For those who play bridge, St John's has a small bridge league consisting of parishioners who meet at each other's homes. If you enjoy a game of rubber bridge, be it at a beginner or at a more advanced level, the bridge group offers the opportunity to play in the relaxed atmosphere and company of friends from the St. John's family

This past season 14 couples participated, playing one match against each couple. A match consists of 20 hands, the season winner being determined by the couple with the highest cumulative score after all the matches are completed.

The annual fee is $15 dollars per person This amount is used specifically to offset the cost of the September banquet. Any surplus funds remaining at the end of the year are donated to St John's.

The annual closing banquet is held in September when we have the opportunity to hold a short general meeting, distribute prizes and enjoy a catered dinner. And, of course, to have one session of bridge to get us ready for the season.

Many thanks once again to Harvey and Kitty Cox for handling the finances and for assisting at the banquet..

The season starts in September, so if you are interested in playing next season please contact either Hans or Marietta Stenman

St John's is known as the Church with the open door. Many who come through our doors catch the spirit of the parish, and decide to make it their spiritual home. ALL are welcome to participate in our various ministries, and to become part of our family.

The process of being recognized as a newcomer is to fill out a card, and this is given to the Rector. After the Rector has reviewed it and made contact it is given to the Newcomers Coordinator so that a committee member can make contact with the person with a phone call and or visit.

Once each year, the new members who have joined in that calendar year are invited to a lunch to meet each other and some long-standing members of the parish in an informal way. The Newcomers Ministry is a pleasant and rewarding one that gives members a chance to meet people and pass on the "Good News" of St John's. I would encourage anyone who likes to meet people to think of participating in this ministry. You can contact me by telephone or email.

A newcomer to Ottawa showed up in one of our Terrific Tuesday session. Standing at the entrance door to hall, and asked, Is this Terrific Tuesday? And without a thought, but with joy of an additional person, we all answered Yes! Later that evening as we shared what we have dubbed as sharing "incredible moment" in our lives. We had a chance to get to know and be known by our new TT fellow. Its moment to behold, in the midst of much laughter, silence and listening to ones another journey. Just terrific!

This program operates entirely on the theology of Providence. People have been providing soup, our main meal, and bread. The program is benefited from the weekly-dedicated service of Mary Ellen Herbert. We also acknowledge the work of Trish Pye, who over the years run this program but was not able to continue for health reasons.

In 2009 vestry report there was a very passionate remark about expanding worship and increasing the number of participants for Terrific Tuesday. There has been discussion of making special dinner once a month where we can invite parish member to join us. This would also give Parish member an opportunity to gather for a meal more regularly. Terrific Tuesday and parish hospitality group are discussing on this issue.

The Fellowship Group consisting of men and women (usually 20-25 in number, some of whom are not able to attend other church services) join in on a celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the third Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. except during the summer.

After the service the group retires to the Parish Hall to share valuable fellowship time and also partake in yummy refreshments provided by eager volunteers who take on the added tasks of cleaning crew - driving people to and from their individual residences and last but not least maintaining vital telephone links with these parishioners.

This group has been an active ministry for well over thirty years and welcomes newcomers as our parish motto states: "The Church with the Open Door". This year many people from St. Theresa and Knox have joined us.

During the year we highlight various themes such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines and St Patrick's Day. We provide special delicacies, e.g. green mint bars and stained glass window desserts, great tea sandwiches and cookies and squares. Santa's helpers came again at Christmas and so did our handbell ensemble, and as an added bonus our church organist Gordon Johnston exhibits his fine talent on the harp as a part of our March St Patrick's theme. A happy time was had by all!

We are grateful to the Reverends Dana Fisher and Naomi Kabugi for their dedication and leadership in the early months of 2008, and we wish her every blessing in her new parish.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for all who assist us - the clergy and staff and the many volunteers listed below who telephone, drive, prepare the refreshments and assist in other ways. Arline Bellinger and Dorothy Berg assist me in organizing these events and their work is vital to our success. Active volunteers are Marietta Stenman, Phyllis Beach, Phil and Shirley Conquer, Ron Hannah, Virginia Hill, Pat McClenahan, John Nesbitt, Beverlee Bewley, Melodie Conlon, Ann Pollak, Connie Snelgrove, Wendy McCutcheon, and Edna West. God bless you one and all!!