Licensed Lay Ministers
St. John’s has a small group of active licensed lay ministers (LLM). This is a ministry of people assisting the clergy with the worship services. The LLM reads the scriptures, prays the intercessory prayers for our people, the community and the world, administers the chalice at communion and may help to lead services outside the church in nursing homes and elsewhere. This is a ministry licensed by our Bishop and requiring training and an apprenticeship. To learn more, contact the Parish Office
Eucharistic Ministers
This is a ministry of people who administer the chalice of wine at the regular Sunday liturgies on a rotating schedule. It is a priviledge to serve those who come to the Lord’s table for nourishment and strength. To learn more, contact Rev. Lori
Chancel Guild
This is a ministry of people caring for our sanctuary and altar space. Guild members set up the communion table for worship, work with flowers, care for altar linens and clear up and put away the vessels after the celebration. It is a labour of love to make God’s altar beautiful and functional. To learn more, contact Leona Hunt.
Readers/Lectors
St. John’s has a large group of readers who read scripture during the worship throughout the year on a rotating schedule. Training is provided. To learn more, contact Rev. Lori
Prayer Line
This ministry takes place daily as people pray in their own homes for those who request prayer. Requests for prayer are passed by email and phone amongst the prayer line members, who keep the prayer requests confidential. We accept requests to pray for our own parishioners, their friends and extended families, and anyone who needs helps and contacts us. To place a name on the prayer list, or to become a prayer line member yourself, contact Judy MacKenzie.
Meditation
Are you wondering what happens at a Friday morning meditation? Or even what meditation is? Meditation is the simplest form of prayer. It uses a practice of silently repeating a mantra or just quietly focusing on your breath for a set amount of time. The simple repetition bypasses the stories created by ego and opens your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit. Over time consistent practice is quite transformative! It’s been said, “We don’t meditate to become better at meditation, but to spend more time in the presence of God’s love.” Each Friday we gather to listen to a short pre-recorded spiritual talk by a Christian leader followed by a brief meditation period and sometimes a discussion of our experiences as well. The group welcomes newcomers and the practice is a great way to explore other means of connecting with God’s Spirit. Meditation takes place on Fridays from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (except on Spiritual Cafe days). We meet in the back choir room of the downstairs hall. Come along and join us – no experience needed!
Lectionary Lunch
Curious about Lectionary Lunch? Thinking you may want to attend but don’t have any idea what it’s all about? Lectionary Lunch is an informal discussion group that focuses each week on the scripture readings for the coming Sunday as we’ll hear them in church. We read the passages together and reflect on what we hear them saying to us. It’s not a teaching class about the Bible but a group seeking together to find some light in the scriptures we hear. There are no right or wrong answers, just an honest attempt to find relevancy for today in our faith story. Our lives, the news, stories we’ve heard, and stories we tell are all part of the reflection. Members of the group come as their lives allow and go when their lives get busy. But there is always a faithful core around the parish hall meeting room table. Those who attend say that talking about the scriptures and mulling them over before Sunday helps them to be more present in the worship and to have a greater understanding of the preaching. Rev. Lori is the facilitator of the group and if you would like to know more – reach out to her at llramseyis@gmail.com or in person after the service.
Lectionary lunch takes place on Fridays from 11:00 – 12:00 noon (except on Spiritual Café Fridays). Dates are always in the bulletin. Why not come and try us out! Bring your own Bible if you like, but we can also provide one. Nothing else is required. You can simply sit and listen, or you can engage with the conversation if you wish. We’d be so happy to see you there!
Bookworms & Church Mice
St. John’s has a Book Club that meets monthly after Sunday worship to discuss a book and share great snacks! Books have ranged from novels, to non-fiction, from the spiritual to historical fiction and autobiography and on topics that range all over the map! For more information and the next book club selection see our bulletin or Facebook feed!
