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All Things New, the theme of this year’s Community Roots Day Camp, invited campers to explore the many ways transformation happens in our lives and in the world around us. We discovered that when things fall apart, new life often emerges. Broken pieces can come together in new ways, and flourish.
We learned by creating, exploring, and asking questions. Did you know that you can change a jar half full of whipping cream into butter just by shaking it? It worked, and it was delicious! Using the ancient art of origami, simple sheets of paper became beautiful butterflies. We transformed old cardboard boxes into a welcoming shelter, reminding us that there is always room for everyone in God's house. Our exploration extended beyond the church walls with a visit to Randall House Museum. We learned about the remarkable transformation of Wolfville's waterfront, from the time when the Mi'kmaq people summered and fished along its shores, through the Age of Sail when today's Willow Park was a bustling harbour, and later how the arrival of the railway changed the flow of the water and reshaped the landscape. Campers created their own changing waterfront dioramas using rocks, sand, water, and origami boats. Each day at camp began and closed with a simple worship service of prayer, scripture, and song. We talked about God’s work of transformation in creation and as the days unfolded, relationships flourished and we signs of God’s presence in every one of us. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who made this year's Community Roots Day Camp possible: our incredible volunteers and leaders, those who generously provided snacks, and the campers whose curiosity, enthusiasm, and imagination made the week so special. We are especially grateful for Allie, Frances, and Sam for their leadership and the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island who has supported St. John’s through the three years of Community Roots.
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Building on the wonderful energy of our recent Newcomers’ Meal, and with fond memories of last year’s early summer BBQ, all were invited to gather for Friendship Sunday following the 10:00 a.m. service on May 31, Trinity Sunday. Food was aplenty, as was lively chatter. Conversation starter questions were placed on each table to help people get to know one another better, leading to much sharing of stories and laughter:
 Thanks to the incredible generosity of St. John’s parishioners, we raised more than $1,000 toward the purchase of two cuddle beds for Valley Hospice. These specialized beds allow loved ones to remain close and comfortable together during end-of-life care, offering comfort and connection when it matters most.
St. John’s deeply values our connection with Valley Hospice and is grateful for the compassionate care provided by staff and volunteers to individuals and families experiencing life-limiting illness, end-of-life journeys, and bereavement. A group of more than two dozen people – from their 20s to their 90s, some new to the church and others not-so-new – gathered at St. John’s on the evening of April 29 for a warm and welcoming newcomers’ meal. Two simple but meaningful questions guided the opening discussions over appetizers: “What brought you through the doors of St. John’s?” and “What are you looking for in a church?” The responses were thoughtful, honest, and encouraging, offering a glimpse into the many journeys and hopes that have brought people to this community of faith. As dinner continued, so did the conversations. People even played a bit of musical chairs, intentionally moving around to meet and engage with different groups of people. Lively chatter and laughter filled the room as newer members of the parish connected with longtime members of the St. John’s community. This event emerged from conversations held during the Hosting Hope small group discussions last fall where folks expressed a strong desire to share and strengthen the welcoming spirit already present at St. John’s. The evening was a joyful celebration of community where new connections were formed, stories were shared, and hope continued to grow.
St John’s was once again host to a Musique Royale affiliated event. Chris Norman on flute, bagpipe and even singing, and violinist David Greenberg presented a rich evening of music ranging from JS Bach and GP Telemann through to Cape Breton and Acadian jigs and reels! These two brilliant musicians brought their warmth, humour and remarkable talent to offer a 75 minute non-stop programme to the delight of the capacity crowd. Both David and Chris engaged with the audience, sharing stories about their instruments and compositions, as well as their 40+ years of performing together. An evening of very fine music artistry by two world- famous and locally revered virtuosos.
 On the evening of Sunday November 16th, the third annual “Songs for All Souls” community event was held. An annual event of music, poetry, and reflection, this is a community gathering to remember our dead and honour their lives. It is co-hosted by Valley Hospice Foundation and St. John's Anglican Church, with Sarah Scott and Nicole Uzans, and features local musician Sarah McInnis alongside other artists. The gathering is inclusive of all spiritual expressions and traditions and is welcoming of the variety of losses we encounter. The previous gatherings in the last two years have been deeply meaningful in our community, and we value the opportunity to be together in shared support. Bishop Sandra Fyfe was in attendance, and commented "I was fortunate to have a parish visit close to home today. It meant I could drive across to the Valley to attend the annual Songs for All Souls service at St. John's Wolfville. We heard stirring music, poetry, and stories of solace and hope. We also lit candles and got a glimpse of the Grief Library created by Valley Hospice. Tender and soothing, this service was balm for the soul as we remembered 'those we love but see no longer.’” A dozen enthusiastic students from Landmark East School brought their energy and enthusiasm to St. John’s on October 15 as part of their annual
“Thank You Day.” Armed with rakes, tarps, and a wheelbarrow (that quickly became more than just a tool for yard work!), the students spent a full morning clearing mounds of leaves and bucketfuls of chestnuts from the church yard. In true Thank You Day spirit, the morning wasn’t all work. There was laughter and fun along the way, and of course, a well-earned snack break (the home baked cookies were a big hit!) provided by St. John’s. We were also happy to answer their many questions about the church, its history and our traditions. A big thank you to the Landmark East students for their spirit of service. It’s more than just a day of raking—it’s a day of community, connection, and gratitude.  The week of July 14 at St. John’s was full of laughter, splashes, stories, and shared joy as we welcomed fourteen campers — ages 4 to 12 — to Community Roots Summer Camp. Some familiar faces returned from last year, and it was a delight to reconnect and see how they've grown. The week’s theme, Ripples and Waves, carried through everything we did, from the stories we told to the water we played in during a particularly hot week. Christ’s love, we learned, is deep and wide — like the ocean — and just like water, it spreads, flows, and touches everything in its path. Throughout the week, we explored what it means to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether through storytelling, Godly Play, or shared meals and games, the children were immersed in the experience of building community and relationships — with one another, with our volunteers, and with God. We again joined our friends at L’Arche one morning to make candles, create ripples-and-waves-themed artwork, learn to weave, and play games together. That spirit of creativity and community added an extra spark to our week. Another highlight for many was the unexpected moment when an eagle circled overhead as we gathered on the church lawn. It felt like a blessing from above, a reminder of God's presence among us. We wrapped up the week with a joyful closing celebration at the Town's splash pad. On a scorching summer afternoon, there was no better way to cool off and have fun together! A heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this week possible — from the amazing volunteers and leaders to those who provided the much-enjoyed snacks, and to the campers who brought their curiosity. A special shout out goes to the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island for their amazing support. Together we created waves of love, faith, and kindness that will ripple far beyond this one week. |
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and welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ ♿️
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