Holy Week services highlight busy spring at St. Columba
Congregation marks 66th anniversary of the consecration of the Church building
It has been an incredibly busy spring thus far at St. Columba.
March 17 marked the 66th anniversary of the consecration of the Church building. While last year’s milestone 65th anniversary was marked with celebratory services and a dinner, this year, we have chosen to combine the anniversary with the Feast of St. Columba on June 7.
On March 25 we held our first in a series of “Let’s Talk” presentations — this first one focused on Dementia.
The community was and is invited to these presentations on various topics. We hope to a have a second talk on Dementia, this one focused on resources available to those with or caring for someone with dementia.
Ringette team welcomed
March 28 saw the arrival for a second year in a row of the Saskatoon Blazers U18 ringette team. City of Ottawa Ringette hosted the National Tournament in 2025, with Nepean hosting this year. Some of the coaches/parents of the team once again utilized the kitchen at St. Columba to cook meals for the girls and their parents. Members of the congregation baked and brought everything from pancakes to sandwiches to squares/cookies/loaves.
Holy Week
March 29 was our Palm Sunday service — starting off our Holy Week. Services took place on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and, of course Easter Sunday (April 5). Our Lenten project of collecting cereal for the food bank resulted in more than 70 boxes of cereal (as well as other non-perishable and household items) delivered to the Emergency Food Bank at the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre before Easter.
Easter was extra special this year as we welcomed singers Natacha Demers and Natasha Henry (graduates of the Montreal Conservatory of Music and budding opera performers), along with our Cantors Alison Hamer, Spencer Cripps, Sophia Nickel, Mallory Williams and Shawn Mattas. Violinist, Doug Brierley, accompanied Genie Mackay on the grand piano and Faye Grinberg Rice, our Music Director and organist.
We also welcomed three new members into our community of faith as baby Thomas McCord Aulthouse and “big kids” Niall and Bea Trudeau were baptized. While baby Thomas was baptized in the very traditional way, at the Font, Niall and Bea CHOSE to be baptized in a pool. Needless to say, there were some logistical issues getting a (small) pool into the Church sanctuary, but when all was said and done, it was beautiful to witness.
Niall and Bea’s grandmother, Carolynne Pynn Trudeau, a well-known potter, made jugs to hold some of the water used in the baptisms (and now keepsakes for her grandkids). Family and friends of the singers and baptism candidates filled the church alongside parishioners.
April 29, St. Columba hosted a facilitated Community Café, where community service providers could meet and discuss services being offered, identify gaps and explore partnership opportunities.
Community Garden
The Manor Park Community Garden at St. Columba will be back in action once the weather warms up a little more. Two of the 18 boxes are designated to grow food for the food bank, with all of the gardeners sharing responsibility to plant, weed, water and harvest the produce.
Two further garden boxes are rented by St. Columba parishioners specifically for the purpose of growing food for the food bank. Many thanks to our City Councillor, Rawlson King, who provided a great many packages of seeds to the Community Garden.
Big Give
June 6 is The Big Give (thebiggive.ca). “Each year, churches across Canada bless and love their neighbourhoods through a day of giving extravagantly where everything is free!” At the time of writing this article, St. Columba is exploring the idea of participating in this event, which coincidentally is on the “usual” Manor Park Community Garage Sale weekend. If we do participate in the Big Give, we will share more information via the ListServe.
Some communities have people who will donate haircuts, cat/dog nail trimming, bicycle check-ups, seedlings, etc. If there are service providers who are willing to donate their time, talent, treasure, please get in touch with the Church office, 613-749-5103 or stcolumbaanglican@bellnet.ca.
On Wednesday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m., Ottawa Public Health is presenting a session on Fall Prevention. As with the Let’s Talk series, the community is invited to attend this first of four presentations from Ottawa Public Health to be held at St. Columba’s John Stewart Hall. Parking is available at the front and back of the church, with easy access to the John Stewart Hall from the back parking lot.
St. Columba will be commemorating National Indigenous Day of Prayer on June 21.
The Canadian Sunset Ceremonies (Musical Ride) will take place June 25, 26, 27 and 28. As usual, St. Columba parish will use our close proximity to the Musical Ride to offer parking (for a modest donation). We are usually able to fit approximately 60 cars/trucks in our front and back property. This is a wonderful form of outreach (meeting new people and offering a service) as well as an important fundraising event.
Strawberry Social
Close on the heels of the Sunset Ceremonies is our Strawberry Social, to be held this year on July 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. This has become an annual tradition both for the Church and the community.
We are hoping that warmer weather will bring a great crop of local strawberries. As usual we will offer homemade shortcake, local/Ontario strawberries, fresh whipped cream and choice of beverage. Take out orders will be available as well. Mark your calendars and save the date for this scrumptious event!
At the start of July we will also welcome back the STEM camps to St. Columba; filling the Church hall and grounds with the joyful laughter of the children.
As always, you are invited to join us on a Sunday. A warm welcome awaits you here.