These are exceptional times and we are still called to pray, care for one another, and be reminded of God's presence.
This is an opportunity for us to be creative about finding ways to be church for one another.
You will find some resources on this site to support you in your journey of faith.
The clergy are available to support you and you can reach them by email here.
Even under these circumstances you will discover that St. John's Elora is still known for an outstanding choral tradition, local outreach, and a community that cares for one another by reminding us to place our faith in God.
St. John's is a member of the Anglican Church of Canada in the Diocese of Niagara.
We all share a responsibility to reduce the modes of transmission of COVID-19 and care for one another.
While St. John's begins to move into our approved Reopening Plan to provide modified liturgies for in person gatherings, we are still encouraged to stay home as much as possible, particularly if you are vulnerable because of age, an underlying health condition, or a compromised immune system.
You can help by:
Since September 20th, St. John's Elora has diocesan approval to reopen our building for In-Person Worship for a limited number of people in a modified liturgy. This is subject to change depending on provincial and diocesan guidelines.
You are invited to watch a video, "Welcome Back to In-Person Liturgies at St. John's." The video provides an orientation of what you can expect as you attend and participate in a liturgy at St. John's. We recommend you watch this video before you pre-register.
St. John's Liturgy Online will continue to be offered and available on the St. John's Elora YouTube Channel.
If you are wanting to attend an In-Person liturgy this coming Sunday at St. John's we need to know that you are coming.
AN ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION is now available by CLICKING HERE.
Once you have submitted your PRE-REGISTRATION, you should receive a CONFIRMATION EMAIL. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL INBOX OR JUNK BOX for this confirmation email.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE to send the Reservation Desk an email.
The Online Pre-Registration closes on Friday at 6:00pm each week.
You have two options to pre-register your attendance for an in-person liturgy at St John’s:
Here's some highlights of what to expect at an In-Person Liturgy:
Click HERE for a video of the service from Sunday September 27, 2020. This is the second in-person service of Holy Communion celebrated at St. John's since March 8.
Click HERE for the Order of Service
Here is a special summer edition of the St. John’’s Parish Newsletter, “Common Supplications"
Click here for the Current Parish Newsletter
If you want to sign up for the St John’s weekly Pastoral Letter through email, please contact our Administrator, Linda Coultes, through her email here under "PARISH OFFICE".
Follow “St John’s Elora” on Facebook for the most up to date posts, photos, messages and events.
If you click on the St John’s Elora YouTube Channel you will find, among other things, our liturgies for weekday Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Sunday Choral Matins.
At the Diocese of Niagara YouTube Channel you can find liturgies from our Bishop, The Rt Rev Susan Bell.
WEEKDAY PRAYERS: From St. John's one of the clergy lead a short service of Morning Prayer Tuesday to Friday. Evening Prayer is offered Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 8:00pm. You can find it on the St. John's YouTube Channel and on the St. John's Facebook Page.
People discover that online liturgies are a resource that is particularly helpful during this time when public gatherings for worship are suspended until further notice.
It is a way to quiet an anxious mind and heart. We still "gather" to pray for one another, to deepen our faith in God’s abiding presence each day, and to find ways to care for one another through acts of service and love.
Here are some resources from the Anglican Church of Canada to help you pray at home.
Here is a link to a helpful resource from the Church of England for daily prayer at home.
Remember, God’s promise is to never let you go.
God keep you.
Paul+
Rector
Rector: Rev'd Paul J. Walker
Assistant Curate: The Rev'd Judy Steers
Rector Emeritus: The Rev’d Canon Robert Hulse
Honorary Assistant: The Rev'd John Lockyer
"Give us today our daily bread."
A mid week service will be offered online on Wednesdays, alternating each week between Morning and Evening Prayer. These liturgies are available at St. John's YouTube or on St. John's Facebook Page
Let one of the clergy know if you have a particular concern or loved one you would like to be included in our prayers.
"Pray without ceasing."
During this period St John's counts on your intentional generosity to pay our bills and keep our ministry sustained both short term and long term.
There are several ways for you to give:
1. Drop off your donation through the MAIL SLOT of the door on the Geddes side (east side) of the Parish Centre.
2. Mail your donation to the church at 36 Henderson Street, Elora.
3. E-transfer your donation to treasurer.stjohnselora@gmail.com.
4 Sign up for Monthly Pre-Authorized Giving. Please contact our Givings Secretary - Barbara Gow, for more information. You can also complete and mail this form.
5. Give online at the following link.
Thank you for your sustained financial support. Your generosity makes a difference in peoples lives.
Worship is presently online through our Facebook Page and our Youtube Channel.
If you are looking for details on our usual worship times and special upcoming services, click here.
Typically liturgies are offered in the Book of Common Prayer (Sundays at 8am and 11am; Wednesdays at 10:30am) and in the Book of Alternative Services (Sundays at 9am). Evensong and Lessons and Carols services are offered several times throughout the year.
A music program exists for many reasons, but a principle one is to fill in blanks that our daily existence leaves unsatisfied. Our spiritual beings need nourishment, and music is an important way we do it. It often can escape notice how music and sound occupy an integral place in our lives. We attach special significance to the call of songbirds in the morning, the sound of the wind and rain, the rocking of waves. We need natural beauty, and vocal music is one of those sounds that helps us connect to it.
Vocal music carries something special with it – text and meaning. At St. John’s, our music program strikes a balance that we hope is sustaining for those at all stages of their journey. We hope our music will offer comfort to those in distress, solace to those who need shelter, inspiration to those who are uncertain, and encouragement to those who need hope. I really believe it to be true. The music program at St. John’s burns bright for those who need it. The reasons behind those needs are as myriad as the number of listeners.
For instance: A certain young musician, in his third year as a Director of Music, turned to recordings made by this program here in St. John’s for inspiration at moments of doubt. The music making of the group helped him feel more conviction and assertiveness, and he was encouraged to soldier on. The music that inspired still has the power to do so.
The hand-picked singers at St. John’s, in its uniquely intimate space, offer an active listening experience that has stood the test of time. Thanks to the support of a wider community our ensemble can put its efforts towards creating the timeless, meaningful and poignant music that can change a listener’s day. We are offering what words alone cannot.
- John Wiens, Director of Music
St John's is working with St. James' in Fergus to provide hot meals on Monday to Friday. During the pandemic, the MEALS TO GO program partners with local restaurants and caterers to deliver hot meals to people in the community. If you want to help with this program by being a DRIVER, MEAL PACKER, or CLEAN UP TEAM please send an email to cwmealstogo@gmail.com. This ministry is carried out in strict compliance with public health guidelines and protocols.
Seniors who receive a one time bonus from the Federal Government in July are being invited, as they are able, without expectation or obligation, to prayerfully consider directing that one time gift to a worthy cause: perhaps the Diocesan Pandemic Fund, or PWRDF Covid-19 Fund. For more details see here.