From the Rector:

"Systems, institutions, ideologies resist questions, forbid questions, for fear the obvious answers undermine the authority of what has always been. But real faith demands questions. Real faith looks under every rock, looks behind every facade, looks through every pallid formula and its pretence at persuasion to find the real face of God and the Jesus who questioned, questioned, questioned everything." (Joan Chittister)

The fundamentalists of every religion resist questions. They know they are right and will even kill to prove it. In these times, we have a unique call from God to ask questions, a lot of questions, and difficult questions about our own spiritual engagement so that we can deeply understand the spiritual needs of all people. The answers to our questions will begin to lead us to see the world as God sees the world, just as it did for Jesus. Only then will we be able to have loving conversations with those who are different from us and mutually declare the value of every human being. This takes courage and faith.

A new Season begins!
The summer - which feels like it is still with us - is over when we think back to school, back to church. We hope all have had a relaxing summer and are looking forward to being back. Caitlin Beck, our Education coordinator, has some wonderful ideas for the children's programming. Sunday School begins next week (The 12th of September) and the choir returns.

Pax.
Dana+

Announcements:

Crafting a St. John's Response to the MDGs
God calls us to a world full of peace and wholeness. On Sunday, Sept 12th and Sunday Sept 19th, during the regular Sunday sermon, St. John's will answer that call by taking some time to create our church's response to the MDGs. This is not your regular Sunday sermon! The whole congregation will participate in a series of small group activities to brainstorm and prioritize activities that St. John's can do to meet the MDGs. Everyone from Junior Youth on up is welcome to participate, and we will try to accomodate various mobility and language needs. Please note that these two participatory sermon workshops will take 20 minutes each, so church will end a little later than usual on these two Sundays.

There is a basic fact sheet attached to "This Week at St. John's."

Our Choir:
The new choir season is almost upon us! If you or someone you know would be interested in singing with St John's Choir, please contact Gordon.

Women's Renewal Weekend September 17 and 18, 2010
Naomi and the Renewal Committee have put together an interesting two days of workshops that should appeal to all women. The Women Renewal Brochure is available in the pew. Please have a glance at the interesting workshops. The renewal weekend will be held at Galilee House. All are welcome to register. Registration forms are available at the church, or you can register online or just call Naomi at the office 613 232 4500 ext 13.