Upcoming Events

Wednesday Eucharist during Lent
We will be holding Wednesday Eucharist during Lent. Please join us in the chapel (upstairs behind the main Sanctuary). This service will be in person and not available on Zoom. No need to register - just show up!
Service and Farewell Tea for our Rector, Reverend Canon George Kwari
A special thanksgiving service to celebrate the ministry of our Rector, the Reverend Canon George Kwari will be held followed ed by a light reception. Further details about the service and reception will follow.
In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to the Rector's Farewell Purse at sstreasurer@googlegroups.com
Note that the time of the service and reception is approximate.

Evensong at St. Thomas Church
The Choir of St. Stephen's will join forces with the Choir of St. Thomas Church (Alta Vista) to sing Evensong at St. Thomas's Church.
St. Thomas Church is located at 2345 Alta Vista Drive. There is plenty of on-site parking and the church is wheelchair accessible. Bus 44 stops outside the door. Come and join us.
Note that the end time given for Evensong is approximate.
Ash Wednesday Service - Evening
You are invited to this evening Ash Wednesday service where you will be offered the imposition of ashes and Eucharist.
The service will also be offered online on Zoom. If you are not on the Parish list but would like to participate by Zoom please contact sscometochurch@gmail.com.
Ash Wednesday service - Daytime
You are invited to this daytime Ash Wednesday service where you will be offered the imposition of ashes and Eucharist.
The service will also be offered online on Zoom. If you are not on the Parish list but would like to participate by Zoom please contact sscometochurch@gmail.com.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
We will be having a pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday, 4 March, 2025. Just show up for a delicious meal of pancakes and all the fixin’s. There will be a free-will offering.
The pancake supper will be followed by a brief Imposition of Ashes service upstairs in the church a 6.50 pm.

Annual Parish Vestry Meeting
The Annual Vestry Sunday will be held immediately following a brief reception with the Scouts and Guides. The meeting will likely begin at 12:00 p.m., allowing us time to have lunch and fellowship time with our guests.
Please bring a brown bag lunch. Tea and coffee will be served.

Baden-Powell (Scouts and Guides) Sunday
Baden Powell Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and honor the values we cherish in scouting and guides. Guider Kathy Gibb, one of our parishioners, will be our guest speaker for the service. Her insights and experiences as a guide will surely inspire us all.
We hope the 123 Scout group, with whom we share our space, will be able to join us for the service and a reception immediately following the service.
Note that the end time given for the service is approximate.

Cornerstone Housing for Women - Coldest Night of the Year Walk ….
On February 22, ‘the living stones’ are invited to take part in the “Coldest Night of the Year” walk to support Cornerstone Housing for Women. This event raises funds to provide essential services and support to women experiencing homelessness in our area. Whether you choose to walk with us or make a donation, your involvement will make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.
St. Stephen’s will be joining several parishes of our diocese in the two-kilometre or five-kilometre walk on February 22 to raise funds for Cornerstone. Registration for the St. Stephen’s team is at : ttps://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1028470 or go direct to the Cornerstone site at https://cornerstonewomen.ca/
If you are not able to join the walk you can participate by praying for the walkers or make a donation to team St. Stephen’s.
For more information on the schedule and route, see this weblink: https://cnoy.org/location/ottawawestboro

Service with Baptism
In this week’s service we will witness and pray for Memphis as he is baptised during the 10:00 a.m. service.
And stay for cake and refresments after
Note that the end time given for the service is approximate

Black History Month - African Drumming Session and Dinner
Multi-instrumentalist Sadio Sissoko will set the tone of our month-long Black History Month celebration when he will share his enthusiastic talents on African drums and other instruments. We will then enjoy an African-Caribbean feast from Zimbabwe, Nigeria and the Caribbean. The cost is a free-will offering. For more information please contact the office. We would like to make sure we have enough food for all.
Please make sure you register by February 11 for the event as we have limited seating capacity in the hall. Once the limit of 125 persons is reached, people will have to be turned away. Here is the link to register: https://forms.gle/kqmsrTqgch293TbSA

Service with River Jordan Ministries Choir
The River Jordan Ministries Choir and their pastor Reverend Joseph will be our guest choir and speaker. They worshipped with us last year on Paris Picnic Sunday, and brought the house down with their music! Come and join us for this celebration of Black History Month.
Please note that the end time given for the service is approximate only.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemass)
During this service the candles that you use in your homes will be blessed. Those candles symbolise the light and hope in our lives. We will also take part in a beautiful procession within the church, coming together as a community in faith and joy.
Note that the end time of the service as given is approximate

A conversation with the Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Dean of St. George College
Saturday February 1, at 1:00 p.m. A Conversation with the Archbishop of Jerusalem and the Dean of St George’s College on the Eve of Candlemas
Bishop Shane Parker invites all of to join Archbishop Hosam Naoum and Dean Richard Sewell for a webinar to hear news of the Christian Community in Palestine and Israel in the wake of catastrophic violence and loss.
Here is the link to register https://cyberimpact.page/fcd6vdfn/StGeorgesCollegeJerusalem

Women's Afternoon Group
All women are invited to come to our Monday afternoon women’s group. We enjoy cards, board games and fellowship. Tea, coffee and treats are served.
If you need a drive, please call 613 828 2472

10.00 am Christmas Service
Come and join us at our Christmas Morning Eucharist, in person or on Zoom.
Note that the end time given for the service is approximate.

9.00 pm Christmas Eve Service
Come and join us at our evening Christmas Eve Service. The service will feature music and Christmas liturgy. “all ye faithful joyful and triumphant will come to behold the king of angels and adore Christ the Lord”
Note that the end time given for the service is approximate.

4.00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
We will hold two Christmas Eve services. The 4.00 pm service will be family-friendly and full of joyous and triumphant celebration. Come and join our Christmas family service.

Children Family Christmas Party and Parish Potluck
Parents, grandparents, and your families are welcomed to a festive celebration featuring a Children/Youth Christmas liturgy, gingerbread house decorating, and games/activities. The event will end with a potluck supper. It will be a joyful and memorable event for the whole family to enjoy. Come and join us.

Women's Group Christmas party with Carol sing-along
Our Women’s group is having a sing-along with games and Christmas sweets. Spouses and friends are very welcome. Come and join in the singing!

Child Dedication Sunday and Decorating the Church
A young member of our congregation will be dedicated during the service. This tradition symbolizes the parent’s commitment to raise their child in a loving and nurturing environment, guided by the principals of faith.
Immediately after the service we will decorate the church for Christmas. Please come and help prepare our church for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Please note that the end time of this service is approximate.

White Gift Sunday
Our White Gift Sunday will be celebrated on the Sunday closest to St. Nicholas Day. White Gift Sunday is a special day in the spirit of St. Nicholas to collect cash gifts that will be used to support those in need in our community during the Christmas Season.
Contributions are always welcome by e-transfer to: sstreasurer@googlegroups.com
Please mark your gifts as “White Gift”. Thank you.

Algonquin Campus Ministry Advent/Christmas Concert
Churches and organizations that support the Algonquin College Ministry will come together in the spirit of the season and raise funds to support the chaplaincy at Algonquin Collect. The concert will be held here at St. Stephen’s. All are warmly invited to what will be a wonderful and uplifting evening.

World AIDS Day
This day holds special importance as we raise awareness about the ongoing challenges of AIDS, particularly in many African countries. We will reflect on the impact of this pandemic and the importance of supporting organizations like Grandmother to Grandmother that provide crucial assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Evening (by Zoom) Advent Book Study - 27 Nov, 4 & 11 Dec
Evening group: A three-week Advent Study will be held on Zoom, Wednesdays 27 Nov, 4 & 11 Dec.
The study will use the same materials as the day time Advent Book Study.
The group will study and discuss the book “I am a Church Member” by Thomas Rainer. The book explores what it means to be a member of the church. Reiner emphasizes that church membership is not merely a title but a call to active engagement in our community. It's about being a living, breathing part of the body of Christ, contributing our unique gifts; time, talent and treasurer. It is about engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers is essential for nurturing our faith and staying connected with God's purpose for our lives and the church. The book does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that church members might face, from personal struggles to broader issues affecting the church community. Reiner encourages us to face these challenges together, leaning on our faith and each other for support and guidance.
There are several copies of the book available, so if you would like one please call the office to reserve. Participants are encouraged to reach a chapter or two in advance.
The evening will end with evening prayer.
If you would like to participate by Zoom but are not on the Parish email list, please call or email the office and your name will be added for you to receive the link.

Day time Advent Book Study - Nov 27, Dec 4 & 11
A three-week Advent Study will be held on Wednesdays Nov 27, Dec 4 & 11.
The group will study and discuss the book “I am a Church Member” by Thomas Rainer. The book explores what it means to be a member of the church. Reiner emphasizes that church membership is not merely a title but a call to active engagement in our community. It's about being a living, breathing part of the body of Christ, contributing our unique gifts; time, talent and treasurer. It is about engaging in regular prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers is essential for nurturing our faith and staying connected with God's purpose for our lives and the church. The book does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that church members might face, from personal struggles to broader issues affecting the church community. Reiner encourages us to face these challenges together, leaning on our faith and each other for support and guidance.
Several copies of the book are available. If you would like one please call to reserve a copy. Participants are encouraged to read a chapter or two in advance.
Eucharist: 10.30 am
Book Study: 11 am
Soup Lunch: 12 noon
Please call the church office to register for the study as we want to make sure there is enough soup for all!
If you are not on the Parish email list but would like to come along, please give the office a call.

Sing, pray, Scripture, play and Eat
Here is a note from our Rector, The Canon Reverend George Kwari: It suddenly dawned on me that it was almost impossible to spend meaningful time with the youngest members of our church on Sunday. So, after months of prayer and consultation and with the help of Hilary, the once-a-month Children and Youth Service was born. We often begin the day with a worship service designed for the youngest members of our congregation. Immediately following, we proceed to the Fellowship Hall for a time of learning and creative playing, ending with a shared family dinner. Please bring your children, grandchildren or children’s friends to the service.
All are welcome to this meaningful and fun time with our church community.

Alongside Hope
In a special double celebration on Wednesday, November 20, St. Stephen's will have the privilege of hosting the first gathering of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) under its new name, Alongside
In a special double celebration on Wednesday, November 20, St. Stephen's will have the privilege of hosting the first gathering of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) under its new name, Alongside Hope. This marks a historic moment for us.
The evening will feature Zimbabwean dinner dishes (Sadza, beef stew, fat cooks) complemented by a variety of desserts from several parishes across our diocese, including sweets from the Church of Epiphany and homemade soup.
A Question-and-Answer session, moderated by The Reverend Canon George Kwari and The Venerable Patrick Stephens, will provide deeper insights into the impact of the partnership.
You are invited to join us in welcoming our distinguished guests and celebrating the spirit of community and hope

Remembrance Sunday
We will take time to remember those who have died in service, and those who have survived but came home forever altered. Our service will include a moment of silence, special music and prayers.
All Souls Day
On this Sunday we will take time to pray and celebrate the lives of tose who have passed away since November 1, 2023. Families and friends are invited to attend and participate by lighting a candle. It will be a time of reflecction and remembrance of those we miss.
Note that the end time of the service as given is approximate.

Fall Food Fair
Once again St. Stephen’s will be holding a Fall Food Fair. Come and enjoy a special occasion with baking, frozen foods, jams and jellies and so much more.
Doors open at 9.30 am
Coffee and muffins served: 9.30 am - 11.00 am
The best lunch in town served: 11.00 am - 12.30 pm

Service of Belonging
Join us in welcoming new parishioners who have joined St. Stephen’s in the past year with a service that will include special liturgy.
Note that the end time of the service as shown is approximate