Parish Update
THE COLLECT FOR THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Pastoral Reflection
By the Reverend Ben Vanderheide
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers…every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47
In the book of Acts, we see how the early church devoted themselves to a particular pattern of discipleship that included meeting together as a large group in the temple, and meeting together in smaller groups in people’s homes. Our large group meeting on Sunday mornings is for public worship, the exhortation of God’s Word, and the celebration of the Sacraments. But large group meetings are limited in helping us grow spiritually. We also need to be meeting together in some kind of small group. Here are five reasons why small groups are an integral to our life in Christ and spiritual growth:
1. Strengthen Relationships - Small groups offer a more intimate setting for building relationships than large church services. They help us to get to know each other on a deeper level, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.
2. Deeper Engagement with God’s Word – Small groups allow us space for more in-depth Bible study and discussion, so that we can grow in our knowledge of God, others, self, and the world we live in. In a smaller group, we are free to ask questions, share insights, and learn from each other’s perspectives in a safe environment.
3. Accountability and Support – Small groups can provide us with a network of support. As we face life’s challenges, we can encourage and pray for each other, and hold one another accountable to our values, commitments and goals.
4. Opportunities for Service and Outreach – Small groups can be a natural platform for serving others and reaching out to the community. We can work together on projects, offer support to those in need, and invite others to join the group, which can be a powerful way of bearing witness to Christ and spreading the Good News.
5. Strengthens the Overall Life of the Church – Churches with a thriving small group ministry are often more effective in making disciples, cultivating leaders, and expanding the Kingdom of God in the city.
HOME GROUPS: As we enter into the fall season, there will be several small groups that will meet in people’s homes or at the church. If you are interested in becoming a part of a small group in someone’s home, please fill out the small group registration form, and someone will get back to you.
ALPHA COURSE: If you, or someone you know is new to the faith and looking for a group where they can process what it means to be a Christian and try to understand some of the big questions of life, the Alpha course would be a great place to start. Alpha will begin on Wednesday, September 16 (6 PM – 8:30 PM ) and continue on Wednesdays for the next 11 weeks. ALPHA is designed to be a safe place to learn about the Christian faith in a relaxed, friendly environment over a meal. Register here.
EPHESIANS GROUP: Pastor Ben will be leading an 11-week course focused on Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, that will accompany our Sunday sermon series. This group will meet on Thursday evenings, starting September 17 (6 PM - 8:30 PM) and continue for 11 weeks. Each evening will be a mix of teaching, discussion and prayer. There will be light refreshments. A study guide will be provided. Download it here or on our website. Please register here.
LIFE @ ST P & P’s COURSE: We will also be offering a 6-week class designed for those who are new to our parish and interested in learning more about what it means to follow Jesus in the Anglican way. The course will begin on Sunday, September 13 at 9 AM in Stiller Hall. This class will focus on our core values, our approach to interpreting and applying scripture, Anglican worship and discipleship and membership. Register here.
UPCOMING EVENTS – Mark Your Calendars
September 6: Sunday service at 10:30 AM with Jr Church. (Streamed online)
September 6: ALPHA Launch Party in Stiller Hall following service.
September 6 to 14: Global Week of Prayer. Register here.
September 8: Morning Prayer begins again on Zoom at 8 AM.
September 9: Weekday Eucharist Service at 12:15 PM
September 13: Life @ St P&P’s Course begins. Register here.
September 13: Crossroads begins for Grades 7 and 8. Register here.
September 16: ALPHA course begins. Register here.
September 17: Ephesians Course begins. Register here.
September 19: Women’s Potluck Breakfast. Register here
September 19: Choral Evensong from 5 PM to 6 PM.
September 26: Men’s Breakfast. Register here.
ALPHA Launch Party: Sunday, September 6
Join us in Stiller Hall following the morning service as we officially launch our next Alpha Course! We will share a time of hospitality and pray together for the Alpha team as they prepare to welcome guests this fall.
The Alpha Course begins Wednesday, September 16, and runs weekly from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and runs weekly until November 25.
Alpha provides participants with a free meal, short film, and plenty of time for discussion as they learn about the Christian faith in a relaxed environment. It is a wonderful opportunity to make friends and grow in the faith. It is especially designed for inviting others who may not have spent a lot of time in church.
There is still time to register! Sign up yourself and/or invite a friend, family member, or neighbour to take the course with you. Invitation postcards are available at the back of the church.
Don't miss the launch! Come celebrate with us, pray for the Alpha team, and help build excitement for the course ahead.
Global Week of Prayer - September 6 to 13
The 24-7 Prayer Movement is inviting the Global Church to pray non-stop the week of September 6–13 for the Global Week of Prayer.
In a divided world, we sense God’s invitation to unite across national borders and denominational lines to lift up the name of Jesus. We are inviting communities around the globe to join in on a whole week of unbroken, day-and-night prayer. (24-7 Prayer Website)
St Peter & St Paul’s will not have a 24-7 prayer room set up, but we do encourage our people to pray. We may not be able to reach the goal of 24-7 prayer for the week, but we can participate to the degree that we are able. Consider signing up to pray for an hour or more during the Global Week of Prayer, September 6-13. To join with others in prayer at St Peter & St Paul’s, along with others around the world, sign up here:
https://pray.24-7prayer.com/signup/d9cac4
We will share themes and prayer ideas from 24-7 Prayer and from Pray Ottawa in the next couple of weeks. If you would like to join with others to pray, you could consider neighbourhood prayer walks, meeting with others in a home or deciding together to pray in your own home at the same time.
If you would like more information about the week, please take a look at the 24-7 Prayer site here: https://www.24-7prayer.com/weekofprayer/
"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." Oswald Chambers
Thursday Morning Online Bible Study begins September 17
The Thursday morning Bible study will be resuming on September 17 at 10:45 AM ending at noon. We meet on Zoom, so no need to find parking downtown! Our leader, Karen Bergenstein, will send out the Zoom link to those who wish to join. This fall (and for the foreseeable future), we will be looking at the book of Daniel, so it would be helpful to read through it before we begin. If you are considering joining the Bible study, or if you would like more information, please contact the church office at admin@peterpaulottawa.com.
Women’s Ministry Potluck Breakfast - September 19 at 9:30 AM
The women of the church are invited to a women’s potluck breakfast on Saturday, September 19. This will be a wonderful time of food and fellowship and a great chance to get to know others. We will meet at 9:30 AM. You can sign up using the link here or on our Website.
Evensong Service -September 19 at 5 PM
Join us for our next Evensong on Saturday, September 19 at 5 PM. Enjoy a time of quiet reflection, musical worship, and meditating on God’s Word, helping us to pause, give thanks for the week that’s passed, and prepare our hearts for worship the next morning.
Men’s Breakfast -September 26 at 8.30 AM
Looking for a great way to start your Fall with good food and even better company? All men and older teens (16+) are invited to the Men’s Breakfast on September 26!
We’re excited to welcome Adonis Tuyisenge as our guest speaker—come for the coffee, stay for the conversation and community.
Coffee: 8:30 AM
Breakfast: 9:00 AM (catered and included!)
Cost: $12.50
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 23
If you have any questions, reach out to the church office at admin@peterpaulottawa.com. Register using the link here or through the church website. We’d love to see you there!
Parish Night Out Saturday - October 3 at 4:00 PM (Dinner at 5 PM)
Parish Night Out is a great opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners as you share a meal in a home setting.
The next Parish Night Out is on Saturday, October 3. To participate, please sign up to either host a dinner or attend a dinner with fellow parishioners. The HOST provides the home/beverages and the GUESTS provide the meal (main course/casserole, salad or veggie dish, bread & dessert). If you are interested, please sign up here by Monday, September 28.
Midweek Eucharist Service on Wednesdays
Our Midweek Eucharist Service on Wednesdays has restarted.
Join us every Wednesday as we gather for a Communion service that starts at 12:15 PM and finishes by 1 PM that includes a brief meditation on Scripture followed by Holy Communion. All are invited.
Daily Morning Prayer on Zoom
Our online Morning Prayer gatherings begin again on Tuesday, September 8 at 8 AM. Morning Prayer meets online over Zoom, Monday through Saturday, and lasts about a half hour. We pray through the Morning Prayer service using the Book of Common Prayer, which is displayed on the computer screen.
Join by using the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/353321062?pwd=SWVKTVFyMHFhK01SU1dBdlVMYVU2Zz09
Meeting ID: 353 321 062 Passcode: 537528
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES: Time to Register!
Jr Church returns this Sunday! Please make sure to register your children for the new school year. We need a new registration form each fall.
Jr Church Registration for children born 2015-2022 can be found here.
Nursery Registration for children born 2023-2026 can be found here.
We will begin the new school year in Stiller Hall and hope to be in the new space by the end of the month. We are excited about our new location.
Our Nursery blessings begin with a unit entitled the Good Shepherd. They will hear the story of Jesus and the lost sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who takes care of us by loving us and keeping us safe.
As we begin the new school year, much of our focus will be on helping the children to get settled and become comfortable in their groups. We explain that our time in Jr Church is special because we get to worship God together. We will spend time singing and praying to Him and hearing stories for God’s word. As we learn more about God each week, we come to know Him and love Him more. It is a special time where we get to be with one another and bless God and bless each other.
Our Jr Church classes all begin in the book of Genesis. They will hear how the Bible is one big Story, the story of who God is and what He’s done for us.
We are looking forward to an amazing year ahead in Children’s Ministry!
Crossroads: New Class for Grades 7-8
We have created a new Sunday morning class for our Grade 7 and 8 youth. It is called Crossroads and will gather twice per month upstairs in the Augustine College space during the Sunday morning service. This new class will include a teaching component as well as an opportunity to build and develop friendships with peers. The focus will be on creating space for discussion around topics of faith that are relevant to them.
It is during this time that youth begin to integrate the biblical knowledge they learned in children’s ministry with their everyday experiences. They also begin to take ownership of their faith independent of their parents. We want to support our children as they transition from Jr Church to the wider church body on Sunday mornings. Our new youth group worker will lead this group beginning September 13.
Crossroads registration for youth born 2013/2014 can be found here.
Youth Group Registration
Youth Group will start back up on Sunday, September 13, with doors opening at 5:45 PM and youth starting at 6 PM. All youth in grades 7 through 12 are welcome to join. All families need to have filled out the registration forms for Grades 7 & 8 and Grades 9-12 for the 2026-27 school year before they attend youth group. For more information and to register your youth, please fill out the form on our website or here.
Young Adults Wednesday Potluck
Our young adults' Wednesday night potluck is back for the fall! This group is for adults in their 20s and 30s and is a chance to enjoy food and fellowship and study the Bible together. They meet from 6 PM to 8 PM on Wednesdays in the Parish library. Plan to join and bring a dish to share. Please contact the church office at admin@peterpaulottawa.com if you have any questions or would like to be added to the email list.
Centretown Food Centre Walkathon - October 3 at 1:30 PM
On Sunday, October 4, the Centretown Churches Social Action Committee (CCSAC) will sponsor their annual walkathon from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM to benefit the Centretown Community Food Centre.
The event begins at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church at 100 Main Street and follows a 2 km or 4 km route along the Rideau Canal. This is a wonderful, family-friendly event, so please feel free to bring strollers and leashed dogs! 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Centretown Community Food Centre. To register, volunteer, or make a donation, please visit www.centretownchurches.org/walkathon—donations can also be made at the walk or mailed to CCSAC at 507 Bank Street, Ottawa, K2P 1Z5.
St Peter & St Paul’s is a member of the CCSAC, and we support the Centretown Food Centre. You can drop off non-perishable food items for the centre in the wicker basket located at the back of the sanctuary.
Looking for Sandwich Makers, Soup Makers, and Friday Night Volunteers
Our church runs a weekly drop-in on Friday evenings from 7 PM to 9 PM called A Place To Go. This ministry gives us the opportunity to provide Christian hospitality to our neighbours in Centretown and it provides a place for food, fellowship, community, and prayer for those who may not have anywhere else to go.
We depend on a large number of volunteers to make this ministry happen. A team of about seven volunteers (different ones each week) including a team leader prepares Stiller Hall, the drinks, and the food for serving. We pray together before opening the doors at 7 PM and then serve our guests. We have a lot of fun and get plenty of exercise! We also spend time in the kitchen washing dishes, running them through the sanitizer and putting them away.
In addition to our in-person volunteers, we rely on a team of soup makers and sandwich makers. Our sandwich makers make four loaves of sandwiches at home and then drop them off at the church once a month. Sometimes, sandwich makers who live close to one other will bring one another’s sandwiches. Those making sandwiches can submit grocery receipts to the church for reimbursement.
A Place To Go is in need of people who are willing to make sandwiches once a month, make a batch of soup once a month, and who are willing to volunteer at the church from 6 PM to 9:30 PM once a month.
If you would like to learn more about A Place To Go or volunteering, please click here or contact the church office.
Meals Ministry
Do you like to cook or buy and deliver meals? Our Meal Train Ministry is looking for people to cook and deliver meals. Providing meals is a practical way of supporting others during a challenging time. It is a real blessing to receive a meal following surgery or recovering from an illness. It is also a wonderful gift to young families after the birth of a new baby. If you are interested in joining the team or learning more about this ministry, please email church office at admin@peterpaulottawa.com.
Hospitality Team
Thinking you would like to volunteer somewhere, but are afraid of making a regular commitment? The Hospitality Team may be for you!
The Hospitality Team hosts Hospitality Hours after church, receptions, potlucks, and other parish events in Stiller Hall. You are welcome to join us once a year, once in a blue moon, or every time we host an event. You are welcome even if baking is not your thing. You can set out dishes, plate cookies, put jugs of water in the fridge, bring dirty dishes into the kitchen, help load or unload the dishwasher –there are lots of different things to do. You will receive an email when there is an upcoming event, and you can respond or ignore, depending on your availability. Join the team by signing up here.
CHURCH RESOURCES
Church Office: The church office is open from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. You can reach the office by phone at 613-235-1636 or by email at admin@peterpaulottawa.com.
Worship: We gather together for worship at 10:30 AM on Sundays, both in-person at the church and online on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/StPandPOttawa/)
Please use the Worship Guide to follow along with the service. You can join us in person at 152 Metcalfe Street.
Parking: There is a paid lot directly behind the church on Gloucester Street that offers all-day parking at a flat rate on Sundays. For street parking, please check posted signs and pay stations.
Online: Check out our Facebook page for livestreams of our services, audio recordings of our sermons, and other news and posts. You can listen to our Parish podcast and sermons on your favourite podcast app by searching for “peterpaulottawa” and subscribing. And there is also our website, where you can listen to our sermons and podcasts, sign up for events, and read an extended cut of the weekly parish update.
Alpha Launch Party | September 6
Join us in Stiller Hall following the morning service as we officially launch our next Alpha Course! We will share a time of hospitality and pray together for the Alpha team as they prepare to welcome guests this fall.
Global Week of Prayer | September 6-14
In a divided world, we sense God’s invitation to unite across national borders and denominational lines to lift up the name of Jesus. We are inviting communities around the globe to join in on a whole week of unbroken, day-and-night prayer.
Consider signing up to pray for an hour or more during the Global Week of Prayer, September 6-14. Register below.
Women’s Potluck Breakfast | September 19
Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 AM
The women of the parish are invited to a potluck breakfast on Saturday, September 19 at 9:30 AM. Please join us for food, fellowship, and inspiration. Please register below.
Choral Evensong Services | September 19
Our September service of Choral Evensong will be on Saturday, September 19, here at the church from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Choral Evensong is a traditional evening service of prayer, music, and scripture. It combines hymns, psalms, and anthems sung by our choir with readings from both the Old and New Testaments, creating a peaceful and reflective time of worship. The purpose of these services is to take time at the end of the busyness of our weeks for quiet reflection, helping us to pause, give thanks for the week that’s passed, and prepare our hearts for worship the next morning.
We hope you’ll join us at 5 PM on the third Saturday of each month for this beautiful, meditative experience. We look forward to sharing this sacred time with you!
Men’s Breakfast | September 26
Saturday, September 26
Looking for a great way to start your Fall with good food and even better company? All men and older teens (16+) are invited to the Men’s Breakfast on September 26!
We’re excited to welcome Adonis Tuyisenge as our guest speaker—come for the coffee, stay for the conversation and community.
Coffee: 8:30 AM
Breakfast: 9:00 AM (catered and included!)
Cost: $12.50
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 23
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Kris Nanda at kkhnanda@hotmail.com. Register using the link here or through the church website. We’d love to see you there!
Parish Night Out | Saturday, October 3
Parish Night Out is a great opportunity to get to know fellow parishioners as you share a meal together in a home setting.
The next Parish Night Out is on Saturday, October 3. To participate, please sign up to either host a dinner or attend a dinner with fellow parishioners. The HOST provides the home/beverages and the GUESTS provide the meal (main course/casserole, salad or veggie dish, bread & dessert). If you are interested, please sign up below by Monday, September 28.
Midweek Eucharist Service
Join us for our Midweek Eucharist Services on Wednesday at 12:15 PM. This is a spoken service and is a great way to spend some time in worship in the middle of your busy work week. Some of our major feast days (Saints' Days) are celebrated at these services. Everyone is welcome.
Young Adults Wednesday Potluck
Our young adults' Wednesday night potluck is back for the fall! This group is for adults in their 20s and 30s and is a chance to enjoy food and fellowship and study the Bible together. They meet from 6 PM to 8 PM on Wednesdays in the Parish library. Plan to join and bring a dish to share.
Centretown Food Centre Walkathon - October 3 at 1:30 PM
On Sunday, October 4, the Centretown Churches Social Action Committee (CCSAC) will sponsor their annual walkathon from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM to benefit the Centretown Community Food Centre.
The event begins at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church at 100 Main Street and follows a 2 km or 4 km route along the Rideau Canal. This is a wonderful, family-friendly event, so please feel free to bring strollers and leashed dogs! 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Centretown Community Food Centre. To register, volunteer, or make a donation, please visit www.centretownchurches.org/walkathon—donations can also be made at the walk or mailed to CCSAC at 507 Bank Street, Ottawa, K2P 1Z5.
St Peter & St Paul’s is a member of the CCSAC, and we support the Centretown Food Centre. You can drop off non-perishable food items for the centre in the wicker basket located at the back of the sanctuary.
Ephesians Course | September 17 to December 3
On Thursdays, starting September 17 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Pastor Ben will be leading an 11-week course focused on Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. Unlike many of Paul’s letters, Ephesians does not focus on any obvious pastoral issues, rather Paul gives us a big-picture view of what God has done for us in Christ, and how to live into the fullness of this new reality. The letter is a masterful work of art, made up of praise, prayers, theological statements, and practical implications for daily life.
Our time together will be a mix of teaching, discussion, and prayer. There will be light refreshments. A study guide will be provided.
The curriculum will be:
Ephesians 1:1-14 - Grace and Peace Revealed (part I) - September 17
Ephesians 1:15-23 - Grace and Peace Revealed (part II) – September 24
Ephesians 2:1-10 - Saved by Grace – October 1
Ephesians 2:11-22 - The New Humanity of Grace and Peace – October 8
Ephesians 3:1-13 - Paul’s Mission of Grace and Peace – October 15
Pastor Ben will be away October 22 at our annual Synod
Ephesians 3:14-21 - Experiencing God’s Grace and Peace – October 29
Ephesians 4:1-16 - The Goal of Grace - November 5
Ephesians 4:17-32 - Walking by Grace (part I) – November 12
Ephesians 5:1-21 - Walking by Grace (part II) – November 19
Ephesians 5:21-6:9 - Manifesting Grace in Our Relationships – November 26
Ephesians 6:10-24 - Standing Firm in the Grace and Peace of God – December 3
Life @ St P&P Course | September 13 to October 25
We will be offering a 6-week class designed for those who are new to our parish and interested in learning more about what it means to follow Jesus in the Anglican way.
The course will begin on Sunday, September 13 at 9 AM in Stiller Hall. We will take a break on Thanksgiving Sunday, and finish up with a Luncheon on Sunday, October 25 at 12:45 PM.
This class will focus on our core values, our approach to interpreting and applying scripture, Anglican worship and discipleship and membership.
The Alpha Course
Wednesdays, 6 PM - 8:30 PM (September 16 - December 2)
ALPHA is designed to be a safe place to learn about the Christian faith in a relaxed, friendly environment. Over the span of 10 weeks, we explore a number of questions like: Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How and why should I pray? Does God heal today? Each evening we share a meal together, watch a video, and then spend time in discussion. ALPHA is also a great way to connect with new friends, build community, and grow in your relationship with God.
The course will run on Wednesdays, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM (September 16 - December 2) at St Peter & St Paul's Anglican Church.