This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

"Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return."

These words as the ashes are marked into my forehead have always been very moving to me. They go to a non-verbal place where I know that my time in this life will run out. What is it that I feel but can't put into words?

Do I feel fear about dying? What about the manner of my dying as there are some terrible ways to go? Do I fear God's judgment on my efforts to live as a loving person? Do I feel urgency to get to some things that are important to me? Do I feel relief, maybe like the immortal elves of The Lord of the Rings who have seen so much pain, disaster and trauma that they weary of life? The ancient Christian prayers of Compline ask God to be present "so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose in they eternal changelessness." Do I want that repose - maybe not quite yet?

In this year following the death of my mother, death feels less theoretical to me. I heard her express these kinds of fears. I also heard her count on God's love and be at peace. Over these past months, I have felt so much gratitude for how my mother's love has shaped my life.

May the ashes this year offer the blessing of helping you to focus. I hope you would like to keep the 40 days of Lent as a simpler time. May this time bring your mind back again and again to God's love that is already working in you and working in all of us.

May the ashes this year bless you and help you to focus. I hope you will join us for the Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is also welcome for the soup supper preceding the service at 5:30 p.m., where you can learn more about the important work of Alongside Hope.

Gary+

Black History is Everyone's History - pictures below

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18 | Ash Wednesday

Scriptures: Joel 2:1-2,12-17; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

SUNDAY FEBUARY 22 | First Sunday of Lent

Scriptures: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

SUNDAY MARCH 1 | Second Sunday of Lent
Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Transfiguration Sunday - February 15, 2025 - Black History Celebration

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - February 8, 2025

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - February 1, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

Elizabeth, Karen & Anna

Sally, Ryan, Brendon & Karma

St John's Black History Celebration

Thanks to our wonderful guests:

Batimbo Percussion Drums! They love to be booked for events!
Singers and Dancers: Valentine, Giselle, Cynthia, Ciella, Francine
Our organizers: Deborah Nasasira, Clementine Mahirwe, Nick Busch

COMING THIS WEEK

PARISH CIRCLE OF CARE CONSULTATION

This Sunday!

“How can I help?

What did you need?

How will I know?”

These are the concluding lines from a poem about her mother by the Somali-American poet Sadia Hassan. We all ask these questions, not just about those we love, but also about those in our wider circle.

If you would like to hear about a Parish Circle of Care that can help us respond to these questions, and share your own thoughts on the subject, you are warmly invited to join a group discussion following this Sunday’s service. Help yourself to some refreshments offered by Hayden Chen to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and join us in the Chapel for a discussion that will take about one hour.

You can find out more about the Parish Circle of Care HERE.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Patrice Boulianne and Hayden Chen

Sponsored Refreshments for Lunar New Year

Sunday, February 22, 11:30 a.m.

As Chinese New Year approaches, I would like to share a brief reflection on what this holiday represents within Chinese culture, and how some of its themes resonate with our Christian faith. Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of a new cycle of time. While it is not primarily a religious observance for most families today, it has long been associated with reflection, renewal, reconciliation, and hope.

Traditionally, people prepare for the new year by cleaning their homes—symbolically letting go of what is old—and by seeking harmony within families and communities. Elders are honored, relationships are renewed, and words of blessing are spoken over one another. These practices remind me of biblical invitations to repentance, restoration, and gratitude.

Scripture teaches us that all time belongs to God, and that new beginnings are gifts of grace. As Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Seasons such as Chinese New Year can serve as moments to pause, examine our hearts, give thanks for God’s faithfulness, and step forward with renewed hope.

In this way, Chinese New Year becomes not a replacement for our faith, but a cultural expression that can point toward values deeply rooted in the Christian story—honoring family, practicing generosity, seeking peace, and trusting in God’s provision for the year ahead.

I share this simply as a cultural reflection and as an expression of gratitude for a church community that welcomes diversity and encourages us to see God’s grace reflected across cultures and traditions.

Hayden Chen

UPDATES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Here at St John's, I hope you appreciate the ways our congregation has been blessed over the past two years with newcomers from Africa. You can see from the regular photographs in this newsletter (and the pictures above) that they are very involved in our community. We recognize the hardship and challenges of coming to a new place and starting over. This month, we are celebrating the richness of languages, cultures, music and food as we continue to grow in friendship.

Gary+

Questions for 2026 Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, a series of four questions have been developed to help you test your knowledge of Black History in Canada. Special thanks to Marilyn Collins for creating the questions.

To further deepen your knowledge, why not find out more about each of the proposed answers and discuss what you learned this Sunday. The answer will be included in the newsletter for the following week.

FOURTH QUESTION: Who is the current Canadian Parliamentary poet Laureate?

George Elliott Clarke
Michael Fraser
Tolu Oloruntoba
Suzette Mayr

ANSWER TO THE THIRD QUESTION:

Who blazed the way for Black athletes in boxing?

Sam Langford

Sam Langford, boxer (born 4 March 1886 in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia; died 12 January 1956 in Cambridge, Massachusetts). Langford was a professional boxer who competed across multiple weight classes during his 24-year career. Despite an impressive winning record and praise from icons of the sport, Langford faced racial barriers that prevented him from competing for a title during an era when White champion boxers didn’t want to be seen losing to Black opponents.

Sam Langford, Canadian Boxer

Black History Month Reading List

Celebrating Black History Month (Part II)

Continuing St. John’s celebration of Black History Month, we looked for some books to guide us on our learning journey. Here are some that you may want to borrow from your nearest library,:

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jema Tisby (there is also a separate study guide)
How to Fight Racism: Courageous Faith and the Journey Toward Racial Justice by Jemar Tisby
Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present by Robyn Maynard
The Skin We're In – The struggle against racism in Canada (2020)
The Black Christ - Chronicling who Christ is for the black community, from slavery to civil rights and black power movements (1993)

Our thanks to Erin Biggs for bringing together this list for further reading and learning.

Ian Myles

Lifelong Learning Committee

VESTRY REPORTS

It is that time of year when we are preparing for our Annual Vestry, which will be held on Sunday, March 8 following the 10.15 am service. In order to have our Vestry Circular available in advance, please submit your report by the end of day Monday February 23rd to Kerry.

Please do not simply send last year’s report! Instead, here are some guidelines:

Name of group, name of leader
Number of members, names of members (if appropriate)
Regular meeting time/place (if applicable)
Brief description of your group’s ministry/purpose/mandate
One thing that was exceptional for your group last year
One hope for the upcoming year

Thank you so very much for your leadership!

CHOOSING OUR NEXT BISHOP

On Saturday, February 28, lay members and clergy from all parishes in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa will gather at an Electoral Synod to choose the next Bishop of Ottawa.

This will be a significant moment in the life of our diocese.

Our bishop is the spiritual leader and chief pastor of our diocese, providing oversight to clergy, parishes, and diocesan ministries. Our bishop guides our diocese in its mission, safeguards the faith and unity of the Church, and ensures that its ministry is carried out in accordance with Anglican tradition and canon law. Working in collaboration with Diocesan Council, committees, and community partners, our bishop offers pastoral care, fosters spiritual growth, and represents our diocese within the wider Anglican Church of Canada and the global Anglican Communion.

Three candidates have been nominated for the position of bishop: the Ven. Brian Kauk, the Ven. Kathryn Otley and the Ven. Monique Stone. You can read their curricula vitae on the diocesan web site HERE. There will be four public meetings across the diocese which everyone is welcome to attend. The details of the meetings are on the same web page noted above.

The new bishop’s installation is schedule for Saturday, May 9, 2026.

FOOD DONATIONS

Keep them coming!

Thank you to all who bring food donations to be presented as part of our Sunday offering. The amount in the black basket at the back of the church has been diminishing in recent weeks, while the need at the Centretown Community Food Centre keeps growing. Please think of adding some extra items while grocery shopping, and bring them with you on Sunday. Suggested items include: peanut butter; canned tuna, salmon, meat and stews; canned vegetables; canned soups; canned beans, including baked beans, kidney beans, and black beans; breakfast cereals; dry pasta and pasta sauce; Kraft Dinner; toothpaste and toothbrushes; toilet paper; and period products.

Thank you!

CENTRETOWN COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE

Annual Report 2025

UPCOMING EVENTS

COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

The Coldest Night of the Year is a fundraising walk to support the Ottawa Mission. The Mission provides multiple services from hot meals to housing, health care & end of life care to those in need. Donations of whatever you can spare will be most happily received. To support Barbara Dorrell's walk, please click HERE.

CAPITAL REGION INTERFAITH COUNCIL

Social Media and Values for High School Students

MUSIC & POETRY BY WOMEN MARATHON

March 7, 2:00-8:00 p.m.

We are delighted to announce the second Music & Poetry by Women Marathon. The event will take place on March 7th, 2026 from 2-8 PM, at St. John's.

The mission of this festival is to elevate women through the performance of female composers and poets while raising money for the women’s shelters in Ottawa during women’s history month. We hope to connect musicians across industries, genres, and generations by including every variety of composition, genre, ensemble, level, and ability in this event. Anyone can participate! The only criterion for participating in this event is that the music you perform or poetry you read/recite must be composed, arranged or co-written by a woman.

We hope you can join us even if you don't wish to read or perform. The event will be structured in 50 minute blocks starting on the hour with a 10 minute break in between. Attendance is by donation and 100% of the event proceeds will go to the Ottawa Women’s Shelters (Cornerstone Housing for Women, The Well, & St. Joe’s Women’s Centre). People can donate through the event’s PayPal page, by donation at the door, or directly to the organizations themselves.

We are also looking for volunteers for this event! If you are interested, you can sign up here.

CHILDREN'S SERVICE

Please join us for our next children's service on Sunday, March 8, 3-5 p.m. We have invited the children of Knox Presbyterian, First Baptist, and St Theresa's Roman Catholic to join us for a full house in the Nave on Sunday afternoon. Our focus will be the palms of Palm Sunday, the stories that go with them, connecting back to the ashes of Ash Wednesday.

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW READ-THROUGH

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.

Part 3 will include readings from the First Nations Version.

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

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.

Sunday, February 22

Chinese New Year Refreshments
Parish 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

Worship featuring the Strings of St John's, 10:15 a.m.
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.
St John's Choir Spring Concert 1: Fauré Requiem, 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 2

Maundy Thursday: Paschal Meal. 5:30 p.m. The Well
Worship Service to follow 7:30pm

Friday, April 3

Good Friday Liturgy. 10:15 a.m.
St John's Spring Concert 2: Fauré Requiem, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 4

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

Sunday, April 5

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

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS

This is part of an ongoing series featuring the Seven Grandfather Teachings and noting their alignment with Trinitarian, sometimes called Relational Theology

Second Teaching: Aakodeewin. Bravery

In Anishinaabe teaching, Aakodeewin is the courage to live with heart. It is not the absence of fear. It is the steady willingness to move through fear for the sake of what is good, right, and relational. Bravery is not loud or showy. It is rooted, calm, and guided by love.

The bear carries this teaching. Makwa is strong yet tender, fierce yet nurturing. The mother who shields her cubs and the male who stands guard show the balance of strength and care. Their courage rises from responsibility, not from pride or power. Makwa reminds us that true bravery protects life and honors relationships.

Aakodeewin shows itself in daily living.

Sometimes it means speaking with honesty when silence feels safer.

Sometimes it means opening your heart after being hurt.

Sometimes it means choosing patience when anger tries to take over.

Sometimes it means stepping toward healing when old patterns want to pull you back.

Often it is simply the courage to be present, steady, and true when everything in you wants to withdraw.

This teaching softens the tightness that fear creates. It strengthens the spirit without hardening it. It teaches that bravery and gentleness belong together. Aakodeewin helps us walk with a courage that protects, nurtures, and restores.

There is a connection between this teaching and Trinitarian understanding. In that way of seeing, Creator, Creator Sets Free, and Spirit move together in a circle of compassion and shared strength. Creator Sets Free steps into human pain with open arms. Spirit breathes steadiness into those who feel faint. Creator surrounds creation with patient mercy. Bravery in this circle is not about domination. It is courage shaped by love and rooted in relationship.

Many Indigenous traditions speak of bravery as the courage to stand in truth with a good heart. Trinitarian thought speaks of courage that rises from compassion and mutual care. Both teach that strength without love breaks the circle. Both remind us that courage and tenderness are not opposites but partners.

When we walk with Aakodeewin, we learn to face what we fear without losing our gentleness. We learn to stand firm without closing our hearts. We learn that real bravery does not abandon others but draws us into deeper connection.

Note

This teaching is written by Barton Breen. I am not Indigenous. I live in an Indigenous household on Anishinaabe territory with my wife. I work as a helper in our community. These teachings are shaped in conversation with her and shared under the guidance and correction of Elders Sadie and Louella, who are Delaware. We use Anishinaabe teachings because they reflect the land we live on. All content is offered with respect and reviewed to remain faithful to the wisdom of Original People.

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.

Our Diocese

Almighty God, giver of all good gifts: look on your Church with grace, and guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for our diocese, that we may receive a faithful servant, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of Canada; Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, Bishop Michael Bird our diocesan administrator.
Our Diocesan Partner: Communion Forest and Compass Rose.
Staff at Ascension House, including the Diocesan Archivist.
St. Mark the Evangelist, Ottawa and The Reverend Dr. Mary-Cate Garden.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Most Rev. David Edwards, Archbishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Fredericton.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The dean, council, and congregations of the Grand River and Thames Areas of the Eastern Synod.

Moravian Church in Canada

The anniversary of the founding of the Unitas Fratrum (or Unity of the Brethren) on March 1, 1457, in Bohemia.
The Moravian Church has joined Full Communion with Anglicans and Lutherans - read about the Moravian Church HERE

Together

An end to human trafficking and modern slavery.

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

The Church of Ireland.

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