This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

Here comes another Convergence Weekend. During the many announcements at the conclusion of the worship service this past Sunday, my first thought was to fasten my seatbelt. Then I gave myself permission to not do everything. Finally, I found myself asking, what does it all mean?

Buckle up - It’s great that there’s so much life in our church:

• Come to the Christmas Market

• Support refugees by purchasing cheese

• Remember your Pledge Card for the stewardship campaign

• Come to the All Souls Brunch as we remember our departed loved ones

• Learn about retreats and prayer life with the Sisterhood of St John the Divine

Pace yourself. Choose a few things you would love to do. You are welcome to join in. (Although please do give priority to returning your Pledge Card, even if you aren't able to make a commitment for this coming year!)

What does it all mean? Do all these activities have a shared theme? Indeed, they do! This Sunday’s worship services celebrate the Reign of Christ the King. This name is the conclusion Christians have made about the significance of Jesus from all the stories we have shared over the past year. Jesus is about living into the ideal of God’s hope for all creation. Jesus says the Kingdom of God is among you and within you. Maybe this Kingdom is to be our future, but Jesus calls us to live like the Kingdom is already here. It’s beautiful to belong and be together – to be community for each other – this is our shared practice of being God’s Kingdom together.

Let the love and compassion of Jesus be our guide – that’s the theme for everything. It’s also the focus for our worship this Sunday. Please join us at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.

Gary+

Children's Eucharist - more pictures below

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: Reign of Christ

Scriptures: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 26; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30 | First Sunday of Advent - YEAR A

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

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost - November 16, 2025

Remembrance Sunday - November 9, 2025

All Saints Sunday - November 2, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

THIS WEEKEND

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Come to our Fantastic Day!

30 vendors (five more than last year!)
Bakery
Christmas Café

We have a Facebook Event page up and running for the Christmas Market, which you can access HERE. Click on the Discussion tab on the Event page to see some of this year's offerings by our artists and craftspeople. Let people know you are coming and/or interested, and if you are on Facebook yourself, share the page with your Facebook friends.

Four members of our congregation will be participating in the Market: Mary Ann Varley, Luka Erickson, Sherrie Dagg and Carolyn Streich. Five of our local businesses will also be participating by contributing a decorated tree or table decorations: Pot and Pantry, Perfect Books, Katari Printers, Deacon Brodie and Bel Fiore flowers. Please come to the Christmas Café to see the trees while enjoying some light refreshments offered by the Café volunteers.

The Baking and Kitchen Gourmet table is excited to see your delicious creations. Your tasty treats can be dropped off in the church office on Friday, November 21st from 10 am to 2 pm or 7 pm to 9 pm.

Please drop off donations with an ingredient list in containers clearly labeled with your name and the name of the item. Our wonderful packaging volunteers will take care of the packaging. Containers can be picked up after the Market or after morning worship on Sunday.

CHEESE TO SUPPORT REFUGEES

Final Day of Sale: November 22

Cheese from St. Benoît-du-Lac Monastery in the Eastern Townships

St. John’s Refugee Assistance Group is selling handcrafted cheeses to support their work of resettling refugees in Canada. Proceeds will help to sponsor at-risk women from Afghanistan, as well as refugees from South Sudan and Ethiopia.

You can choose from either a box of 5 x125 g. selected cheeses for $39 (Mont Saint Benoit, Fontina Fumé, Frère Jacques, Le Moine, Saint Augustin) or a box of 7 for $45 (with the addition of Le Moutier and Bleu Bénédictin)

Come to the Cheese Table at the Christmas Market!

Orders can be placed until November 22nd via this Cheese Order Form and e-transfer to accounts@stjohnsottawa.ca.

Pickup will be mid-December at church after the Sunday service, or at the times/location selected in the order form.

Please email cheeseforrefugees@gmail.com if you have any questions or speak to Margot Cameron.

More information on the cheeses is available at https://www.abbaye.ca/en/products/cheese/

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

Commitment Sunday - November 23!

Bring your Pledge Card this Sunday!

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.

Complete online Pledge Card HERE.

Thank you for your support.

Barbara Dransch & Emmy Verdun

Stewardship Co-Chairs

ALL SOULS BRUNCH

Sunday, November 23 - Noon

You are welcome to join the All Souls Brunch as we remember departed loved ones by name and share our memories as a time of gratitude.

Please join us for brunch at Deacon Brodies on Sunday, November 23 following the 10:15 worship service. We will bring the Memorial Book with us and read the names starting from the most recent and tell each other about their lives.

Remember that whenever you have a meal or drinks at Deacon Brodies, identify yourselves as from St John's. You will receive a 10% discount on your bill. You will also prompt a further 10% donation to St John's by Deacon Brodies.

Please let us know you plan to attend the brunch so we can reserve enough tables. RSVP by email HERE.

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

Worship team this past Sunday: Bosco, Chris, Mary & Gary

Children's Eucharist with a Focus on Baptism:

Thanks to Petr Maur for pictures that show the joy of our recent Children's Eucharist celebrations. Our next Children's Eucharist will retell the baptism of Jesus on January 11, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Baptism or Confirmation:

Are you interested in preparing for these sacraments? Learning Group begins soon to prepare for celebration at Easter 2026. Please contact the rector to participate.

IN MEMORIAM

MAURA BEECHER

March 19, 1935 - November 18, 2025

Our beloved Maura Beecher passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She enjoyed many warm friendships at St John's and was involved in several parish ministries including Terrific Tuesdays, the Community Shop and the Handbell Ensemble. Her children were with her when she died. A memorial service is being planned, but not right away; we're still getting over the loss of Jo Cassie.

Obituary for Maura Beecher

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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 22

Christmas Market at St John's, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 23

Tell Out My Soul: Conclusion of annual stewardship campaign
All Souls Brunch: Deacon Brodies, 12:00 p.m.
Sisters of St John the Divine info session: The local associates of SSJD will meet in the Parish Hall at 12 noon. Interested parishioners are welcome to learn about the Sisters of St John the Divine.

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

The Importance of Feathers for Original Peoples

Osiyo Nigadv, Hello Everyone!

When many Indigenous peoples speak of feathers, we’re speaking about more than something from a bird. A feather is a relative. It’s a gift that carries teachings, memory, and spirit. Across Turtle Island, Nations hold their own ways and meanings, but there’s a shared understanding that feathers connect us to something greater than ourselves.

A feather often comes through an experience that shows strength, humility, courage, or healing. It’s not something we buy. It’s something we’re entrusted with. When someone receives a feather, it’s usually given by a community or an Elder who’s witnessed their actions, their growth, or their heart. That’s why feathers are treated with such care. They remind us to walk in a good way, to speak truth, to carry ourselves with integrity, and to remember who we come from.

Different Nations have different meanings for feathers. Among many First Nations, an eagle feather carries prayers up to Creator because that bird flies the highest and sees the farthest. Inuit often speak of birds as guides and messengers in the northern world, offering direction between the human and spirit realms. Métis honour bird teachings through the blending of land-based knowledge and spirituality, often tying them into sash teachings of balance and responsibility. Each Nation has its way, and none should ever be blended or assumed to mean the same. The diversity is part of the beauty.

When we use a feather in a ceremony or gatherings, we’re grounding the space. We’re calling for honesty. We’re reminding everyone that what’s said in that moment should come from the heart. Feathers don’t let us hide. They bring out the truth.

For many of us, holding a feather also reconnects us to our ancestors. It reminds us that we’re part of a line that survived. It encourages us to keep moving forward in a good way, with courage, compassion, respect, and responsibility.

So when someone sees a feather in Indigenous spaces, they’re not just seeing a symbol. They’re witnessing a relationship, gadugi, one between people, ancestors, the spirit world, and the natural world. It’s an honour, a responsibility, and a reminder of our teachings.

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: Alex, Doug, Jill and Maura.

Our Diocese

Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of Canada; and Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario.
Staff at Ascension House, including the Diocesan Archivist.
Our Diocesan Partners: Communion Forest and Compass Rose.
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.
All Saints', Westboro.
The Venerable Kathryn Otley.
The Reverend Chung Yan Lam.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Secretary General and staff of the Anglican Communion Office.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The General Secretary and staff of the Lutheran World Federation.

Moravian Church in Canada

The Unity Synod, and the president and members of the Unity Board.
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 in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia.

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