Words of Welcome

Welcome to our community in the heart of Ottawa! We’re throwing open our doors and rolling out the welcome mat for everyone, from the solo adventurers to the relationship veterans, the freshly divorced to the widowed romantics. Whether you’re proudly flying the rainbow flag or simply trying to figure out which way is up, we welcome you!

To those navigating the highs and lows of life, whether you’re swimming in cash or just trying to remember where you left your wallet, come on in! We’ve got plenty of hugs to go around, and our laughter is known to be contagious.

A big shoutout to the littlest members of our community – to the babies with pipes louder than a rock concert and to those who might be mistaken for a beanpole, you’re the stars of our show!

Our doors are open to both Old Ottawa residents and those embracing the vibrancy of New Ottawa. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a wide-eyed newcomer to the city, or not originally from Ottawa, we’re thrilled to have you here, adding your own unique flavor to our melting pot of personalities.

Your singing skills might rival a superstar or resemble a cat stuck in a tree – either way, you’re welcome to join our growing choir. And if you’re here with a purpose or just following the scent of free coffee, know that you’ve found your people.

No judgment here on your faith journey – whether you’re as devout as a saint or haven’t set foot in a church since the last time you lost your car keys, we’re all about embracing your quirks and questions.

A special welcome is extended to those over 60 who haven’t quite grown up yet and to teenagers navigating the challenges of growing up too fast, welcome aboard! We’ve got snacks and bad jokes aplenty to keep you entertained.

Our community is a mishmash of characters – from golf buffs to hockey fanatics, vegetarians to junk-food enthusiasts and everything in between. Whether you’re swearing off carbs or diving headfirst into the dessert table, we’ve got your back!

If life’s got you down, come on over for a dose of laughter and a shoulder to lean on. And if you’ve had one too many run-ins with organized religion, fear not – we’re all about making spirituality invitingly comfortable for you.
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Whether you’re a lottery winner or firmly believe the world is flat, whether you’re a workaholic or just trying to remember how to relax, you’re all welcome here!

We’re here for those who can’t spell their way out of a paper bag, those with grandma in town looking for a church, and for anyone who accidentally ended up here after getting lost on the 417 – consider this your official invitation to join the party!

So whether you’re inked from head to toe, wearing enough piercings to set off a metal detector, or just in need of a friendly face and a good laugh, you’ve found your home away from home.

To the tourists, the seekers, the skeptics, and the bleeding hearts – welcome to Ottawa, welcome to Julian of Norwich! Let’s make some memories and maybe even a few bad decisions together!

Welcome to our community in the heart of Ottawa! We’re throwing open our doors and rolling out the welcome mat for everyone, from the solo adventurers to the relationship veterans, the freshly divorced to the widowed romantics. Whether you’re proudly flying the rainbow flag or simply trying to figure out which way is up, we welcome you!

Our doors are open to both Old Ottawa residents and those embracing the vibrancy of New Ottawa. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a wide-eyed newcomer to the city, or not originally from Ottawa, we’re thrilled to have you here, adding your own unique flavor to our melting pot of personalities.

No judgment here on your faith journey – whether you’re as devout as a saint or haven’t set foot in a church since the last time you lost your car keys, we’re all about embracing your quirks and questions.

If life’s got you down, come on over for a dose of laughter and a shoulder to lean on.

So whether you’re inked from head to toe, wearing enough piercings to set off a metal detector, or just in need of a friendly face and a good laugh, you’ve found your home away from home.

To the tourists, the seekers, the skeptics, and the bleeding hearts – welcome to Ottawa, welcome to Julian of Norwich! Let’s make some memories and maybe even a few bad decisions together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Us

Our church faces Merivale Road, between Rossland and Withrow Avenue. Our main entrance is at 7 Rossland Avenue. Parking is free, easy, and right at the main entrance. On Sunday mornings, there is additional parking across the street from the church at Elizabeth Wyn Wood School, which they are kind enough to allow us to use on Sunday mornings.

The church is accessible with several designated parking spots, a ramp to the main door entrance, and automated doors.

There are bike racks outside the main door and you can also use OC Transpo (Line 80 and 86 Bus stop at Merivale and Rossland Avenue)

Is There a Program for Children?

At Julian of Norwich the whole community worships together; from one year old to 100 years old. We have a children’s area at the back of the church that has a variety of books and activities for our younger parishioners. Each week there is a children’s bulletin that is geared to those from age 3-14 and includes games, colouring pages, and other activities that are linked to the scripture readings heard during the service.

At different times throughout the year you may find one of our older leaders guiding the children in that area with some seasonal art project or activity. Younger parishioners are welcome to make themselves comfortable in the Children’s Area or at the pew where the adults that they brought with them are sitting (or both areas ~ they can move around during the service).

What is the Music Program?

Music at Julian is lead by a team of musicians who are part of the parish community. We have a variety of musicians whose goal is to enhance the liturgy with music that the congregation is encouraged to sing. Some weeks you will hear piano and viola and other weeks you may hear guitar and percussion instruments.

Throughout the year (about every six weeks) there is an invitation for attendees to participate in a choir that will aid the music on a particular Sunday. Open Choir Sundays usually include a practice after the 10am service the previous week before.

What about Accessibility and Parking?

Julian of Norwich Anglican Church is fully wheelchair accessible, via the main church entrance (7 Rossland Avenue), as well as via the hall entrance (located east of the main church entrance).

Audio headsets are available to assist the hearing impaired at every service. Our greeters can provide you with a headset and instructions. Alternatively, you can pick one up from the small table behind the last pew on the right side of the main sanctuary.

Free parking is available in the parking lot near the main church entrance, at 7 Rossland Avenue and two handicap spots at the 9 Rossland entrance. Additional free parking is located on the opposite side of Rossland Avenue, at Elizabeth Wyn Wood Secondary Alternate School.

Do I need to get dressed up to come to Julian?

We are informal, so please wear whatever feels comfortable to you.

What do I do when I arrive?

Whether you come to either the 8:00 am, or the 10:00 am service you will be met by a friendly greeter who will pass along to you whatever you need for the service. Please feel free to ask your greeter any questions that you may have, and please do sit wherever you wish.

How long is the service?

The 8:00 a.m. Sunday service is a quiet service, without music and usually lasts about 30 minutes.

The 10:00 a.m. Sunday service is a full service, with music and lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

The 10:00 a.m. Thursday service is a short, reflective service in the Chapel and usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

How will I know when to stand, sit, or kneel?

You can easily follow the community’s lead on whether to stand, sit, or kneel.

Throughout the service we offer the option of assuming whichever posture is most comfortable for you, and enables you to best participate in the service.

We do not want posture to interfere with your being able to worship enjoyably.

What about receiving Communion?

All who are baptized are welcome to receive communion.

If you are not comfortable receiving communion, then you are welcome to receive a blessing – just indicate that you do not wish to receive communion by folding your arms in front of you

What about gluten and other food sensitivities?

At Julian we provide gluten-free communion wafers in addition to regular wafers.

Please indicate your gluten sensitivity to the minister serving communion.

Do I need to bring anything?

No. As our guest you are under no obligation to contribute to the work of Julian.

However, gifts are always gratefully received and those who continue to be part of the community are asked to prayerfully discern how they will contribute to the parish with their time, talent and treasure.

What happens after the service?

We currently do not have a ‘coffee hour’, but you can always find people gathered at the entrance to the sanctuary before and after the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services.

Please do not hesitate to join in the conversation.

Is Julian an Inclusive Community?

Julian of Norwich Anglican Ottawa welcomes diversities of every kind. All are welcome; without exception.

We are an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming community. We are always looking for ways to expand our LGBTQIA2S+
outreach and activities at the church and make efforts to ensure our parish is inclusive to different orientations, cultural backgrounds, and abilities.

We march in the Ottawa Pride Parade as a visible sign of support and affirmation of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Julian of Norwich and the Anglican Church?

Julian of Norwich is part of the Anglican Church of Canada

The Anglican Church of Canada define themselves as a people seeking to know, love, and follow Jesus in serving God’s mission. We invite you to join us. Canadian Anglicans are a diverse community. We worship in small chapels and large churches. Some of us worship with guitars and drums, while others prefer organs and choirs. We speak many languages.

The Eucharist (also known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion) is a central part of many Sunday services, but many Anglican congregations also meet for services throughout the week. Anglican services also follow a pattern that begins with the gathering of the community, then listening to and reflecting on the Scriptures. The community then brings the needs of the world and the community to God in prayer, and the group partakes in the holy meal of bread and wine, before being sent forth into the mission of daily life.

What is the ‘Anglican’ church?

The Anglican Church in Canada traces its roots back to the Church of England, and today it is an independent, self-governing church in communion with the other 44 churches of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglican Church in Canada includes more than 500,000 members in nearly 1,700 parishes, and like Canada, the church has become culturally diverse. On any given Sunday the tradition of common prayer is expressed across Canada in many languages, including Inuktitut, French, Spanish, and Cree.

From the Anglican Church of Canada: We invite you to read more about our beliefs, our organization, our history and what to expect by visiting our website at: www.anglican.ca

Truth & Reconciliation

Julian of Norwich Anglican Church acknowledges the location of its worship and community space on the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin nation.
The Anglican Church of Canada, along with the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the Roman Catholic Church, and the United Church of Canada were partners with the Government of Canada in running Indian Residential Schools. These schools, in policy and practice, were an assault on Indigenous families, culture, language and spiritual traditions. Great harm was done.

We continue to acknowledge and regret our part in that legacy, and to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 Calls to Action in fostering new and just relations with Indigenous peoples.

The Anglican Church acknowledges the significant responsibilities arising from its role in residential schools, and the need for a continuing and active commitment to reconciliation.
As a national body, the Anglican Church of Canada appointed Mark MacDonald as the first National Indigenous Anglican Bishop and Melanie Delva as the Reconciliation Animator to develop reconciliation as a spiritual practice built into who we are. Through the Anglican Healing Fund, the Church continues to financially support local, community-led healing projects that encourage and initiate programs to help heal, educate, and recover Indigenous language and culture. Joining with the National Church and parishes throughout the country, Julian of Norwich also prioritizes its participation in a continued journey of reconciliation.

Responding as a Church to the TRC’s Calls to Action

Call to Action 59 calls on churches to: develop ongoing education strategies to ensure that congregations learn about their church’s role in colonization, the history and legacy of residential schools, and why apologies to former residential school students, their families, and communities were necessary. (Sourced from Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver.)
We are responding to this call through various activities including the hosting of the Journeying as Allies Book Study, weekly acknowledgment of the land before our 10 a.m. service, addition of prayers for reconciliation throughout the year, and the celebration of National Indigenous Day in June each year.

Thank You for having taken the time to read our Frequently Asked Questions section.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to Reach Out