rarely, although he expressed appreciation for the experience whenever he did come. I’m writing this so that you can know a bit about a man who embodied the understanding and love of neighbour expressed in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan.

Two weeks ago, Hendrik died suddenly while hiking in the Pinhey Forest. His unexpected death was hard to process for all who knew him. RAG is a small group that has its monthly meetings in each other’s homes, so we get to know quite a bit about each other. Still, there was a lot we didn’t know about Hendrik, but the celebration of his life last Saturday filled in many details.

One was that his involvement in RAG had its roots in his own experience as an immigrant. He was born in Uruguay, but left there for the United States, and subsequently Canada, when he was one year old. He arrived at Ellis Island, the immigrant processing centre in New York, with his mother in 1951, and they were detained there for several days. His mother was from Estonia, which was then part of the Communist bloc, and at the height of the Red Scare, immigrants from such countries were regarded with suspicion.

Although he could hardly have remembered this experience, the story of his family’s journey clearly left its mark. As his wife Barbara described it, no sooner had he retired than suddenly Hendrik’s days were filled with tasks for refugees: loading and unloading his van with furniture, meeting with families to see how they were doing, hand-delivering support cheques from the church and keeping track of St John’s sponsorship accounts as the RAG treasurer.

Hendrik would have been touched by the turnout of refugees at his celebration of life. The gathering included a member of every refugee family he had helped. Much of what was said about Hendrik’s characteristics and interests would have been puzzling to them, but they listened to the many stories told about him in respectful silence. The important quality they came to pay tribute to was his generosity to those who needed help settling into a new country, and several of them expressed their gratitude with financial donations to RAG in his honour.

Rest in peace, Hendrik.

Brian Cameron

Guest Editor

P.S. Check out the photos of our latest Children's Eucharist.

I hope you can join us at our worship services this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:15.

SUNDAY JANUARY 18 | Second Sunday after Epiphany
Scriptures: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42

SUNDAY JANUARY 25 | Third Sunday after Epiphany

Scriptures: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Baptism of the Lord - January 11, 2026

Epiphany Sunday - January 4, 2026

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

Last Sunday, the children of St. John's gathered to learn about the baptism of Jesus. Along with their parents and grandparents, they sang songs, did crafts, participated in the celebration of the Eucharist and had lots of time for snacks and free play. It was a joyful occasion! Thanks to all who made it happen - Gary, Nick, and the Godly Play teachers. Thanks also to Petr Maur for these photos.

Below: Nick and his ukulele leading a song about the fruits of the Spirit.

Below: Helping prepare and distribute the Eucharist

Below: Making paper doves and bracelets or necklaces with their names.

Below: The whole gang (almost)! It was hard to wrangle all the kids, and one is hiding.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

RICHARD LARRY CLARKE

February 16, 1946 - January 13, 2026

Memorial Service for Richard Larry Clarke:

West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry

150 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 3T9

Saturday, January 17: 2:00 p.m. Visitation; 3:00 p.m. Service; 4:00 Reception

Read Richard's obituary HERE.

MAURA BEECHER

March 19, 1935 - November 18, 2025

Memorial Service for Maureen (Maura) Ursenbach Beecher:

St John the Evangelist Anglican Church

Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m.

Read Maura's obituary HERE.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

MULTIFAITH HOUSING INITIATIVE

Celebrating Commitment: Peggy Lister

From the MHI Blog: January 13, 2026

Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) is deeply grateful to have received a recent $5,000 donation from St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, made possible through its long-running Loblaws gift card fundraising program. At the heart of this fundraising effort is Peggy Lister, whose dedication has supported the community in many ways.

Peggy has been a member of St. John’s for 55 years and a founding member of the St. John’s Affordable Housing Committee when it was established in 2005. Although the committee has grown smaller over time, its work has endured, largely due to Peggy’s commitment, care, and meticulous attention to detail. With support from her longtime collaborator and friend, Mary Frances Marshall, Peggy is the “go-to” person for the gift card program. She oversees bulk purchases, tracks prepaid orders, and ensures that every dollar raised benefits organizations such as MHI.

These efforts led to this year’s $5,000 contribution to MHI, funds generated simply by people buying groceries in a way that gives back. MHI is fortunate to have received support from this program since 2014. Peggy attributes the success of the program to careful planning and consistency. “I like numbers that work out,” she says. “Balances that work. It gives me pleasure.”

Peggy believes safe, permanent, and affordable housing is key to keeping people alive and healthy. At 84, she continues to volunteer about 30 hours a week. Peggy is the volunteer coordinator for St. John’s Community Shop, serves as the church’s Envelope Secretary, supports Cornerstone Housing for Women, and plays a leadership role with the Refugee Ministry Office of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, helping welcome more than 100 refugees each year.

Peggy Lister is deeply curious about how things work and approaches the world with care. When asked what keeps her feeling hopeful, Peggy mentions the weekly leadership of St. John’s Pastor and Rector, the Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer, who reads about what is happening in the world and gives others a way of processing it. “Every single week, I appreciate the act of making sense of things,” she says. “When faced with big challenges, we can strive to be helpful and take care of one another in community.”

Looking to the future, Peggy is mindful of the need for eventual transition and succession planning, though it is hard to imagine any one person fully replacing the dedication and oversight she brings to her work. Her story demonstrates that meaningful change often comes from persistence, organization, and showing up, month after month, year after year. Leading by example, Peggy shows that there are many ways to support affordable housing, and that every sustained effort, truly matters.

Find out more about St John's Gift Card Initiative to support MHI HERE

Check out the MHI Blog HERE

Annual General Meeting

You are invited to attend the AGM for Multifaith Housing Initiative! First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave. Registration at 1:30. Sunday, February 8. 1:30 p.m. Registration; 2:00 p.m. AGM; Reception 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

ALONGSIDE HOPE

Thank you for your support!

Christmas Cards: St. John parishioners showed their love for Alongside Hope Christmas cards by purchasing 24 packs of cards for a grand total of $600. The art of sending Christmas wishes to one’s friends and family via the post is alive and well at St. John’s. Thank you for your support for Alongside Hope!

World of Gifts: St. John’s parishioners raised $1035 for “Garden Lover” which provides support to projects in Cuba, Colombia, Zimbabwe and Uganda. These projects increase food security and help beneficiaries eat more healthily. Huge thanks to all the donors who helped us surpass our goal of $890! We are very grateful for your ongoing support of the life-saving work of Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF) around the world. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Ash Wednesday: Reminder that St John's hosts the Soup Supper on Ash Wednesday to support Alongside Hope. Plan to attend on Wednesday, February 18 at 5:30. The Ash Wednesday service follows the supper at 7:30 p.m.

CENTRETOWN COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE

Thank you for your food donations presented in the church offering Sunday by Sunday!

From Dennis Hansen, Manager of CCFC:

"I am also so grateful for the support we receive from the community and our generous donors – including, of course, the congregations of the 22 churches of the Centretown

Churches Social Action Committee, our parent organization. With no government funding, we rely completely on the generosity of the community that surrounds us."

Read Dennis Hansen's full report as well as other updates in this month's newsletter from the Centretown Community Food Centre HERE.

COMING SOON

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Read-Through of the Gospel of Matthew:

This year, Sunday by Sunday, we are reading the Gospel of Matthew. Get to know the flow of the story. We will sit in a circle and take turns reading aloud - with time included to react and ask questions. In our first session on Sunday, January 11, we read chapters 1-11. The second session continues the reading beginning at chapter 12. If you missed the first session, try reading chapters 1-11 on your own our aloud with a friend, and join us for Part 2. Parts 2 & 3 will include readings from the First Nations Version.

Part 1: Sunday, January 11, 12:00 p.m.

Part 2: Sunday, February 8, 12:00 p.m.

Part 3: Sunday, March 15, 12:00 p.m.

Introduction to Prayer:

This is a Saturday morning session introducing prayer and the kinds of questions people have about it - does it work, how do we do it, how do we know if prayers are answered - as well as your questions. Saturday, January 17, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Introduction to the Bible:

You are welcome to attend this Saturday morning session which includes a tour of what's in the Bible, how we interpret it, and your questions. Saturday, January 24, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation & Renewal of Vows:

We are starting a small group that will meet regularly until Easter. If you would like to explore making vows - or if you're interested but not sure about these sacraments - you are welcome to participate. Send a note to find out more HERE.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY

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

Saturday, January 17

Learning Session: Prayer. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 24

Learning Session: Structure of the Bible. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 31

Learning Session (Weather back-up date for January 18 & 24). 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday, February 1

Black History Month. Introduction & Display

Sunday, February 8

Gospel Read-Through: Matthew Part 2. 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 15

Black History Month: Special Music, Dancing & African Lunch

Wednesday, February 18

Alongside Hope Ash Wednesday Soup-Supper: 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. Parish Hall.
Ash Wednesday Service. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 22

Chinese New Year Refreshments, 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 1

Lent Discussion: Grandfather Teachings. 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 8

Annual Vestry Meeting. 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 15

Gospel Read-Through: Matthew Part 3. 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 22

Lent Conversation: Grandfather Teachings. 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 29

Palm & Passion Sunday. 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Thursday, April 2

Maundy Thursday: Paschal Meal. 5:30 p.m. The Well

Friday, April 3

Good Friday Liturgy. 10:15 a.m.

Saturday, April 3

Easter Vigil with Baptisms. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 4

Easter Sunday. 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

INDIGENOUS STORYTELLING

This weekly series honours storytelling as a living oral way of sharing knowledge among First Peoples of this land. Each reflection includes a short closing prayer.

Osiyo Nigadv Hello Everyone!

As we continue through the winter, here is a great explanation from Odawa Friendship Centre on the importance of storytelling.

https://youtu.be/U6uFJx7beuk?si=H2bF-Yv6xrfFiDFF

Many First Nations communities carry the Seven Sacred Teachings through stories shared across the seasons. These teachings guide how people live together in care and responsibility.

Wisdom teaches listening before action. Love is shown through care in practice. Respect honours the dignity of every person. Bravery teaches that asking for help is strength. Honesty calls for truth about limits. Humility reminds us that no one stands above the community. Truth asks us to live what we say we believe.

Inuit communities carry Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, a complete and distinct Inuit knowledge system grounded in land, language, and collective survival. IQ teachings guide cooperation, shared responsibility, and respect for one another, especially in times of hardship.

The Inuk storyteller, Chris Church tells wonderful stories. Click on the link below and enjoy.

https://youtu.be/mlSiGMAUSd4?si=4cbTjCvL6MvX0dRw

These stories and teachings remind us that care is communal. No one is meant to carry hardship alone.

Creator,

remind us that no one is meant to carry life alone.

Help us share the work of caring,

to notice one another,

and to respond with compassion and action.

Wado, Chi-Miigwech, Niá:wen, Nakurmiik, Qujannamiik, Wela'lin, Marsii, Thank you!

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: Ian, Doug, Alice, and David.

Our Diocese

Gracious God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified, send your guidance upon us as we prepare to elect a bishop for our diocese. Grant wisdom to those discerning a call, to those who are candidates, to Members of Synod, and to our diocesan administrator, Bishop Michael Bird; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of Canada; and Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario.
Our Diocesan Partners: Kairos Ottawa and Saint Paul University.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, Archbishop Christopher Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, Sacred Circle Events, and the ministry of reconciliation.
St. Paul’s, Almonte and The Reverend Jonathon Kouri.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Rev. Dr. Eileen Scully, Director, and the staff of Faith, Worship, and Ministry.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Bishop Carla Blakely, the people and rostered ministers of the Eastern Synod.

Moravian Church in Canada

The Rev. Melissa Johnson, president of the Eastern District Executive Board of the Moravian Church Northern Province.
The Moravian Church has joined Full Communion with Anglicans and Lutherans - read about the Moravian Church HERE

Together

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the ecumenical work and witness of our churches.

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

Province de L’Eglise Anglicane du Congo.

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