Glebe-St. James – this is my church!
The Glebe-St. James choir warms up – Ottawa Public Foods Community Fridge, a Glebe-St. James community support project
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Glebe-St. James – this is my church!
By Pam Fitch
Glebe-St. James recently welcomed the Right Reverend Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, moderator of the United Church, who reminded us that in Indigenous teachings, the world is a place of abundance. She invited us to remain grounded in the awesome nature of God’s created order and to stay hopeful, even when everything coming at us makes no sense. These words have reminded me that staying hopeful and remaining focused on our purpose are some of the biggest lessons I have learned from my time at Glebe-St. James. Hopeful, joyful, focused: this is my church.
This church plays an important role in the Glebe, in the LGBT2S+ community and for anyone wanting to commit to social justice and inclusion. A longtime community hub and an affirming ministry, Glebe-St. James welcomes people from all walks of life, gender identity, culture and generation. This is radical hospitality at its best and contrasts markedly with the fearful political realities of these days. We try to make sure that each new person is warmly greeted and invited to join in whatever activities are happening.
Like many churches at this time of year, we try to draw the community into our hall by hosting a bazaar. Glebe-St. James’ bazaar is a much-loved fundraiser for the church and features treasures, kids’ toys, puzzles, quilting and handcrafts and baking. So much baking! The bazaar happens this year on Saturday, Nov. 23. Doors open at 10 a.m.
Many participate in Glebe-St. James because they want to give back to their community and help those in need. Glebe-St. James led the community in establishing Ottawa Public Foods (OPF), a community fridge in Centretown. OPF sustained a fire back in May, but its volunteers continued to host pop-up food events through the summer until OPF recently reopened, thanks to incredible efforts by volunteers. Glebe-St. James also partners with Centre 507 and the Centretown Community Food Centre, as well as participating in a collective of 22 other churches in the Centretown Churches Social Action Committee to help in social projects and housing initiatives.
The church creates opportunities for engagement. The women’s intergenerational group (WIG) has adopted “One Plane Away,” a Nunavut organization that helps to bring baby clothes and supplies to young mothers in the North. Glebe Montessori School also calls Glebe-St. James home, and more than 100 children attend its K-6 elementary school and nursery program.
Committed to righting relations with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, Glebe-St. James provides learning opportunities, and direct funding for local Indigenous organizations. As part of its community outreach on Orange Shirt Day, September 30, the Christian Development team engaged children from Glebe Montessori School to cut out and hang orange t-shirts on the large medicine wheel sculpture on Lyon St. The tiny orange shirts represent the thousands of children harmed by residential schools.
Many individuals tell us that they come to Sunday services at Glebe-St. James for the peace and quiet of the sanctuary, to reflect and to sing together. Someone told me she “came for the music but stayed for the people.” Many have mentioned that they love the dramatic arches in the sanctuary that create such beautiful acoustics for musical events. Some people attend the knitting group or play chess as a way to reconnect socially. Others join the choir, joyfully singing anthems and hymns together. Since the pandemic, the number of people singing in the choir has doubled, and we frequently discover new faces in the congregation who are seeking a church community. In addition, the Glebe-St. James YouTube channel, website and Facebook page provide connection and services for our online community who may live far away or cannot attend in person.
Social scientists tell us that churches and community engagement provide important, maybe even essential ways to strengthen our societies. Being a part of a church like Glebe-St. James teaches everyone about volunteering, participation in inspiring projects, giving, receiving, compassion and joy. Singing together, sharing concerns, listening to thoughtful messages and problem-solving strengthen our church and our community. This is my church. Come join us! You’d be welcome.
Pam Fitch sings in the choir and is a long-time member of the Glebe-St. James congregation.
