St John's Newsletter 26 February 2023

THIS WEEK AT ST JOHN'S

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Jerusalem. I’m just concluding my 2-week course, “The Palestine of Jesus,” a wonderful experience of conversations, sacred historic sites, and faith reflections. We had 13 participants and four instructors - and many good times. Thanks to a discussion comparing tourism and pilgrimage, I am having an experience that reminds me of the title of Marcus Borg’s books, “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time”. Our group’s visits have also given us a deeper appreciation of the complexity and challenges of Palestine and Israel today.

I’m taking by lots of pictures and looking forward to sharing some stories when I get back. Here are a few pictures to start: A peaceful view of Mount Arbel from the Sea of Galilee. The Dome of the Rock - and especially the wall - I have pictures of the wall from all angles, current as well as historic. A meal out with Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg of Temple Israel. Daniel is here for the annual convention of Reform Rabbis. We are thinking of an evening coffee house with pictures from both our experiences!

I have a few more days to see Petra, where I will be for Ash Wednesday. Looking forward to being in the journey of Lent with St John’s.

Gary

COVID Safety Update from the Diocese of Ottawa:

“Winter is here, people are indoors more, and COVID infections are on the rise. Throughout the pandemic, our response to the reality of the virus has been science-based and in line with public health, and this latest challenge must be met the same way. Effective Sunday, October 30^th, all liturgical leaders — including clergy, choirs, servers, chalice bearers, readers, intercessors, and sidespeople/greeters — must wear a mask before, during and after services except when speaking into a microphone, eating or drinking.”

TO REMEMBER IN PRAYER

Those On Our Hearts

Maura and family, Barbara D, Pat H, The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs of The Well/La Source

Our Parish

Gary, Allen, Gordon, Josh, Kimberly, Kerry, Stephen, Brian, Michelle, Jill and all who minister at St John's.

Our Diocese

Shane, our Bishop; Anne, our Metropolitan; Linda, our Primate.
Staff at Ascension House Vocations to the priesthood.
For the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer and Paul Dumbrille, Ottawa Representative and for all parish representatives.
For all Parish Administrators in our diocese.
Martin Luther Lutheran Church and their pastor Judith Kiersche.

Anglican Church of Canada (ACC)

The Rt. Rev. John Organ, Bishop, and the clergy and people of the Diocese of Western Newfoundland.

ELCIC

The dean, council, and congregations of the Georgian, Huronia and Bay Areas of the Eastern Synod.

ACC/ELCIC

An end to human trafficking and slavery.

The Anglican Communion from Aba to Zululand

The Scottish Episcopal Church.

Parish Prayer Group

If you wish to have someone prayed for send an email to:

prayer-request@stjohnsottawa.ca.

JOIN US

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

26 FEBRUARY 2023

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

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Maundy Thursday Supper

Parishioners who have been around for a while will remember a St John’s tradition of holding a supper on Maundy Thursday. Gary, the Wardens and Parish Council are excited by the idea of reviving the supper this year on April 6 as a community-building event, with the difference that it will not include the recreation of a Passover Seder. We are pleased that a few people have volunteered to assist Michelle Smulders, our Deputy Rector's Warden, to help pull it all together. If you would also like to help, please contact Michelle. Stay tuned! More information will be forthcoming in the weeks to come.

TAKE NOTE

With many thanks to Sherrie Dagg, a group of almost 20 people gathered to knit in the chapel on Saturday, February 18. For many, it was their first time inside St. John’s. People have already signed up for sessions on March 18 and April 15, from 2-4 pm. Speak to Sherrie if you want to come, and in the meantime, bouquets to Sherrie for initiating this ministry to our neighbours.