This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

This past Sunday, Rev Christina Guest invited Patrick Joe to read one of his poems as the conclusion to her sermon. It was a moment when time stopped for us to receive in a different mode. Maybe you felt it too. Poetry has been on my mind since Sunday.

I have been thinking about how our worship services are filled with poetry, though we do not use the word. If you look at the scripture readings in a printed Bible, whole sections are indented differently to show they were written as verse. The psalms were the hymns of the temple and synagogue. They were poetry set to music, as they are for us even today. Our hymns are poetry, and if you consider what we would call our "classic" hymns, they follow patterns of rhyme and meter as consistent as iambic pentameter and sonnets. The Collect of the Day (the first prayer in our Sunday service) similarly follows a consistent and ancient structure, indeed, in many churches this prayer is chanted. Christian worship is permeated with poetry, and it's good to name it as poetry.

Over time, I have come to appreciate poetry beyond what is already in our liturgy. When I visit the synagogue, I notice that they read poems and even have them printed in their prayer book used for the worship service. Over the past years, we have added a poetry night to Art Credo as another dimension of artistry to the surrounding walls filled with paintings.

Did you know we have poets among us? I am learning that some of you write poetry. I am imagining the process of committing your thoughts to paper, letting them percolate, and arranging the words. The result is beauty and immediacy. The process itself is a kind of prayer.

Here is Patrick Joe's poem from this past Sunday, with thanks for sharing it:

At first, faith stirs unseen, breathing quietly in the hush before dawn.

The world still sleeps, yet something within leans forward, listening for light-trusting what eyes cannot yet see.

A flame is born, small but steady. It falters in the wind, sways in the dark, and still it endures.

Doubt circles but does not consume it.

Each flicker becomes proof, not of certainty, but of persistence.

Faith does not shout—it hums through the slow unfolding of courage. In time, it settles into silence.

No longer seeking witness or reason, it simply is: a warmth that remains after the storm passes.

Even empty hands hold something whole—the quiet knowing that light was never gone, only waiting to be noticed again.

I hope you will join for the Introduction to the Bible session this coming Saturday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (details below). You are very welcome to worship with us this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:15.

Gary+

Clergy from the 4 Amigos Churches: Gary with Rev John Perkin (First Baptist), Rev Jim Pot (Knox Presbyterian, Father Vincent Pereira (St Theresa's Roman Catholic), Rev Ema Prince (First Baptist).

At our breakfast this week, we made a plan: Our 4 Amigos Churches will come together for the next St John's Children's Service on March 8, 3-5 p.m. Details and more pictures below.

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

SUNDAY FEBUARY 1 | Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Scriptures: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Third Sunday after Epiphany - January 18, 2026

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

CHILDREN'S SERVICE:

A few more pictures of from our children's service on January 11, thanks to our wonderful photographer Petr Maur.

We have invited First Baptist, Knox Presbyterian and St Theresa's Roman Catholic Churches to join our next Children's Service on Sunday, March 8, 3-5 p.m. The theme will be the palms connecting us to Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday. The service will include the Bible stories, singing, craft, snack, and lots of free play. We will be in the Nave and everyone is welcome.

BELOW:

A few more shots from Christmas Eve - with thanks to our photographer Petr Maur: Silent Night by candlelight, the servers and choir, and a final picture of Idris and Amani in fabulous dress for the occasion.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

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.

UPDATES

SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Buy Loblaw’s Gift Cards

St John’s Affordable Housing Committee began raising money to support affordable housing in 2005 through the bulk purchase of Loblaw’s gift cards.

The cards are bought at a discounted rate and sold at face value. Since 2005 we have raised $51,600 and supported capital affordable housing projects such as Cornerstone’s Booth Street and Princeton Supportive housing residences, Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) projects such as Veterans House and the current Odenak project.

Gift cards are available in various denominations ($10, $25, $50, $100) and can be purchased during coffee hour each Sunday at the “Loblaw’s Gift Card” table.

Peggy Lister

2026 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE

During the stewardship campaign heard the stories of two mothers and daughters – Mary and Brianna, and Elizabeth and Olivia. Through their journeys we were reminded of how each person finds their way to St John’s and discovers a safe, welcoming community

During our campaign 250 brochures were sent out. We received 65 returned commitment cards, and an additional 33 givers chose to continue with their monthly giving. In total, 98 commitments were received, representing a 14% increase in participation over last year. Overall giving increased by 9.9%.

As we come to the end of January 2026, we begin a new year filled with stories, and step into the continuous story God has called us to at the corner of Somerset and Elgin.

We are grateful for your generosity, faithfulness, and trust. Thank you for all the ways you support the mission and ministry of St John’s. Your giving makes a difference, and together, we continue building a community rooted in God’s love.

Barbara Dransch & Emmy Verdun

St John's Stewardship Committee

UPCOMING EVENTS

YOUNG ADULTS EXCURSION

Sunday, February 1, 12:00 p.m.

St John's Young Adults will be playing pool on Sunday, February 1, following the 10:15 service. The group is planning to go to Orange Monkey (250 City Centre Ave).

We try to plan a get-together on the first Sunday of each month. You're welcome to join.

SOUP SUPPER

Ash Wednesday, February 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Join us before the Ash Wednesday service for delicious soups and good fellowship!

St John's annual Poverty Supper is about solidarity and support for people and communities through Alongside Hope. Alongside Hope is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for emergency relief and sustainable development. The Fund works in over 30 countries around the world. We welcome a presentation by former Board Chair of Alongside Hope – Valerie Maier. We will bring you up to date about the activities and projects funded by Alongside Hope during the past year.

The soup-supper is free but we ask parishioners to bring contributions of soup or bread/rolls.

Come out and meet fellow parishioners and support the life-changing work of Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF). Plan to join us in the Parish Hall and stay for the service.

A CIRCLE OF CARE AT ST JOHN'S

Sunday, February 22, 12:00 p.m.

In November, a group of interested parishioners met to have a facilitated conversation about pastoral care at St. John’s. We talked about what we understood by pastoral care, our experiences of when we had given and received it, or when it was lacking. We began to explore how we could create a network that would identify people in need and then call upon other parishioners who have volunteered to be available to visit, or assist in other ways.

The ideas generated at that workshop have been incorporated into a proposed Circle of Care. Traditionally, this ministry has been known as pastoral care. The name Circle of Care has been chosen instead because it describes a way of ensuring compassionate support that is not limited to pastors or those with formal pastoral care training. We all know and have reached out to people who are living through a serious illness, or are grieving a loss, or feel lonely and unloved. The Circle of Care will be a way of making sure that no one who needs and wants this kind of care is left out.

I would like to invite you to learn more about how the Circle of Care would work, and how you can become involved, at a post-service gathering following the 10:15 am service on February 22. For the Circle of Care to be effective, we will need volunteers who are willing to take on specific tasks such as phoning, visiting or driving to church. This meeting will be an opportunity for you to consider if this ministry is something you would have to time to support.

I look forward to seeing many of you there on February 22. If you have any questions before then, please feel free to email me at brian.cameron52@gmail.com.

Brian Cameron

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 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. Special services listed below.

Saturday, January 24

Learning Session: Structure of the Bible. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Maura Beecher Celebration of Life. St John's, 2:00 p.m. Refreshments following.

Saturday, January 31

Baptism, Confirmation, Renewal of Vows Session, 1:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 1

Black History Month. Introduction & Display

Sunday, February 8

Gospel Read-Through: Matthew Part 2. 12:00 p.m.
AGM for Multifaith Housing Initiative.

First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave.1:30 p.m. Registration; 2:00 p.m. AGM; Reception 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 15

Black History Month: Special Music, Dancing & Lunch

Wednesday, February 18

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

Sunday, February 22

Chinese New Year Refreshments
Circle of Care consultation 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.
Children's Service, 4 Amigos Churches at St John's, 3-5 p.m.

Saturday, March 14

Church Clean Up for Holy Week, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch included.

Sunday, March 15

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

Sunday, March 22

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

Tuesday, March 24

Parish Council Orientation, 7:00 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:

Métis Teachings and Shared Responsibility

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!

Métis teachings come from kinship, land based life, story, labour, and survival as a distinct People. They’re carried through family networks, music, humour, and shared responsibility across generations.

Kinship extends beyond the household. Care is practical, relational, and shared. Métis stories teach resilience, adaptability, and responsibility to future generations, reminding us that survival has always depended on one another.

Across the First Peoples of this land, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, teachings remind us that community wellbeing is rooted in shared care. On Turtle Island, each Nation carries its own languages, laws, and ways of knowing, yet all hold responsibilities to the land, to children yet to come, and to one another. Storytelling invites all of us to reflect on how we live with responsibility, humility, and compassion, and how our actions shape the health of our communities.

Below are two storytellers who share teachings through story. One is Métis, and one is Cherokee. Each offers insight grounded in lived experience, land, and responsibility.

https://youtu.be/jjpoThQ8aUY?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/tpOYpvVbZIA?si=1P6bI6QQRJ7IlDTA

Prayer for Walking Together:

Creator,

guide us as we walk together in relationship.

May our listening shape how we live,

and may our communities reflect balance, dignity,

and care for all on Turtle Island.

Upcoming In February, we’ll begin to dive into the First Nations Seven Grandfather Teachings and their importance in guiding how we live in relation to one another. These teachings offer pathways toward truth and reconciliation by grounding us in respect, honesty, humility, courage, wisdom, love, and responsibility, not just as ideas, but as ways of being in gadugi (community).

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: Louis, Ian, Alice and the family of Maura Breecher.

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 Partner: International Women’s Network in Canada (IAWN Canada)
Staff at Ascension House, including the Diocesan Archivist.
Christ Church, Bells Corners and The Venerable Monique Stone.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Most Rev. David Edwards, Metropolitan, and the people and clergy of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Assistants to the Bishop and the staff of the Eastern Synod. The dean, council, and congregations of the Atlantic and Montreal Areas of the Eastern Synod.

Moravian Church in Canada

The Rev. Jason Andersen, president of the Western 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

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

Iglesia Anglicana de Chile.

Flowers

The flowers are given in loving memory of John Patten and Paul and Erika Busing by Monica Patten, her children, and the whole Busing family, to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for lives well lived.

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