Ministries
St. John’s offers and supports a variety of ministries. Here are some of the ways people can get involved in the life of our community.
Sunday School
Our Sunday School gathering takes place during the 10 a.m. liturgy, where children of all ages, starting at 4 years old, come together in a one-room setting. Older youth take on leadership roles, and together we explore the lessons, encourage the asking of questions, and engaging with the material in a way that fosters a personal connection to God. We strive to create a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and spiritual growth, ensuring that the children return in time to join the congregation for Communion.
Adjacent our Sunday School is a nursery equipped with cribs/bassinets, nursing pillows, seating, change table, Diaper Genie, and play space. The service is livestreamed so that parents and caregivers can follow along.
For further information contact Su McLeod.
Seniors’ Fellowship
The Seniors Fellowship group provides time for fellowship together with activities such as speakers, videos, and outings. Some of the speakers have covered topics that have been helpful in terms of making us aware of the support and assistance that is available to us in the community, as well as entertaining. Afterwards there is always time for refreshments and a chat providing the opportunity to get to know each other better.
The group meets on the second Wednesday afternoon of each month from September through June. Because daytime parking at St. John’s is difficult, the group meets at Holy Trinity Anglican church which is accessible and has parking. An added benefit of meeting at Holy Trinity is that some of their seniors have joined our. Everyone enjoys the meetings and appears to go away in good spirits.
New members are always welcome to join us. For further information, get in touch with Jennifer Uttley via the church office.
Prayer Shawl Ministry (Knit n’ Chat)
With many dedicated knitters the Prayer Shawl Ministry prepares shawls, lap blankets, baby blankets with bonnets to be given to members of the congregation as the need arises. Times of sorrow, grieving and joy are all recognized. As a group we meet monthly (Knit n’ Chat) to share tips, patterns, learn new stitches and socialize.
If interested, we can also teach you how to knit! For further information, get in touch with Anne Hopewell via the church office.
Parish Visitors
Parish Visitors are members of St. John’s who offer a caring presence to parishioners for whom coming to church is particularly challenging. Usually once a month, team members connect by phone, email, in-person or text as appropriate. The visit supports parishioners on their faith journey as the visitor listens, shares and prays with them. At Easter and Christmas, the visitor takes a card that has been created by our children and signed by many members of the parish, connecting them with fellow parishioners at St. John’s.
For further information, get in touch with Jennifer Uttley via the church office.
Pudding Factory
Pudding Factory has been the principal fundraising activity at St. John’s since its start under the ACW back in 1949. For seventy-five years (and counting), volunteers have been working the production line to make the most exquisitely rich and delicious plum puddings available.
Over the course of about ten days, volunteers move supplies and equipment, prepare ingredients for the factory, then measure, mix, fill, weigh, and pound ingredients into puddings for steaming before wrapping, sorting, and selling. The experience of camaraderie and fellowship is rewarding. That, and the knowledge that we are manufacturing a quality commodity to celebrate a major event in the church calendar (Christmas) and raising funds for church coffers (70 per cent of revenue) and outside charities/outreach (30 per cent).
We always welcome volunteers. Simply contact Charles Stuart.
Bereavement Support Group
The Bereavement Support Group meets monthly to help support people going through the loss of a loved one. The members have all lost loved ones and understand the challenges this brings. The group is offered in a warm, supportive setting where you can feel comfortable sharing personal experiences.
For further information, get in touch with Anne Hopewell via the church office.
Memorial Garden
Our Memorial Garden is a sacred space used for quiet meditation and prayer. Located at the Water Street entrance, the garden is a licenced cemetery. The names of all whose ashes are scattered there are listed on plaques in the garden.
For further information contact Memorial Garden trustee Laura Doric via the church office.
Community Kitchen Co-op
Incubated and lodged at St. John’s, the Community Kitchen Cooperative Kitchener Waterloo (CKCKW) facilitates community relationships to enable St John’s to serve as a food hub for partners which include the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, A Better Tent City, Food Not Bombs and others. CKCKW also partners with the Civic Hub Waterloo Region to host community suppers.
Contact Al Coughlin for more information or to get involved.
St. John’s Kitchen
Incubated at St. John’s, St John’s Kitchen is a drop-in hub for services for people who are experiencing homelessness or are living in vulnerable circumstances. Over 40 years, St. John’s Kitchen has been a gathering place that has ensured a free meal is served each weekday. It is a program of the Working Centre and is supported by community volunteers.
The program is temporarily located – Relocated! – in the Upper Parish Hall while new facilities are being built which should be completed in September 2025.
Alongside Hope
Working towards a truly just, healthy and peaceful world, Alongside Hope is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. Alongside Hope is improving health, food security and livelihoods where needs are greatest. Alongside Hope works with a vast network of volunteers who share in the work of supporting vulnerable people. Alongside Hope has indigenous partners and provides emergency response, when needed, in Canada.
Contact Henriëtte Thompson to get involved.
Deanery Refugee Committee
St. John’s has a long history of refugee sponsorship and is presently active in the Deanery Refugee Committee which nurtures supportive relationships with newcomers to Canada. The Committee has sponsored 5 families and supported 2 others since 2015. We are currently raising funds to apply for another family.
Contact Ann Coughlin for more information or to get involved.
Community Groups
