Join Us, scroll down to meet our leadership

St. John the Evangelist, Leamington, is Anglican by denomination. We often call ourselves The Middle Way. We share teachings and practice, but our style of worship can vary from plain and unadorned to high mass with all the trimmings. The service is in English, and it uses two books: one with prayer, one with hymns, your neighbour will happily journey with you. All churches share a common 'Liturgy' - prayer, scripture, sermon, hymns, ours is on the more formal side in construction, but friendly in presentation. We have a 500 year history that is ever evolving, more that we can put here! There are very few formal rules, and we encourage questions and differences of opinions, though that must come with respect and a smile. This church evolves, and it will do so as we engage with each other and ask Where is God taking us?

Anglicans are active in ministry throughout the world and share 5 common marks of mission, or expressions of that ministry.

* We proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.
* We teach, Baptise and nurture new believers.
* We respond to human need by loving service.
* We seek to transform unjust structures of society.
* We strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

At St. John's we endeavour to do all of these things. We also pursue God's truth and love using the tools of scripture, reason, and tradition. We value patience, kindness, and acceptance and we are open to discussion, conversation and questions of all sorts. We encourage faithfulness and generosity in all things. As we do all this, we do it with a sense of humour and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not an Anglican, can I come to your Church?

All are welcome. Regardless of age, background, religion, gender, ethnicity, all are welcome.

Can I attend church with my small children?

All are welcome. St. John's is a family friendly church and we are delighted for your children to remain in church with you, or they may come to the front where we have age appropriate activities. Children who move or ask questions are normal and a delight, I have been asked many important and meaningful questions at the altar and during the service.

How do I become a member?

By being here at any point of the week. We will add you to our parish list on request so you may receive both our mailings and the Huron church News. To be a voting member, some attendance and financial offering are required.

Do I need to be baptised to receive communion?

Simple: yes. if you receive communion at your home church, you are free to receive communion here. You are always welcome at the Lord's Table to receive Bread, Wine, both, either or a blessing.

How can I be baptised?

Just ask. Approach the rector and ask about being baptised. The rector will be responsible for ensuring that you are appropriately prepared for baptism and the rector will preside at the baptism service when the time comes.

Can I get married in your church?
Every Anglican parish has their own requirements for weddings. We welcome those who wish to be married at St. John's. We require at least 3 months notice prior to a wedding, and at least one of the parties must be a baptized Christian. Marriage preparation is required by the canons (church laws) of the Anglican Church of Canada.

What about Funerals?

It is best to talk to your family about what you want: it is not morbid, it is important. Death is a stressful time, and there are so many details to consider when one is not in the thinking mood. The service can be in the church or at a funeral home or simply graveside. It can be long with Eucharist and Hymns, or small and intimate. A funeral is about what God is doing through the Resurrection, and though we remember a life well lived, God, through Jesus Christ has priority. We focus on who Christ is and why we are Christian.

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Please note that many of these activities are on hold due to COVID

What we do

Wednesday service, 9:15, style to suite your needs
Sunday Services 8:30 traditional language, spoken and 10:30 modern language with choir
Bible studies, a variety of topics and styles Tuesdays 7pm, Wednesdays 10am, and Thursday 3pm. topics and content change regularly.
Woman's group (ACW) first Monday of the month, 1pm
Crafters Tuesday 2pm, bring your laughter and hobby
Council Fourth Wednesday 7pm
Wednesday meal free, Wednesdays from 4pm, delivery or take out at this time
Angel Cupboard, free clothing form 1 to 5 pm fourth Wednesday of the month.
Messy Church third Friday of the month 5-7pm. Food, fun, faith.
Migrant Worker's Hospitality, every other Sunday, check our calendar
Other groups - see calendar

Our Team

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The Reverend Deborah Wilson-Safa

Deacon, responsible for Outreach

"...there are deacons who, in addition to assisting bishops and priests in all this work, have a special responsibility to minister in Christ’s name to the poor, the sick, the suffering, and the helpless." BAS p631

The Reverend Debbie has lived in the area for thirty years. She is very well connected to the needs of Leamington. Under her careful guidance, our outreach ministries help hundreds every month. From our Angel Cupboard for clothing, Pantry, weekly meal and advocating on people's behalf, Debbie is connected to Leamington's heart and spirit. She also leads Contemplative Prayer.
Debbie has two children and one grandchild.

Christie Paulton
Parish Administrator

I am currently the Parish Administrator at both St John the Evangelist and St Marks by the Lake. I enjoy working at both churches, meeting and chatting with new people.

I grew up in LaSalle and I have 1 son, and 3 dogs (a beagle/hound mix and 2 huskies)

Outside of work, I enjoy doing many crafts, my favourite being Stained Glass. I also enjoy volunteering for different roles in the church.

Eric Swiatoschik

Director of Music

is an organist and pianist living in Windsor. He has many years experience playing for numerous churches throughout Windsor and Leamington. With the help of the choir, he is looking for ward enhancing worship through new approaches to tradition liturgical music. Eric has a Master’s degree in composition from Western University and has had music performed by numerous ensembles throughout Ontario.

David Seaton
Warden

To paraphrase Mick Jagger, “Let me introduce myself, I’m a man of song and faith”.
I’m David Seaton, the newest Warden. I’ve accepted the invitation to fill the position for this year. I look forward to working with our church team as we navigate these unprecedented times.
I come from the GTA and a family of lifelong Anglicans. I arrived in Leamington 30 years ago (boy does time fly!) and joined St. John’s shortly thereafter. Although I jokingly refer to myself as a seasonal parishioner due to spending time up north at the family cottage from May/June to October, I have served on Parish Council since 1992 as well as the Property/Finance and old Christian Fellowship committees. I am a seat filler in the choir, accompanying the more talented members. (Please think about joining us in this fun blessed service once we fully reopen)