This week at St John's

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends:

The newly-opened and renamed Kìwekì Point demonstrates great progress for us in Ottawa. Formerly Nepean Point, the word Kìwekì – chosen by a team of Algonquin community members – means “returning to one’s homeland.” In the pictures I took, the Indigenous guide looks out in contemplation over the moving waters of the Kichi Zibi “Great River” as a Muslim family walks past. Their attention, like mine, is divided between the guide’s gaze at the river and the river itself. I had never visited this lookout area before, as it was closed when I moved to Ottawa. I had heard about the “Indian Brave” kneeling “obediently” at the feet of Samuel de Champlain. At our time in history, it’s obvious why this had to change.

From my research, Champlain wasn’t a bad guy. He was sent from France in 1603, at age 29, to explore and to establish friendly relations with Indigenous peoples. He helped found Port Royal in Acadia and established the French settlement that became Quebec City. He led many expeditions and published his adventures. He is known to have employed many Indigenous guides and learned their languages. He also adopted three daughters from the Innu nation. I especially appreciate that he loved exploring and adventures. I found myself imagining how he felt when, in 1620, King Louis XIII ordered him to cease exploring and devote himself to New France’s adminstration. While he did not formally have the title of Governor of New France (owing to his non-noble status), his leadership was widely recognized as significant.

The statue of Champlain at Kìwekì Point recalls that in 1613, he was actually here. He befriended the Algoinquin Chief Tessouat at Île-aux-Allumettes. The statue of Champlain shows him holding his astrolabe. I thought an astrolabe would look like a compass but it’s actually a kind of star chart with a model of the sky. It is used to determine the position of celestial objects and calculate time, latitude, and other astronomical information. (Regrettably, the sculptor did not understand how it was used, and Champlain is holding it upside down, with a handle it did not possess!)

Kìwekì Point is a beautiful park. It is wheelchair-accessible, with fantastic views in all directions. Even with the huge crowd checking it out, it’s peaceful. The statues remind us of the history but they are positioned to encourage our curiosity and questions – qualities we need going forward. The Indigenous guide, now situated away from Champlain, is especially compelling. His gaze at the Great River suggests devotion, respect, and a deep awareness of the Great Creator.

In keeping with this revised placement of the statues, and in preparation for our worship observance this Sunday of the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, I commend to you this Indigenous reworking of a famous Anglican prayer known as the Collect for Purity:

O Great Creator, cleanse our hearts of all stain from sin and brokenness, that we may walk with you along the good road, your holy way. Purify our minds, that we may be guided by your holy word. Clear our eyes, that we may see the goodness you have created. Open our ears that we may hear your voice. Make our souls one with yours, that we may worship you in spirit and in truth, and love you with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls. May our hearts always beat as one with yours, through your Great Messenger, your Son, Jesus. Miigwech. Nya’weh. Inishic. Amen.

I hope you will join us for worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Gary+

Prayer Source: Anglican Church of Canada resources for National Indigenous Day of Prayer: Lenni Lenape, Algonkian, Iroquoian Council of the Diocese of Huron.

SUNDAY JUNE 22 | Second Sunday After Pentecost | 9:30 a.m.

National Indigenous Day of Prayer

Scriptures: Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39

SUNDAY JUNE 29 | Third Sunday after Pentecost | 9:30am

Scriptures:1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

LISTEN TO RECORDED WORSHIP SERVICES

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

Pentecost - Sunday, June 8, 2025

Seventh Sunday of Easter - Sunday, June 1, 2025

Ascension Day Hymn Sing - Thursday, May 29, 2025

Find all St John's Worship Recordings HERE

ST JOHN'S IN PICTURES

ABOVE: Medicine Walk last year. Looking forward to this Sunday's celebration of the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.

ABOVE: Summer full church!

BELOW: Imam Samy Metwally visiting St John's for a tour, and to plan a fall St John's visit to Ottawa Mosque.

ABOVE: 4 Amigos Clergy fellowship. We are planning a fall hymn sing of favourite hymns of our four church traditions: Revs Jim Pot (Presbyterian), Gary (Anglican), Vincent (Roman Catholic), and John (Baptist).

TAKE NOTE

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

Celebrate a special date in your life or remember a loved one by donating flowers for the Sunday worship service. Flowers are welcome at the altar, the chancel, or the font. Flower dedication names will be included in the Sunday prayers of the people.

Please contact Vicki Milnes on a Sunday or by email.

FUNDRAISER FOR BRUCE HOUSE

Bike Ride for People with AIDS

This will be my 11th time cycling from Toronto to Montreal in support of people with AIDS. What is new is that I'm doing this ride for Bruce House, our local Ottawa charity providing services and housing support for people with HIV. Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, the ride's organizer and founder, has broadened the ride to support local community AIDS service organizations.

Every dollar that I raise over $2000 will be split 50/50 between PWA Toronto and Bruce House. My fundraising goal is $8000, and I have just reached $5707!

Each of us has many causes you care about and support. I hope you're excited to support Bruce House with me! Make a secure online donation by clicking here. No donation is too small.

Thanks for your support!

Gary+

PS You are invited to drop in for a Bike Ride Thank You Party.

**Postponed as a result of my mother's illness to next week, Thursday, June 26, 6-9 p.m.**

LOOKING AHEAD

INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT

Osiyo Nigadv! Hello everyone!

The Summer Solstice on June 21, 2025, holds significance for the Anishinaabe people, marking the longest day of the year and the closest approach of the sun in its celestial dance. This is a time for community gathering, celebrating cultural practices, and connecting with the Spirit World.

Key points about the Anishinaabe and the Summer Solstice:

Spiritual Significance:

The Anishinaabe view the summer solstice as a time of renewal and celebration, connecting with the Spirit World and acknowledging the celestial dance of the sun (Mishoom Giizis).

Community Gathering:

Traditional Anishinaabe communities often gather to celebrate this significant event, sharing stories, songs, and cultural practices.

"Giizis" (Sun):

The summer solstice marks the highest point in the sky for the sun, giving the longest day of the year.

National Indigenous Peoples Day:

The Summer Solstice also coincides with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, providing a broader platform for Indigenous celebrations and cultural exchange.

Here are some Indigenous events happening in Ottawa this week!

National Indigenous Peoples Day (University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine) – Friday, June 20, 2025 (11-1 pm)

https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-medicine/events-all/celebrate-national-indigenous-peoples-day-us

Summer Solstice Indigenous Market (55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa) – Saturday, June 21, 2025 (12-9 pm)

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5q83q3gY/

Celebration of the Land (1489 Shea Road, Stittsville) – Saturday, June 21, 2025 (1-4 pm)

https://ottawacornwall.ca/events/indigenous-parishioners-celebration-of-the-land/

Indigenous Peoples Day Pop-up Market (1 Canal Lane, Ottawa) – Saturday, June 21, 2025 (11-5:30 pm)

https://www.facebook.com/events/1430584691409743/

The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival (Wesley Clover Parks, Ottawa) – June 21 & 22, 2025

https://summersolsticefestivals.ca/

And here are some upcoming Indigenous events at St. John's:

Sunday, June 29: Sharing Circle conducted by Rebecca Gregg concerning the Anglican Indigenous Church and moving forward.
Saturday, August 23: St John's Field Trip - Pow Wow at Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. If you would like to join our field trip, and be part of our shared rides to Golden Lake, please email me at the address below, or use the sign-up sheet at the back of the church. We will have more details soon.
Saturday, September 20: Sharing Circle with Elder Louella. Knowledge sharing about the Medicine Wheel Teachings, including the Four Directions. Please send me an email if you would like to participate.

Kimberly Johnson

indigengcoord@stjohnsottawa.ca

St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator

CAPITAL PRIDE

PARADE ORGANIZING TEAM MEETING

Sunday, June 22, 11:45 a.m

St. John's will be organizing the Anglican presence in the Capital Pride parade on Sunday afternoon, August 24.

We need a team to drive a vehicle for people who are not able to walk the whole route. We need decorators. We need imaginative signs and banners. You're invited to help us pull this off.

Please let us know if you would like to join the organizing team. We will meet briefly at the conclusion of the worship service this Sunday, June 22. You're welcome to join our conversation.

Sherrie looking festive for last year's parade.

LOOKING AHEAD

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

Every Sunday from June 1 to August 31

Worship Service at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 22

Sunday Worship for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.

Sunday, June 29

Sharing Circle conducted by Rebecca Gregg concerning the Anglican Indigenous Church and moving forward.

Saturday, August 23

Pow Wow Field Trip to Golden Lake - Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation

Sunday, August 24

Capital Pride Parade

Saturday, September 20

Sharing Circle with Elder Louella: Medicine Wheel Teachings

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Our Parish

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

Prayer Requests: James, Alice, David, Barton, Sara, Ted, Doug, Wilma.

And for those who have died: Adrian Crane, Bert Hopkins and Michel Landry.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan and Acting Primate.
For the staff at Ascension House.
The Parish of West Carleton-March:
St. Mary’s, North March
St. Paul’s, Dunrobin
St. Thomas, Woodlawn
The Reverend Dr. Alana McCord
All church musicians serving in our Diocese.

Anglican Church of Canada

The Provincial Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land.

Together

The National Indigenous Day of Prayer: for healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.

Moravian Church in Canada

The Moravian Church has joined Full Communion with Anglicans and Lutherans - read about the Moravian Church HERE

The Anglican Communion - Pray for Anglicans Worldwide

Igreja Anglicana de Mocambique e Angola.

Flowers

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Roger and Ruth Marshall and William and Emeline Smith by the Marshall family.

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