This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

As we light the Advent Candles, we make a progression from Hope to Peace and - this coming Sunday - to Joy. Our newsletter this week features pictures from the rededication of our church on Sunday and as we celebrated the significant impact of our Community Thrift Shop on Monday.

This weekend is full of opportunities for joy:

St John's Visit to Temple Israel. On Saturday, join our St John's delegation for the Sabbath service at Temple Israel. We will compare how our traditions focus on light in the stories we share for Advent and Chanukah. It's an opportunity to learn both Jewish and Christian traditions and you might find it helpful to look over Advent Summary Notes in advance. Temple Israel is located 1301 Prince of Wales Drive and there is abundant parking. The service begins on Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m. (try to arrive by 10:00 a.m.).
Sunday Worship at St John's. Please join us at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.
Community Thrift Shop open this Sunday. If you have never visited the shop, come downstairs during refreshments following the 10:15 service especially for Christmas decorations, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Meeting to plan Hospitality going forward. Get involved in how St John's welcomes people every Sunday - stay after the 10:15 service for a conversation in the parish hall.

May this be a season of joy for you!

Gary+

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

SCRIPTURES - Sunday, December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a; Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1:46b-55); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Second Sunday of Advent - Rededication - December 8, 2024

First Sunday of Advent - December 1, 2024

Reign of Christ the King - November 24, 2024

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

Our MP, Yasir Naqvi, was one of many guests at our Rededication celebration this past Sunday.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

Decorate St John's for Christmas

This year there are two ways to participate in filling the church with poinsettias for Christmas.

Bring a poinsettia or several to church on Sunday, December 22. Join in the great poinsettia hunt. If you wish to donate the flowers and designate them as a memorial to loved ones, please include a card noting the names of those being remembered. If you prefer to be reimbursed for your purchase, please include your receipt with your contact details.

Make a financial donation for the purchase of poinsettias. Please note the names of the people to be remembered. Donations can be put on the collection plate any Sunday or dropped off at the office.

Please note that we invite Christmas morning worshipers to bring poinsettias to their homes and to loved ones.

4 AMIGOS CHURCHES CAROLING EVENT

Especially for Children, Families, Lovers of Carols

Starting at Knox Presbyterian at 11:30 on Sunday, December 22. We will walk and sing carols in front of each of our 4 churches - concluding at First Baptist for Hot Chocolate. Bring your own bag lunch - crafts, song sheets and hot chocolate provided. Registration is not required.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEAS

Christmas shopping at the Shop

Come visit the Shop after the service on Sunday, Dec 15^th. You will find a great selection of Christmas decorations & ornaments and many ‘one-of-a-kind’ items that would charm someone on your gift list. Great bargains and the proceeds support St John’s!

Christmas Gift Suggestion that supports Affordable Housing

Loblaws Gift cards are the perfect gift for many on your gift list! Choose from our selection of $10, $25 or $50 cards. St. John’s Affordable Housing Committee sells Loblaws Gift Cards as a fundraiser to support the development of affordable housing in Ottawa. Look for Mary Frances Marshall or Peggy Lister during coffee hour to buy some cards.

STAR WORDS FOR EPIPHANY

Plan to receive a Star Word at St. John’s on Sunday, January 12 during the Announcement time. Everyone is welcome to receive a word for 2025. Different words like “commitment”, “faith”, “hospitality”, “discipline” are given as little aids to help us reflect on our faith throughout the year. Some tips will be given to help you use your word.

Star Words Reflection:

Last year I drew the star word "awake," which led me to reflect on both the intentionality in my relationships and how I experience rest. How aware am I of the people in my life? How can I be more intentional about remembering the little things that are going on with them and checking in? On the other hand, does "awake" always need to apply to me, or can it be a reminder that the One who slumbers not nor sleeps can watch over me when I'm at the end of myself? I'm thankful to have had this word to reflect on this past year and it's helped me to be more intentional in paying attention to others, and trust in God that it's ok for me to rest when I need to.

Erin Biggs

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES THIS WEEK

Celebrating Our Renewed Space:

This past Sunday's gratitude expressed for wonderful support over these past months! Thanks, especially in these pictures, to our Bishop and our Diocese, to Detlef Dransch who managed the whole process for St John's, and for the leadership of our churchwardens over several years of preparation and planning. Thanks to our congregation for patience during construction and for faithful stewardship.

There are so many people to thank and so many stories to to tell. Best to hear our story in the Sunday worship recording.

ABOVE: Last Sunday, we lit the first and second candles for Hope and Peace. This coming Sunday's candle is for Joy.

BELOW: Sunday's celebration cake, "God Bless This House."

CELEBRATING THE COMMUNITY THRIFT SHOP

Pictures from the Christmas Luncheon

Celebrating the Shop's Accomplishments:

Number of Volunteers: 39
Volunteer Hours: 5800
Cash Sales: $60,000
Value of Vouchers (Marked price value of items given without charge): $70,000
Vouchers given per quarter: 650
Number of Clients per Day: 90-150
Analysis of Donated Items: 50% sold or given away through vouchers; 25% sent to the Salvation Army; 25% discarded as garbage/recycling
Recycling Items: heavy metal & cardboard, ReStore (Habitat for Humanity)

St John's Community Thrift Shop helps people and builds relationships in the wider community. The Shop is a meaningful, satisfying and enjoyable way to volunteer. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers and thanks to our leaders, Dave Tappin and Peggy Lister.

Photos with thanks: Roli, Clare & Bea!

TAKE NOTE

HOSPITALITY MEETING

This Sunday, following the 10:15 service

St John's hospitality every Sunday is a ministry by a committed small group of volunteers coordinated by Gay Richardson. We are grateful for all of you and we are especially thankful for Gay, who has served as coordinator for many years and concludes this role at the end of December. Thank you, Gay, for giving us "big shoes to fill"!

We are committed to continuing the wonderful ways we welcome our community to stay following the 10:15 service. Our options include having a new person step into the role of Hospitality Coordinator, having two people share the role, or dividing up the coordinating responsibilities among the whole team.

Hospitality volunteers are meeting this coming Sunday in the Parish Hall following the 10:15 service to talk about this ministry going forward. New volunteers are welcome to join us for this conversation. Find out more at St John's Hospitality Ministry 2024

OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION

Sunday, January 19, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Meet our Neighbours! We want to show off our building.

St John's is hosting a reception for neighbours, neighbouring businesses, current renters and groups interested in booking our renewed facility. We would be grateful for volunteers to help us make this an excellent and welcoming occasion.

WHERE TO PARK NEAR THE CHURCH

2-HOUR PARKING - Somerset east of Elgin (i.e., adjacent to the Church) and MacLaren and Gilmour east of Elgin. 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, 7 days per week (including on Sundays).

3-HOUR PARKING - Somerset west of Elgin. Maximum 2-hour parking, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday; no restriction on Sunday!

ALWAYS CHECK THE PARKING METER!

Meter indicates times when you need to pay for parking. Most street parking is free on Sundays in the neighbourhood. Note that for the above illusraiton, 2-hour still applies on Saturday/Sunday as indicated on this meter.

PARKING FOR LONGER VISITS

Park at City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave West. Parking Rates:

MONDAY - FRIDAY:

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM: $2.00 per 30 mins, $20 max

6:00 PM to 6:00 AM: $1.00 per hr, $2.00 max

WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS:

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM: $1.00 per hr/$2.00 max

6:00 PM to 6:00 AM: $1.00 per hr/$2.00 max

ALONGSIDE HOPE (PWRDF'S NEW NAME)

BUY THE FARM!

PWRDF Christmas cards in 2024 offer two designs of the birth of Jesus. They are on order and should arrive shortly. Meanwhile we are selling the beautiful designs from 2023. Each packet of 12 cards costs $25. Your donation towards PWRDF Christmas cards supports our partners, and also tells people about PWRDF’s good work around the world. Through your prayers, actions, and gifts, PWRDF has supported partners in Canada and around the world for 65 years, making a world of difference.

Donate to support PWRDF’s World of Gifts projects. Check out the five food security projects in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba and Colombia on p.5 of the World of Gifts brochure - HERE.

We hope to raise $970 to fund all five projects. To make a donation see Jane and Allen at the PWRDF Christmas card table after the service.

PWRDF: Primate's World Relief and Development Fund

New Name: Alongside Hope

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).

Saturday, December 14

Temple Israel Visit - Shared sermon: "Comparing Advent and Chanukah" by Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg and Gary van der Meer, 10:00 a.m. at Temple Israel, 1301 Prince of Wales Drive. All are welcome.

Tuesday, December 24

Christmas Eve Services: 7:00 Early Christmas Eve; 9:45 Informal Carol Singing; 10:30 Late Christmas Eve

Wednesday, December 25

Christmas Day Service: 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, December 29

First Sunday of Christmas, 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, January 5

Epiphany Sunday, 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.
Epiphany Children's Service, 3-5 p.m.

Sunday, January 12

Star Words Revisited - Get your spiritual word for the year. Immediately following 10:15 service.

Sunday, January 19

Black History Month planning meeting. Meet in the Parish Hall following the 10:15 service to plan for the month of February.
Renewed Space Reception for the Community, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 22

The Virtues of Aging - Presented by the 4 Amigos Churches. This is a 4-Part Series on Zoom, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on January 22, January 29, February 5, February 12

Sunday, February 16

Gospel Read-Through Part 2: Gospel of Luke 14:1-24:53. Get to know the flow of this year's featured gospel in time for Lent and Holy Week

Saturday, February 22

Church Safety Workshop: How to engage with and support people in distress; based on the principles of Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training. Ideal for church volunteers who engage with the public and for Community Thrift Shop volunteers. There is no fee but registration is required. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Facilitated by India Bedson. Confirm your participation by email HERE

Sunday, February 23

Annual Vestry Meeting, 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5

Ash Wednesday

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

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

Prayer Requests: Ted, Diana, Pat, Alice, David.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan and Acting Primate
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, Sacred Circle Events, and the Ministry of Reconciliation.
St. Paul’s, Hazeldean-Kanata and The Reverend Canon Stephen Silverthorne.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Venerable Alan Perry, General Secretary, and the staff of the General Secretary’s Office.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Peace Anthony-Idoko, Director of Finance and Administration, and the staff of Finance and Administration.

Moravian Church in Canada

Mr. David Jones, District President, and the members of Board of Elders of the Canadian District 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

The Anglican Church of Tanzania.

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 office@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

office@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