Blessing of the Animals
2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Join us for a heartwarming community event!
All pets and their loving owners are warmly invited to our special blessing service at St. John’s Anglican church.
Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for a memorable day of joy and gratitude.
We look forward to celebrating the bond between you and your pets!

All Saints' Day - Wreath Making Workshop and Cemetery Decoration Day
2025-11-01 11:00 - 15:00 | St John’s Anglican Cemetery, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
The Meaning of All Saints’ Day
This is a special occasion that honours the legacy of those who have passed. This day is dedicated to commemorating the lives of saints and all faithful departed. This day reinforces core Christian beliefs in eternal life and the ultimate hope of resurrection. By reflecting on the lives of saints and the faithful departed, Christians are reminded of the eternal destiny that awaits them in the presence of God. This hope inspires not only personal piety but also a communal aspiration toward holiness and virtue. Celebrating All Saints’ Day encourages believers to live more devotedly, fostering a deeper connection with their faith and each other. All Saints’ Day serves as a powerful reminder of the rich heritage of the Church and the profound belief in an eternal celebration of life beyond death.
Join us for a Creative Workshop
As we celebrate this historic meaning of All Saints’ Day, we invite you to partake in our all-natural wreath-making workshop. This event is not only an opportunity for creativity but also a chance to connect with others in a warm and friendly environment. Together, we will craft beautiful, natural wreaths to decorate the resting places of our beloved ones. We will be providing fresh greenery, jute or cotton twine, pine cones, dried fruit, and so on. Participants are welcome to bring their own favorite natural, biodegradable additions to include in their wreath eg: ribbons made of cotton, burlap, or craft paper; cranberry or popcorn garlands; fresh or dried, real flowers or ornamental grass; colorful twigs such as purple osier willow, or red dogwood, nuts; acorns; seed pods…
Practical Details for Participants
Bring the kids along
We warmly invite families to join us for this day of creativity and remembrance. Children are encouraged to participate in the wreath-making workshop, provided they are accompanied by an adult. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to bond, create lasting memories together, and remember their departed loved ones.
Your generous donation of $20 per wreath helps us provide the necessary materials for this community event. Contributions ensure that all wreaths are made from sustainable resources, supporting both the environment and the ongoing preservation of our cemetery. Thank you for your support in keeping this tradition alive.
To secure your spot in the workshop, please fill out the registration form. For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us at cemetery@stjohnswhitby.ca. We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to this special event.
To anchor the beauty of your creation to a burial lot, please remember that all wreaths must be displayed on wire easels. We have a limited number of easels available for the first to register. However, don’t worry if you miss out! You can purchase an easel from popular craft suppliers like Michaels or Canadian Tire.
Here are some convenient links for purchasing:
Michaels – Metal Easel by Ashland
Canadian Tire – For Living Tri-Pod Wreath Easel
Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our choice of materials. All items used in the wreath-making workshop are biodegradable, ensuring that our activities leave no harmful impact on nature. By choosing biodegradable materials, we honor the natural beauty of our surroundings and contribute to a greener future. Each wreath crafted will be a testament to our dedication to preserving the environment.
*Cemetery Bylaw update – Starting November 1st, 2025, St. John’s Anglican Cemetery will no longer permit artificial flowers or non-biodegradable ribbons or decorations, as we are committed to managing the grounds sustainably.

Church Bazaar and Tea Room
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Church Bazaar

Join us for our Annual Bazaar where you’ll find delightful crafts, scrumptious baked goods, refreshments in our tea room, and all the usual favorites. Come by between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Highlights of our 2025 Bazaar

It was four hours of seasonal magic as the St. John’s community gathered to host our annual seasonal bazaar om Nov. 8. Long considered (humbly) the best lunch deal in town, it drew friends old and new for a delightful time of fellowship – not to mention a tremendous table of bake good and crafts supplied by our Monday morning craft group (10 am Mondays if you are interested in joining.)

A Service of Remembrance
2025-11-09 10:00 - 11:30 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Honoring Our Heroes

A Tribute to Our Veterans

This was a beautiful, solemn service as we remembered and honored the sacrifices of our veterans. Through heartfelt readings and reflective moments, we paid tribute to those who served with courage and dedication.

Some Highlights from the 2025 service

Ministry of Music

No Night There

A moving musical tribute, ‘No Night There,’ performed by our Ministry of Music. This piece beautifully captures the essence of hope and remembrance, offering a moment of reflection during our service. The harmonies moved us through a journey of peace and solace, as we honored those who have served with unwavering dedication.

In Flanders Fields

We heard the poignant words of John McCrae’s ‘In Flanders Fields,’ a moving tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I. This poem captures the essence of remembrance and the enduring legacy of those who gave their lives for peace.

The Last Post

The Last Post is a solemn bugle call that signifies the end of the day and serves as a tribute to those who have fallen in battle. It is a moment of reflection and respect for the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.

A Moment of Silence
As the haunting notes of the Last Post fill the air, we observe two minutes of silence to honor the courage and dedication of those who served. This silence is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.

Reflective Pause
Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, and let the Last Post serve as a reminder of our duty to remember and honor their legacy.

Honoring Our Heroes

We gathered in solemn respect, pausing for two minutes of silence to honor the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans. This moment of quiet reflection allowed us to remember those who have served and continue to serve, ensuring our freedoms and peace.

As the silence enveloped us, we reflected on the courage and dedication of those who have faced the trials of war. Let us hold their memories close, acknowledging the profound impact of their service on our lives and our community.

Reflective Creed

In the spirit of unity and remembrance, guided by the words of A Reflective Creed, read by Marilyn Meadows. This creed calls us to reflect on the divine presence in our world, the love that transcends conflict, and the hope for a future of peace.

Leader: Gracious and Holy God, we come to you in praise and remembrance. Be with us today, in our heads and in our understanding, in our mouths and in our speaking, in our hearts and in our listening.

All: We believe God made this world, God loves this world, God lives in this world. We believe God holds it and cradles it in loving hands, holding its pain, caring for every memory of every person in conflict. We believe God loves each human being on every side of every struggle, who has given of themselves, even to death, for family and friends and country. We believe violence breaks Gods heart; bullets tear through God’s realm; and war opposes Gods love. But we believe love lives longer than hatred; hope burns away at despair; God calls to us from the violence, and we can work in love for a better world. So be it.

Litany of Remembrance

Litany of Remembrance: Gail Sparks
Leader: In the rising of the sun and it’s going down,All: We remember them.
Leader: In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winterAll: We remember them.
Leader: In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summerAll: We remember them.
Leader: In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumnAll: We remember them
Leader: when we are lost and sick at heartAll: We remember them.
Leader: When we have joys we yearn to shareAll: We remember them
Leader: So long as we live they too shall liveAll: For we remember them.

Intercessions

Prayers for Peace and Healing

Intercessions: led by Peter Johnson
(Response “We pray for peace, O God)

Celebration of the Eucharist

The sacred celebration of the Eucharist, a time-honored tradition that brings our community together in faith and unity. This holy sacrament is a reminder of the love and grace bestowed upon us.

Let There be Music - An Evening of Classic Music
2025-11-22 19:00 - 20:30 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with classic melodies that resonate with the spirit of community. Experience the talent of the dedicated faculty of The Whitby School of Music as they showcase their musical gifts, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.
Tickets: Adults $20 and Children $10

Reign of Christ Sunday - Hanging of the Greens
2025-11-23 10:00 - 11:30 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
What is the Hanging of the Greens service?
The Hanging of the Greens is an important service that occurs on Reign of Christ Sunday, marking the beginning of the Advent season.
This special service is not just about decorating; it also fosters a sense of community within the church. Attendees engage in joyful preparation, uniting their efforts to create a spiritually enriching environment. Through the Hanging of the Greens and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, participants prepare their hearts for the joyous occasion of Christmas, deeply connecting the decorations to the faith that binds the congregation.
Celebrating Community and Faith
During the Hanging of the Greens service, we will gather to decorate our church with meaningful symbols. Wreaths, made of evergreen branches, represent the everlasting love of God. They embody the cycle of life and renewal, reminding us of the eternal glories awaiting us. Similarly, garlands crafted from fir and pine further enhance the church’s ambiance, reflecting the presence of God dwelling among His people.

Quiet (Blue) Christmas
2025-12-21 16:00 - 17:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
This is a quiet service to comfort those who are grieving and struggling to find joy during Christmas.

Celebration of the Birth of Our Saviour
2025-12-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-25 10:00 - 11:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
2026-02-17 16:30 - 18:30 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Ash Wednesday - Cancelled due to severe winter weather
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Ash Wednesday liturgy will be incorporated into the Sunday, February 22nd service due to severe weather on Wednesday.

Diocese Lenten Bible Study - ONLINE
2026-02-22 19:00 - 21:00 | ONLINE, Canada
Join Bible Remixed for a free online Lent course, “The Way of the Cross and a Crucified People,” to be held Sunday nights from Feb. 22 to March 29. What happens if we read Jesus’ walk to the cross in light of current realities? Weaving together scriptural story, Palestinian liturgy and Lenten self-reflection, this journey to the cross will deeply ground us in the story of Jesus’ passion as seen in today’s world. This is a free study, funded by the Diocese of Toronto. It will be led by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat, and Bishop Andrew Asbil will join the course every second week. To register, visit the Bible Remixed website.
This study is for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the Bible and its relation to contemporary life. All are welcome, regardless of denominational or religious affiliation. No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary.
Each session will be recorded and the link will be sent out to all participants. Registrants can also follow the entire study through the recordings.
There are no assignments and no required reading for this study, although suggestions for further reading will be made as the study progresses.
REGISTER HERE: https://bibleremixed.ca/palestine-lent-course

ONLINE - Evening Prayer - followed by Bible study - Week 1: Malchus
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Canada
During this holy season of Lent, you are warmly invited to join us on Zoom for a weekly Wednesday service of Evening Prayer, followed by an optional Bible Study for those who wish to stay. These Evening Prayer Services start at 7pm.
This year, our Lenten journey will be shaped by the voices and stories of people who stood near the events of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection—some faithful, some fearful, some flawed, all profoundly human.
Each week, we will reflect on one character and consider what their experience might reveal about our own walk with Christ.
Weekly Themes

February 25 @7pm – Malchus

A servant caught in the chaos of Jesus’ arrest, whose encounter with Christ becomes unexpectedly healing.

March 4 @ 7 pm – Judas Iscariot

A disciple whose choices challenge us to wrestle with betrayal, regret, and the mystery of grace.

March 11 @7pm – The Centurion

A Roman soldier whose moment of recognition at the cross still echoes through Christian confession.

March 18 @ 7 pm – Joseph of Arimathea

A quiet, courageous figure who steps forward when hope seems lost.

March 25 @ 7pm – The Women & the Emmaus Road Travellers

Witnesses of Resurrection—those who ran to the tomb, those who walked the long road, and those whose hearts burned within them.

Format

Evening Prayer (approx. 20–25 minutes)

A simple, peaceful liturgy to end the day.

Optional Bible Study

A time for conversation, questions, and deeper reflection on the week’s character.

Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZMkdOCsqj8vGdRilw3-elGm_tMs4UvadBGY/ics?icsToken=DMJzSHyNmJ5X2Ts4igAALAAAAJ3og_O4yXEoIJPb1LQdEOslsQK8JiUTbUJ-1RawEWFabsPgL1DoxaY5V2SHQudw1Kn6g6aaF03HYvScODAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=-_a6XyHfS82WDcqLW8g0iA
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87939444530?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 879 3944 4530
Passcode: [REDACTED]
This link will remain the same for all five sessions.

Lenten Bible Study - Weekly on Fridays at 10:00 a.m.
2026-02-27 10:00 - 2026-03-27 12:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Weekly Bible Study for Lent – Meets every Friday at 10:00 am in the Parish Fellowship Hall downstairs (entrance on the east side of the building). You are warmly invited to join us for a 5-week Lenten bible study. This year, our Lenten journey will be shaped by the voices and stories of people who stood near the events of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection—some faithful, some fearful, some flawed, all profoundly human. Each week, we will reflect on one character and consider what their experience might reveal about our own walk with Christ.
Weekly Themes
February 27 – Malchus – A servant caught in the chaos of Jesus’ arrest, whose encounter with Christ becomes unexpectedly healing.
March 6 – Judas Iscariot – A disciple whose choices challenge us to wrestle with betrayal, regret, and the mystery of grace.
March 13 – The Centurion – A Roman soldier whose moment of recognition at the cross still echoes through Christian confession.
March 20 – Joseph of Arimathea – A quiet, courageous figure who steps forward when hope seems lost.
March 27 – The Women & the Emmaus Road Travellers – Witnesses of Resurrection—those who ran to the tomb, those who walked the long road, and those whose hearts burned within them.

ONLINE - Evening Prayer - followed by Bible study - Week 2: Judas Iscariot
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Canada

ONLINE - Evening Prayer - followed by Bible study - Week 3: The Centurion
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Canada

ONLINE - Evening Prayer - followed by Bible study - Week 4: Joseph of Arimathea
2026-03-18 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Canada

ONLINE - Evening Prayer - followed by Bible study - Week 5: The Women & the Emmaus Road Travellers
2026-03-25 19:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE, Canada

Palm Sunday
2026-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Stations of the Cross
2026-03-31 19:00 - 20:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Service of Tenebrae
2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Maunday Thursday - stripping of the altar
2026-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Good Friday
2026-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Easter Sunday
2026-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada

Blessing of the Animals
2026-10-04 14:00 - 15:00 | St John’s Anglican Church, 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 9L8, Canada
Blessing of the Animals

Join us for a heartwarming community event!
All pets and their loving owners are warmly invited to our special blessing service at St. John’s Anglican church.
Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for a memorable day of joy and gratitude.
We look forward to celebrating the bond between you and your pets!
