Anybody who is interested in learning/improving their hand/machine sewing skills is invited to come to the sewing club. The club will meet at the Church every two weeks, starting on October 31 at 10:00 a.m.  Please bring your sewing needles and thread. If you have questions, please contact Martha at greatrexm@rogers.com or speak to her at coffee hour on Sunday.

The second meeting of the Men’s Group will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 8:30 a.m. in the resource room. The Group will enjoy breakfast together (each member is asked to bring their own breakfast and beverage). A fruit platter will be provided. If you are interested in being part of this Group, please add your name to the sheet at the back of the church, or email the office at: officessottawa@gmail.com

Note that the end time given for this group is approximate

Calling all women! You are invited to join us for a relaxing afternoon this Wednesday, October 14. Catch up with old friends and make some new ones, play a card or board game or enjoy some conversation – the choice is yours! Coffee, tea and sweet treats will be served. All women are welcome. Please call the office if you need a ride at 613-828-2472.

On this Sunday our liturgy will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Some of the prayers and our Offertory hymn -- Song at the Centre -- reference the four directions (in the order of east, south, west and north) and their relevance. Our hymn during communion -- Ispiciwin (Cree for ‘journey’) -- was arranged by Cree composer Andrew Balfour. He set his text to the music of Orlando Gibbons’ hymn tune Song 46 (Hymn 49 in Common Praise, which uses the text Draw Near and Take). The choir’s anthem – A Sacred Feast – was composed by Ottawa composer Robert Hall for the 2024 National Indigenous Day of Prayer. Our closing hymn -- Let Streams of Living Justice -- uses a text written in 1989 by William Whitla, a professor at York University. The original second verse was not included in our hymn book Common Praise, but thanks to Dave Chisholm’s inquiry, Dr. Whitla provided the verse, which we are singing this morning. Though it was written just after the uprising in Tiananmen Square, and also when the Mothers of the Disappeared in Argentina were bringing their campaign to the conscience of the world, it is most appropriate as we observe Truth and Reconciliation here today.

Who doesn’t like ice cream! To kick off the fall season, the fellowship team will be hosting a special "Welcome Back” fellowship time after the morning service. Delicious ice-cream sundaes will be served along with coffee/tea/juice. Come and find out what adventures others in the community have embarked on this summer. Have they travelled to far flung lands, spent time languishing at their cottages or had a staycation. This will be a great time to re-connect as well as to meet some new people. This Sunday will also mark the official beginning of the Sunday School year.

Note: The time given for this event is approximate

Come and join the Cursillo community for a relaxed worship service at Andrew Haydon Park bandshell, 3127 Carling Avenue on Wednesday, July 15. Everyone is welcome! Remember to bring your lawn chair and sun hat. In case of extreme heat or rain, the service will be held at St. Stephen’s. A service will also be held on Wednesday, August 12

We will hold our service on the labyrinth outside the church. The service will be followed by a picnic with hamburgers, hotdogs and treats. Games for the children. If it rains the service and picnic will be held indoors.

Bring your lawn chair, sunscreen, hat. Tea and coffee will not be served to bring your own flask!

Vocestra is Ottawa's premier mixed a cappella ensemble, dedicated to celebrating the power of human voices in harmony. Founded with a passion for vocal music, Vocestra brings together talented singers from across the region to create unforgettable musical experiences. Come and enjoy an evening of music to lift your spirits. Tickets can be purchased through Zeffy at the following link Songs for Brighter Days (adults $25, children under 10 free).

Come to the second get together of the sewing group. Bring your needles, thread and a pair of scissors. The event will be in the resource room.

Get ready, St. Stephen’s, the Tulipathon is back and you are invited to join our Team! On Sunday, May 24, Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) will unite over 80 faith communities, dedicated supporters, and members of the public for a 2 or 3 km walk/fundraiser through the tulips at Commissioners Park. The goal is to raise funds and awareness to tackle housing insecurity and homelessness. Every dollar raised through Tulipathon goes directly toward rent subsidies, helping low-income families and individuals in MHI communities stay safely housed. MHI has nine housing communities and a tenth under construction. As a proud member of MHI, St Stephen's is committed to supporting our fellow community members who are in need of safe and affordable housing. To join St. Stephen’s team, or to donate, please visit the following link: MHI-St. Stephen's Team Page

Please bring your sewing needs and thread (and maybe a pair of scissors!). We will be working on a project.

The next get together of the sewing group will be May 30 at 10.30 am

Come and enjoy an afternoon of games, goodies and conversation. Call the church office if you would like a ride.

Under the direction of Robert Jones, the Seaway Valley Singers will be presenting their spring concert on Friday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Williamsburg (just under an hour from St. Stephen’s). Tickets are available from Bob, Eventbrite or at the door.  Titled Springtime in Canada, it will feature music from different provinces as well as music by Schubert, Handel, Rutter and Robert Fleming.  Bob has been the director of the SVS since 2004 and will be retiring from this position in June. For more info, visit www.seawayvalleysingers.ca.

Join us for our Easter morning service for a joyous celebration of the risen Christ. See you there!

Join us for the solemn observance of Good Friday, with a dramatic reading of the Passion and meditations on the cross. This service invites us to reflect deeply on Christ's sacrifice for our salvation.

On this special evening, we will commemorate the Last Supper with the washing of feet, a powerful act of humility and service. We will also celebrate the Eucharist and participate in the stripping of the altar, followed by a vigil

This service, which focuses on the Ministry of Healing and the Eucharist, is an opportunity to seek comfort and restoration through prayer and the laying on of hands.

Experience the peace and meditative atmosphere of our Taizé Service, which will feature simple chants, scripture readings, and moments of silence. This service invites you to quiet your heart and reflect on your faith.

This reflective service will include stopping at each station for a scripture reading and prayer/reflection associated with that station. Hymns will also be sung at points along the way.

Bible Study with Evening Prayers

Reverend Lee is leading a bible study on Wednesday evenings during Lent with teaching, discussion, prayers and singing. The study component will focus on the Gospel reading for the following Sunday. All are welcome regardless of how many sessions you are able to attend

Reverend Lee is leading a bible study on Wednesday evenings during Lent with teaching, discussion, prayers and singing. The study component will focus on the Gospel reading for the following Sunday. All are welcome regardless of how many sessions you are able to attend. The sessions will be in person only and not offered online.

Come and enjoy this monthly afternoon gathering of women from our parish and beyond. It is a time of fellowship, conversation, fun, board games, cookies/squares, coffee and tea. All women are welcome. Why not invite a friend to join you? Please call Carolyn at the church office (613-828-2472) if you need a ride.

Some members of St. Stephens will participate in the Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk  for Cornerstone Housing for Women. We will join the walk at the All Saints Westboro church location and would love to have you join us.

All team members (walkers), supporters and donations are welcome.

Please contact Elizabeth Reicker after church or call 613 731 4334. For information on joining the team or donating, go the the website: St Stephen's for Cornerstone

We will come together in celebration to enjoy a fantastic evening of delicious food, fashion, music and drama from Africa and the diaspora. You won’t want to miss this entertaining and educational event. There is no cost to attend, but a free-will offering will be appreciated.

To assist with planning, please sign up at the link below, or on the sign-up sheet in Church, if you plan to attend:

https://forms.gle/JcUQdXkXQAiPRSjU8

Join us at 7:00 p.m. for the imposition of ashes and the Eucharist as we begin our journey through Lent. This service will be in person and by Zoom. If you would like to join the service on Zoom but are not on our email list, please call the church office.

Join us for our 10:00 a.m. Ash Wednesday Service for the imposition of ashes and Eucharist as we begin our journey through Lent. . This service will be in person only. Our 7 pm service will be both in person and by Zoom.

Back by popular demand! The men of St. Stephen’s will prepare a scrumptious meal of pancakes, sausages, ham, baked beans and maple syrup with cookies and ice cream for dessert. A free will offering will be appreciated. Further information please call the office. All are welcome.

Come and catch up with your friends and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, conversation, fun, board games, cookies/squares, coffee and tea. All women are welcome. Why not invite a friend? Please call Carolyn at the church office (613-828-2472) if you need a ride.