You are invited to be inspired by music, supported by community, and engaged to learn more about the Christian faith at the historic Church of St. John the Evangelist in Elora.
St. John's is known for its outstanding choral tradition, local outreach, and a community that cares for one another.
St. John's is a member of the Anglican Church of Canada in the Diocese of Niagara.
For Services and Events click on this link.
For Recent or Upcoming Sunday Service Bulletins click on this link. Sunday bulletins are generally available here on the preceding Thursday.
COMING SOON:
Choral Evensong
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 David Mulholland
Honorary Assistant: The Rev'd John Lockyer
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
For details on worship times and special upcoming services, click here.
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).
When you arrive for worship, you will receive an order of service to guide you through the liturgy, and possibly a hymn book and a prayer book. If you are new or visiting with us, please sign our guest book in the front foyer, or complete one of the visitor cards in the pews. Following worship, there is usually a time for greeting one another over some refreshments served downstairs or outside.
St. John's seeks to respond to the needs of our local and international community. On a local level St. John's is involved in the Centre Wellington Food Bank, and a residential addiction rehabilitation program called Portage. Portage residents are trained to participate in Sunday liturgies as Acolytes, and parishioners offer Bible Studies at Portage. On an international level St. John's is active with the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) and providing clean water projects in Uganda through ACTS. St. John's also actively supports students in theological education.
Find this week's Sunday bulletin and our recent newsletter by clicking here.
If you wish to receive news by email, please send us your email address to stjohns@sentex.net
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The gift of imagination allows us to wonder.
As children we wonder about all kinds of things, and at St. John’s we are intentional about cultivating the gift of wonder and imagination for all ages. If you are wondering about things related to God, faith, church, and life, and you have some questions, then maybe St. John’s is a place for you to articulate those longings.
On a daily basis it is about learning how to practise the presence of God, loving our neighbour, and pursuing justice for the marginalized. This way of life is grounded in our walking with one another as a community of Christian faith.
Traditionally the life of Christian faith formally begins with Baptism, and is sometimes accompanied with Confirmation at a later age.
If you come from another tradition you may wish to be Received into the Anglican Communion by the Bishop; or you may have discovered a renewed life of faith, and you want to Reaffirm your Faith. All of these public rites are significant benchmarks to uphold your ongoing journey of faith.
Every time we gather for worship we are invited to wonder about things much larger than ourselves. Throughout the year there are structured opportunities for wondering, learning and growing in your understanding of the Christian faith, or preparing to participate for any of these rites. Click here for some helpful resources; and don’t be afraid to contact one of the Clergy to begin a conversation.
It all starts with you wondering.
We are committed to be a people learning more about reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. A good place to start to learn more is the film Doctrine of Discovery produced by the Primate's Commission on Discovery, Reconciliation, and Justice. You can view this 65 minute documentary and follow the study guide by clicking on this link to the Anglican Church of Canada.
Rachel Held Evans' book "Inspiration: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again" (2018) is available from the Parish Centre for $20. We will hold a conversation group on this book in Lent 2020.
Click this link for further information