This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

As Gary remarked in his letter last week, it is quite striking how the Sunday readings of recent weeks speak to the often-dire events unfolding around us. As a case in point, the New Testament scriptures for this coming Sunday are about being tested. We hardly need reminders of the suffering of innocents taking place now, in Ukraine, Gaza, or Sudan to name only a few. Or how the established order in the United States is being overturned, and the devastating effects this promises to have on the U.S., on Canada, and indeed on vulnerable people around the world.

It is a time of testing that all of us feel keenly.

I recently received an email from someone who is constantly looking for signs in current events that a world-shaking Tribulation will precede the second coming of Jesus. Before that happens, he expects that the faithful will be physically lifted up out of the chaos in The Rapture. In his words, “When the rockets come down, we go up.” The theology behind this is common to many American evangelical sects (but, thankfully, not so much in Canada). It certainly provides hope in a time of testing, even if the predictions are constantly proving to be false, but do we really want that kind of hope?

In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus tells the parable of a fig tree that will not produce fruit. The parable follows a description of a slaughter of innocents by Pilate, and a prediction of a coming catastrophe that proved to be correct, when Rome put down a revolt and destroyed Jerusalem in 70 C.E. In the parable, the owner of the barren fig tree tells the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener says, give it a second chance. Let me nurture it and see what happens then. The message seems to be that the nature of God is to offer second chances, as in the better-known parable of the prodigal son.

The reading from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is as strong an affirmation of hope in troubled times as one could wish for: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” We don’t know what the way out will be for what we are facing now, or how long it will take, but Paul is telling us that we can have confidence that together we will find it.

I hope you can join us for worship this Sunday at 8:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m., and the Lent Reflection in the Chapel immediately following the 10:15 service.

Brian Cameron

Guest Editor

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, March 30 - 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Joshua 5:9-12, 17-18; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 1-3, 11b-32

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, April 6 - 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14; John 12:1-8

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship recordings include prayers, readings, a sermon, and music.

Second Sunday in Lent - March 16, 2025

First Sunday in Lent - March 9, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

Muslims, Jews, and Christians eating together. Story below!

LENT PROGRAM

LET LIGHT SHINE

River Through the Desert - A Lenten Journey in the Holy Land

Dean Richard Sewell of St George's College in Jerusalem

reflects at Jacob's Well:

"Jesus is the living water who can satisfy our deepest thirst

for meaning and purpose in life."

WEEK 3 - The Mountain

Watch the Video - above
Read the Scripture - here
Read the Reflection - here
Think about the Questions - below
Conversation - Sunday, March 16, 12:00 p.m. (in the Chapel)

Reflection Questions

You are welcome to join the circle of chairs in the Chapel following the 10:15 service.

Is the story of the Transfiguration one that draws you in and speaks to you or one that feels hard to penetrate? Explore your reactions and what appeals or does not appeal to you in the story.
What does the image of Jesus ‘shining like the sun…his clothes white as the light’ suggest to you? How does it affect how you see and understand Jesus?
Have you had a ‘mountain top experience’? Share this or write it down to explore your experience; perhaps it might inspire a poem or a sketch.
How can you begin or continue to cherish nature as a place to experience God?
In the film there is a point made about ‘seeing things differently’ or seeing from the perspective of the ‘divine eye’. What does this mean to you?

INTERFAITH GATHERING

INTERFAITH IFTAR

This past Sunday, St John's was invited to an Iftar celebration hosted by Ahmadiyya Mosque. We joined representatives of Temple Israel Reform Synagogue for presentations on fasting in our three traditions - followed by a delicious meal. Here is a report from two of our St John's participants, Greg Davis and Peter Trepanier:

Sitting with individuals from other faiths, we were led in prayer by Imam Farhan Iqbal who then spoke about fasting and what it means in the Muslim faith. Rabbi Daniel Mikeleberg of Temple Israel spoke about the significance of eating for creating community, and Gary spoke about fasting in Christian practice. In all three religions, there are common threads. Fasting is not an end in itself, but rather a means of more effectively shaping a new spirituality. Fasting, whether from food, visceral emotions or old habits, causes us to pause and ponder, to reach deeper into our familiar environment. As Anglicans, we may typically give up alcohol or chocolate as our Lenten fast. I was particularly struck by Gary’s comment about fasting from fear in these charged times. Yasir Naqvi then spoke about the importance of interfaith gatherings, bringing people together to learn from each other in a respectful manner.

We were served a delicious meal after the daily fast was broken. Lively conversations were ongoing as we shared with each other over the meal. It was inspiring and reaffirming to know that while we come from different faiths, we all aspire to the goal of being inclusive, loving communities. We look forward to attending the next interfaith gathering.

Greg & Peter

NEXT INTERFAITH GATHERING

"My Canadian Home: Navigating the Questions of Citizenship as a Jew, Christian, and Muslim." We continue our triad of Temple Israel Reform Synagogue, Ahmadiyya Mosque and St. John's, hosted at Temple Israel. Sunday, May 11, 2:00 p.m. You are welcome to participate.

HELP WANTED

MAUNDY THURSDAY PASCHAL MEAL

We are delighted to announce our leaders for this event: Chris Chiavatti and Rebecca Gregg. We invite you to join the volunteer team to help make this a significant Holy Week celebration. The evening begins with dinner in the lower level of the church, with thanks to The Well - Belong Ottawa for use of the space. We will celebrate Jesus' first Eucharist and Last Supper during the meal with scriptures and eucharist. Plan to join us at 6:00 p.m. Tickets $25.00.

Maundy Thursday continues with the story of Jesus leaving the meal to go and pray, and his betrayal and arrest. This second part of our liturgy will take place in the church at 8:00 p.m.

EASTER VIGIL RESURRECTION PARTY

St John's Parish Council will host the party that immediately follows the Easter Vigil on Saturday night. The Vigil is the Easter version of Christmas eve. Each of us has a candle in the darkness for the scripture readings. There is a great musical fanfare as all the lights come on and we read the story of Christ's resurrection. We celebrate with a baptism and eucharist and more great music. And we conclude with a party: Easter breads, chocolate, wine and cheese. The service starts at 7:30. The Resurrection Party will take place in the nave at approximately 9:15.

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES THIS WEEK

Congratulations to Maura Beecher (above) and Bill Broughton (below) on their 90th birthdays! Incredibly, Maura and Bill were born on the same day in the same hospital in Calgary, and ended up worshipping together at St. John's.

Photo credits: Gordon Johnston & Linda Clippingdale

Worship this past Sunday

TAKE NOTE

YOUR FEEDBACK INVITED

Black History Month at St John's

This year's Black History Month included weekly scripture readings in the first languages of newcomers to Canada and a big African Festival Celebration on the final Sunday of February. Our celebration included singing by the Newcomer Choir, dancing, and a delicious meal. Thanks to so many volunteers who helped make this possible!

We are grateful especially that newcomers have made a home and family with us at St John's. Thanks for your leadership and support: Deborah, Allen, Mary and Briana, Scout, Anastasie, Bosco, Clementine, Jorvan and Dorothy. Thank you, St John's for all your support!

We would like to ask your feedback. Tell us what you appreciated as well as your suggestions for next year. Please send an email to Deborah Nasasira and Marilyn Box who will record your suggestions to be shared with St John's Parish Council.

MEMORIAL FLOWERS FOR EASTER

Remember your loved ones with flowers at the Altar. Help the Altar Guild decorate the church for Easter. Make your donation to St John's noting that it is for Easter Flowers and if applicable, please include a note to indicate the names of the people to be remembered. You can put your donation in the collection plate any Sunday or drop it off at the Office.

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

A note from Kimberly:

Osiyo Nigadv (Hello Everyone)

I hope the sunny warmer weather this past week was a welcome hint of Spring on the horizon for you. I wanted to let everyone know we have a wonderful trip planned to Mādahòkì Farm on April 26, 2025. Mādahòkì Farm is located on 164 acres of Ottawa’s Greenbelt. Its mission is to share the experience of land, stories and food from an Indigenous perspective. We will immerse ourselves in an Indigenous learning experience with opportunity to learn more about the herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Participation cost is $22.50 per person.

Find out more about the farm: https://madahoki.ca/about-the-farm/

This event is well-supported - there is space for four more participants! Please see the sign-up sheet in the church on Sunday or send a reply email to Kimberly: indigengcoord@stjohnsottawa.ca

LOOKING AHEAD

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Every Sunday

Worship Services at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. (Summer schedule is one service at 9:30 from June 1 to Labour Day).

Every Sunday in Lent

Lent Conversation. After each Sunday's 10:15 service. Meet in the Chapel at noon.

Sunday, April 13

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

Thursday, April 17

Maundy Thursday: Part I - Paschal Meal. 6:00 p.m.; Part II - Liturgy of the Agony in the Garden. 8:00 p.m. We need volunteers ln various roles, including shopping, cooking, serving, and putting everything away in the Well space where we are holding the dinner.

Friday, April 18

Good Friday. 10:15 a.m.

Saturday, April 19

Easter Vigil. 7:30 p.m. Resurrection Party follows the service. We need two volunteers to lead the Resurrection Party.

Sunday, April 20

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

Friday April 25

Art Credo Vernissage 7:00 - 9:00pm

Saturday April 26 - Sunday May 11th

Art Credo runs daily.

Saturday, April 26

Church Field Trip to Madahoki Farm

Sunday May 11

Interfaith Conversation with Temple Israel and Ahmadiyya Mosque at 3:00 p.m. hosted by Temple Israel. Conversation Theme: "My Canadian Home: Navigating the Questions of Citizenship as a Jew, Christian, and Muslim."

Sunday, May 25

Ascension Children's Service, 3-5 p.m.

Saturday, May 31

Thrift Shop Fashion Show

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

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

Prayer Requests: Alice, David, Inga, Peter & Jack

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan and Acting Primate.
Staff at Ascension House.
St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa and The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Rt. Rev. Mary Irwin-Gibson, Bishop, and the people and clergy of the Diocese of Montreal.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Assistant to the Bishop and the staff of the Manitoba – Northwestern Ontario Synod.

Together

The elimination of racial discrimination.

Moravian Church in Canada

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

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America.

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