Rector’s Report
The Reverend Dr Dana Fisher, Rector

St John’s is a medium size parish in the downtown core of the nation’s capitol. The Houses of Parliament are within our boundaries. We continue to be a gathering of Christians who care about what happens to people in this country and in this city.

A most commendable ministry here at St John’s is the Refugee Assistance Group. Several of the participants in this ministry have worked amazingly hard in the last few years, and especially over this last year. Nazanen Taj and four of her children arrived in August. We had been waiting a long time for their arrival. They are making amazing adjustments, living with new confidence and hope in a very new culture. Our newest members from Bhutan also cheerfully withstand the difficulties and frustrations of learning a new language as well as new ways of living. They truly enhance our lives and our life as a community. It is a privilege to work with God on their behalf.

Terrific Tuesday continues to grow. Tuesdays at 5:30pm people gather for an Agape meal (Agape means Love) and they share a simple meal, prayer and they share their gratitude and needs. It really is a gathering in which the participants bless each other. The meal used to always be a wonderful soup and cheese and bread, but now, on special occasions there are feasts prepared that delight those who come.

We have spent a lot of time and energy on the building this year. The trial arrangement of the nave began at this time last year. There were many meetings, many discussions about the pros and cons of the new arrangement. On November 21, there was a special vestry at which we decided that the new arrangement did enhance the community’s worship and other uses of the space. Not all agreed, but for the most part those who preferred the former layout of the space did not abandon the sense of well-being we gain from being members of each other in God’s community. Now we are working excitedly toward having a more beautiful space by acquiring an altar and building appropriate platforms. We did not want to spend any money unless the arrangement was agreed to.

We also had to get a new roof. The building committee worked diligently to have the roof put on in the nick of time – since the deepest part of winter is no time for roof repair! It also cost us less than we anticipated.

The extreme generosity of some members of the congregation helped significantly to pay back the loan for the roof. For this we are very grateful.

The Stewardship committee also worked very hard this year and created a stellar stewardship brochure to help us all understand the financial need of a church that has many ministries and an old building. We also, thanks to the Stewardship committee had the first of what I think will be many “Ministry Fairs.” On one Sunday all the ministries of St John’s participated in a ‘show and tell’ of all the amazing things that happen here. It was a wonderful success and the date for this year’s fair has already been established.

There are many ways for you to be involved in God’s work in this place. If you are not active in one of our ministries and are interested in finding one to suit you please contact those whose names appear in the reports of this Annual Report.

Blessings to all of you and those you love in this New Year.

Pax,
Dana+