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Dear Friends:
Would you like people to pray for you? Would you like to add names to your own personal prayers as we support people who are asking for prayers? I am delighted to welcome Lannie Mitchell, coordinator of the St John's Prayer Chain, as we invite you to join the prayers of our community. From Lannie:
In last week’s newsletter, Brian Cameron described pastoral care and he referenced the Prayer Chain. You may be wondering what exactly this is. We are a small group of individuals who believe that surrounding people in prayer uplifts, supports and comforts them. Prayer is a central element of our faith, and what could be more practical than talking to God about our concerns for our friends and loved ones?
Request prayers for friends, family, or yourself - as needed. Requests are forwarded to all members of the group by email and all requests are kept strictly confidential. We hold individuals with prayers for two weeks, or longer if needed. The Prayer Chain currently has seven participants and we invite you to join this team.
There are many ways to pray. Some set apart a special time each day, others pray when walking outside, others dance, others raise up prayers as they go about their daily routines, and, of course, we pray in church through the beautiful intercessions. Participating in a Prayer Chain encourages us to look beyond our own circumstances and engage with the joys and sorrows of others. So often we hear that knowing that others are praying for you brings hope, peace and courage to those facing challenges. When you feel overwhelmed or at a loss for words, it is especially comforting to know others are supporting you with their prayers. If you have wondered how to support people who are experiencing illness, distress or crisis, this is a beautiful way.
To request prayer support or to join our Prayer Chain, please reach out by email: office@stjohnsottawa.ca.
We look forward to welcoming you as we worship this Sunday. Please join us at 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.
Gary+
| | The next Children's Eucharist: January 11, 3:00-5:00 p.m. | | |
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16 | Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Scriptures: Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19
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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost: The Reign of Christ
Scriptures: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 26; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43
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GET READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS MARKET!
Saturday, November 22, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
| | | The Christmas Market is almost here!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- 30 vendors (five more than last year!)
- Bakery
- Christmas Café
The Christmas Market Banner is on the outside wall of the church (facing Elgin Street).
There are flyers to share - pick some up at the back of the church this Sunday. Share them where you live or work!
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.
| | Centering Prayer Retreat Day | | Lannie Mitchell: Coordinator of St John's Prayer Chain | | |
REFUGEE ASSISTANCE GROUP
CHEESE SALE
Just in time to help you with your Christmas gift list, St. John’s Refugee Assistance Group is selling handcrafted cheeses from St. Benoît-du-Lac Monastery to fundraise for their work 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)
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/
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ALONGSIDE HOPE
CHRISTMAS CARDS
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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.
Your donation toward Alongside Hope Christmas cards supports our partners and also tells people about the good work of Alongside Hope. For 67 years Alongside Hope/PWRDF has supported partners in Canada and around the world, making a world of difference.
A packet of 12 cards plus envelopes costs $25. We will alert you when the cards arrive!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TELL OUT MY SOUL
Annual Stewardship Campaign
St John's Stewardship Campaign for 2026 begins this coming Sunday and concludes Sunday, November 23. The focus this year is telling stories of the life of our church.
Read the Rector's Introduction HERE.
Read the Wardens' Introduction HERE.
Read theTell Out My Soul brochure featuring the stories of Mary and Elizabeth HERE.
Complete the Pledge Card HERE.
We look forward to sharing stories this fall!
Gary+
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Osiyo Nigadv (Hello Everyone)!
November 16 is recognized as Louis Riel Day, a National Remembrance day in Métis homelands. It marks the anniversary of the execution of Louis Riel, the Métis leader who defended his people’s land, rights, and nationhood.
For Métis communities, this day is a time of remembrance, honour, and reflection on their ongoing resilience and pursuit of justice.
If you would like to know more about Louis Riel, the Canadian Encylopedia's biography by George Stanley and Adam Gaudry is a helpful place to begin. Their conclusion offers this positive assessment of his life: "Riel’s place in Canadian history is more celebratory than in the past. For many, Riel has become a Canadian hero, as he embodies many contemporary issues in the country — bilingualism, multiculturalism, tolerance for difference, a keen sense of social justice..."
Ceremonies are held each year to honour Riel's memory and legacy, and there’s much we can learn from these commemorations, especially in how the history of our nation is taught.
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Kimberly Johnson
Tsalagi Nation
St John's Indigenous Engagement Coordinator
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY
- Please join us at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. each Sunday.
Saturday, November 22
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Christmas Market at St John's, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23
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Tell Out My Soul: Conclusion of annual stewardship campaign
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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
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Advent Learning Day: Scriptures, prayers, music, colours, concluding with wreathmaking. 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 30
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Support for Newcomers to Canada: Yasir Naqvi MP, 12:30 p.m
Sunday, December 7
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St John's Christmas Concert at Woodroffe United, 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14
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St John's Christmas Concert at St John's, 2:00 p.m.
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.
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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: Christene, Ted, Alex, James, Barton, Doug, Jill, the family of Jo Cassie.
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Our Diocese
- Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of Canada; and Archbishop Anne Germond, Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario.
- Our Diocesan Partners: Alongside Hope and the Anglican Foundation.
- The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Rt. Rev. Christopher Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, Sacred Circle Events, and the ministry of reconciliation.
- 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.
- Church of the Epiphany, Gloucester and The Reverend Simone Hurkmans.
Anglican Church of Canada
- The members of the Council of General Synod.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
- The members of the National Church Council.
Moravian Church in Canada
- The members of the Board of Elders of the Canadian District.
- 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 Church in the Province of the West Indies.
Flowers
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mitzi Campbell by Wendy McCutcheon.
Parish Prayer Group
If you wish to have someone prayed for, send an email to:
office@stjohnsottawa.ca
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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
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ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST
ANGLICAN CHURCH
www.stjohnsottawa.ca
154 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, ON K2P 0H8
613-232-4500
office@stjohnsottawa.ca
The Reverend Canon Gary van der Meer, Rector
The Reverend Canon Allen Box, Honorary Assistant
The Reverend Canon Pat Johnston, Honorary Assistant
The Reverend Christina Guest, Honorary Assistant
Nicholas Busch, Director of Music
Kimberly Johnson, Indigenous Engagement Coordinator
Barbara Dransch, Rector’s Warden
Monica Patten, People's Warden
Pat Fisher, Parish Council Chair
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