Deacons report back after attending National Conference in Sorrento, BC

Our Deacons, Deb Chapman and Shane Watson, recently returned from the 2024 national conference of Deacons, a joint event of the Anglican Church of Canada and the ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada). The following report was provided by the Rev’d Shane Watson.

The theme of the conference was Beacons of Hope in a Messy World (someone, I think the Primate, commented that “Deacons” of Hope would be appropriate).

Over the course of the four days we were there we enjoyed our keynote speaker, Christian Harvey who presented a couple of energetic sessions on the theory and practice behind the six principles of Kingian Nonviolence as an approach to addressing change and conflict.

The Rev’d Shane Watson and the Rev’d Deb Chapman

We also had the opportunity to hear several other speakers: our Primate, Archbishop Linda Nicholls, who spoke about the importance of team approaches to ministry — deacons being a key part of such team approaches along with other orders of clergy and laity; Chris Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop; and a local indigenous story teller.

The Rev’d Deb Chapman

Of course, while we were there we enjoyed a banquet of wild salmon from the area and wine from a nearby indigenous winery!

Deacons Conference attendees on the lawn of the Sorrento Centre

The beautiful Sorrento Centre (Image from their web site)

Fashion Show was a hit!

The Trinity Group, St. John’s local chapter of Anglican Church Women, knows how to put the FUN in FUNDRAISING with another iteration of their annual Fashion Show. Funds raised benefit various charities and local causes. This year featured fashions from several local clothing stores, and for the first time this year, models were not only women! Check out The Anglican for a couple of great photos of Fr Jesse and Deacon Shane as they made their way down the floor.

Our own Penny Nutbrown and St. John's Spiritual Park are featured in a mini-documentary!

Earlier this spring Penny and the Spiritual Park were subjects of a short documentary created by Community Power Northumberland as part of their Change Makers series.

“This changemaker is helping her community develop a stronger appreciation for our place in a shared ecosystem. “You don’t protect what you don’t love. You don’t love what you don’t know”.

Meet Penny Nutbrown at St. John’s Anglican Church in Port Hope. A retired teacher, Penny is finding creative ways to help children and adults learn about our shared environment and our role as stewards.”
— from the film

Penny Nutbrown introducing the Spiritual Park and Garden

Penny Nutbrown with a friend in the Garden

Caring for the young plants

Emmaus Cafe Receives Support from Anglican Foundation

We are pleased to announce that this week our Wednesday Emmaus Cafe (formerly known as Coffee Hour) received a grant of $2,500.00 from the Anglican Foundation of Canada. We are grateful to the Anglican Foundation for their meaningful support of this lively ministry. You can enjoy the Emmaus Cafe every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the lower Parish Hall. Food and fellowship are free, though donations are gratefully accepted.