Even with COVID limiting some of our usual traditions, we were able to invite the children of our Parish to build a symbolic garden during the readings of the Passion at our Palm Sunday service. They took their participation very seriously and built a beautiful garden. Thank you, kids!

In this strange year, the parishioners at St John's have not let restrictions limit their creativity and determination. The wonderful Jim Fyfe, hereon known as Jim the Third, has adapted the Christmas Pageant "Zooming to Bethlehem" by Carol Penner. Many parishioners joyfully agreed to put on the pageant over zoom, and have recorded it for all of us to enjoy.
Make the Pageant part of your Christmas celebrations this year: link found here, and also on our services page.
Merry Christmas from St John's to you!

Our previous rector, Sandra Fyfe was consecrated as bishop today, on the Feast of St Andrew. We wish her all the best as she dives into her new role as Bishop of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The service was live-streamed on Facebook, available here. 
           We at St. John's gathered in the church and watched the live-stream together. At the end of the service, we wished Sandra every blessing and sent her a picture of her St. John's family.

Advent begins here at St John's with a sense of hope and expectation! We are so happy to be able to worship in-person, but also continue to post our services online. Our honorary assistant Rev'd. Dr. Bruce Matthews led our services for the first Sunday of Advent, and as always, gave an insightful and thought-provoking sermon. Looking forward, we await Rev'd. Nicole Uzans joining us as our interim rector, starting December 1.

While our Christmas Coffee Party had to be replaced with a 'Christmas Bazaar' this year, and further the Christmas Bazaar was then cancelled due to rising restrictions, the Christmas spirit continued on here at St. John's! Many parishioners made their hand-crafted items, table decorations, gift bags, sewing, puddings etc. Tables were set it up at the back of the church, and parishioners are invited to peruse once the service is over, of course maintaining 6ft of distance! It's a nice time to go Christmas shopping and also help the ACW with much needed income.     
        The plum puddings were the first to totally sell out (to the surprise of none - they are delicious!). Handmade goods continue to be sold in the sunroom of the church, in support of the ACW's wonderful work here at St. John's.

We said goodbye to Sandra as the church year closed - Christ the King Sunday. Her consecration service is set to be Monday, November 30, the Feast of St Andrew. We are ever grateful for her continued support and ministry here at St. John's over the past 16 years, and wish her all the best in her new position as the Bishop of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. 
          Cake was served and gifts exchanged as we celebrated with the (Right!) Rev'd Sandra at the end of the 11am service.

Although the pandemic continues to make things strange and different this year, the parishioners in charge of making plum puddings were undeterred! All covid-19 restrictions were in place, but that did not stop any of our enthusiastic volunteers.
​     Do you recognize the smiling faces beneath their masks?