Sunday, May 12  - The Sunday after Ascension

Readings
This week's readings are Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; and Luke 24:44-53

St Cecilia Singers concert Saturday 11 May
Some of St John’s choir members are also in the St. Cecilia Singers chamber choir. St Cecilia Singers will present Sacred and Profane, a wide-ranging selection of sacred and secular a cappella choral works by German, French and English composers, May 11, 8 pm. right here in St John's!  Come on out and hear it; it will be a great concert!

Urban Christian Outreach - 20th Anniversary Service and Celebration
Please join us on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street, Ottawa, as we give thanks to God for 20 Years of faithful ministry to the poor, the homeless and the marginalized.  Guest speakers include Rev. Dr. Allen Churchill, Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, and Ms. Katrine Barton-Coward. Reception will follow. For more information email Jill at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING or visit our website at www.uco-ottawa.ca

Memorial for Rosemary Watkins
A memorial service celebrating the life of Rosemary Watkins will be held here on May 14th at 7:30 p.m.

St John Senior Fellowship Thursday May 16th at 2:00
Fellowship begins with Eucharist in the chapel and is followed by Afternoon Tea in the Parish Hall.  Contact Catherine Hannah for further information.

Pentecost Retreat Saturday May 18, 2013 at Stonebridge Haven, Pakenham
(30 minutes west of St John's, this side of Arnprior)
The feast of Pentecost is traditionally considered the day the Church was born. Jesus’ birth was the dawning of a new age in divine/human relations and his death and resurrection sealed that deal. It was at Pentecost that those committed to following Jesus were empowered by the Spirit to bring his love and grace into a hurting world. The retreat runs until approximately 5 p.m. with registration at 9:30 a.m. and lunch and snacks provided. Suggested donation $100. For more information or to register please contact Claire Marson at Stonebridge Haven or Dan Berg.

Terrific Tuesday - Soup Needed!
Terrific Tuesday has no offers of soup after May 14, so we request that some generous souls offer to help for the rest of the month.  Days open are May 14, 21, 28.  Contact Maura Beecher ( JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING ) if you are able to supply soup on any of these days.

Gardening Angels
The Gardening Angels would appreciate help with planting annuals and other spring tasks.  Times are flexible.  If you are able to help, please contact Gay Richardson at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING .

Multifaith Housing Initiative: Tulipathon Walk raised about $31,000
We did it again!!  Thanks to the generosity of members of St John’s and their friends, the St John’s team raised $6038 (about $2300 more than last year) for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness.  Thirteen people from St John’s walked with the 29 other faith communities who were present.   As the winning team, St John’s will receive the Dr. Farook Tareen Tulipathon Award and the opportunity for Rob and Beverley to enjoy a full week’s holiday at a three bedroom modern cottage this summer in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands.

Christ Has Ascended

Now that Christ has ascended into heaven
And proudly sits at the right hand of God,
His Father, it isn't just His journey on
Earth that is completed:  All of us in the
Church have completed a large part of our
Earthly journey.

We have followed Christ from His infancy:
His life was tumultuous, as many of ours
Are; He underwent significant trials, as
Many of us often do:  He was betrayed at a
Time when He was most vulnerable.  Just as 
so often sadly happens to many of us.

While still on earth, He was subjected
To a punishment that was both cruel and
Terribly unfair.  Quite sadly, that, too,
Is often the lot of many of us on earth.

But now that He has ascended into heaven,
He is perhaps even closer to us than before:
Each of us can speak to Him any time we want.

That, perhaps, is one of the greatest gifts
We can take away from Christ's Ascension:  The
Knowledge that He is still always at hand.

Mark Monica Gorman

Looking Ahead

Organ Recital May 21 at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Gordon Johnston will give an organ recital at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church (corner of Kent and Wellington) on Tuesday, May 21 from 12:15 to 12:45 as a part of the church's regular recital series.  St Andrew's houses one of the most beautiful organs in Ottawa, a three-manual tracker built in 1987 by Guilbault-Thérien.  Admission is free -- bring your lunch and enjoy some beautiful organ music.

Race Weekend - Sunday, May 26
Sunday May 26 is the last day of this very popular event.  Please be prepared for the traffic and lack of parking that is always associated with this day.  We will do our best to ensure that the parking lot remains reserved for parish use on that Sunday morning but do give yourself lots of time to find parking, just in case.

Strings of St John's final concert of the season May 26th
On Sunday, May 26 the Strings of St John's will give the final concert of the season.  The featured soloist is Nick Rodgerson, a member of our choir and a very talented pianist.  The programme includes music by Mendelssohn, Bach, Finzi and Peck.  The concert begins at 2:00 pm, and everyone is invited.  Tickets ($20/$15) are available from the parish office. www.stringsofstjohns.ca

AIDS Ministry
A Service of prayer and meditation for people concerned with HIV/AIDS will be held here at St John's on Sunday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Walking the Labyrinth - A Sunday afternoon Outing, June 2
Wondering what the Labyrinth is all about? Join us on the afternoon of Sunday June 2! Embodied prayer has long been a part of spiritual traditions. The labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, and many elsewhere, were destinations for pilgrims who could not go to Jerusalem on pilgrimage.  We will gather after church for a brown bag lunch, and then carpool to St. Michael and All Angels on Belair Drive, where there is an outdoor labyrinth and also an altar. Beginning at 1:30 pm, the Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera will explain ideas behind the labyrinth and lead us in talking and walking the texts of the day and of our own lives. There will also be an optional art activity inspired by the labyrinth (no artistic talent required!).  Note: Bring your own lunch; coffee, tea and lemonade will be provided.  Rain date will be June 9 but only in case of a real downpour.  Please sign up on the sheet in the hall or contact Sally Andrews ( JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING ), letting us know if you can offer, or need, a ride, and whether you will stay for the art.

Cornerstone Housing for Women, Annual Garden Party and Fashion Show - Sunday June 16, 2013
The British High Commissioner is hosting the Annual Garden Party and Fashion Show in support of Cornerstone Housing for Women from 3:00 - 5:00 pm on Sunday, June 16th at Earnscliffe.  Enjoy the gardens at Earnscliffe, the fashions of Sukhoo, the Mini Cooper cars and the hospitality of the British High Commission and at the same time help Cornerstone deliver emergency and supportive housing to homeless women.  Tickets are $50 with a partial tax receipt.  For tickets contact Gerda Kraft at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING .

Mark Your Calendars – June 23!
As you know, at the end of June, Rob and Beverley will be leaving us for new adventures. We are sad to see them go, but so grateful for all that they have contributed to our parish life over the last two years. On June 23, Parish Council will host a farewell party for Rob and Beverley in the Parish Hall following the 10:15 service. Please join us as we celebrate and thank them for their time among us.

Greetings from all of us at The Well/La Source!
Spring has finally sprung and we are presently planning our annual three-day camping trip to “Waupoos Farm” slated for June 19- 21, 2013. This is the most highly anticipated activity and vacation experience that both women and their children look forward to with great joy each year.  We expect to take approximately 50 women and children for the three days. We will also welcome many day trippers who will join us for a full day of fun in the sun and return to their homes after dinner in the evening.

This special activity provides participants a truly wonderful summer getaway to enjoy swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, bingo, barbeques, campfire sing-a-longs, karaoke, wagon rides, and hands on experience with farm animals.  It is also a rare and welcome opportunity to escape the heat and noise of the concrete city. Warm friendships are forged at this retreat and special memories created that last a lifetime.

We have estimated the cost to be $100 per women/child for the full three day holiday. This cost includes the cost of transportation, accommodation, all meals, special holiday snacks, personal care products, arts and crafts supplies and door prizes! In light of the wonderful outpouring of support in the past we are suggesting a $100.00 sponsorship, but we would welcome any amount that one would like to donate towards this healthful getaway that enhances the life experiences of our truly grateful participants.

Please contact Kirstie ( JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING ) for more information about how you can be part of this wonderful and deeply appreciated vacation for the women and children of our community. Income tax receipts will be issued to all sponsors. Choose Hope!

Be sure to check out the bulletin boards in the church hallway for interesting events happening around the city.