• Those who are sick, suffering or in need: Linda, Becky, Brian, Daphne, Denise, Erin, Jenny, Megan, Paul, Rhea, Sandy.
• Those who have died; and all those who mourn.
• Our brothers and sisters in Christ from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations, from the Métis Nation of Alberta, and from the Métis Settlements in Alberta.
• Bishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Twinned Parishes).
• Request a prayer Click here to let us know who you would like prayers for in the diocese. We will use first names only which will be removed after two or three weeks.

Updated March 10, 2020

At the time of this post, the risk to Albertans of becoming infected with the Coronavirus is still considered low. Please see the Alberta Health website for the most up-to-date information: COVID-19 Info for Albertans

Although the risk is low at this time, the Diocese of Edmonton has today issued new guidelines for public worship, in order to stay 'on the safe side.' Clergy have been asked to:

• Have people stay in place during the Peace and exchange smiles and waves instead of handshakes and hugs.
• Let people know that to receive communion in one kind (bread only) is perfectly acceptable.
• Refuse intinction at this time. (Intinction is not as safe a practice as it might seem.)
• Share smiles and friendly conversation at the door instead of handshakes or hugs.
• Provide hand-sanitizer (60% alchohol content) at the entrance of the church and at the front of the church for people to use before taking communion. (This may take some doing as many stores have run out of sanitizer.)

Whether she is visiting parishes in the diocese, leading and educating the community, providing pastoral support to the clergy, or representing the diocese in the Anglican Communion, our Bishop is always on the move! Here are some of the upcoming events which Bishop Jane will be attending:

*March 14: Lenten Quiet Day, St. Mary the Virgin, Vegreville
*March 18: Keynote speaker at Annual General Meeting of Inner City Pastoral Ministry, Christ Church, Edmonton
*March 22: Service of Induction, St. Mary's and St. George's, Jasper
*March 25: Service of Ordination, blessing of oils and celebration of service, All Saints' Anglican Cathedral, Edmonton

Anglican and Moravian youth camping programs are teaming up once again to offer a Spring Retreat for junior and senior high youth. The camp will run Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22 at Van-Es Camp, about 20 minutes southeast of Edmonton. Camp starts with supper on Friday and ends with lunch on Sunday. Registration fee is $65 per camper. REGISTER on-line today!

Join Trinity Youth Project on Monday, March 16, 6:30-8:30 pm, for the opening of their youth art installation, “Sings the Tune Without the Words,” at EPL in Old Strathcona, 8331-104 Street, Edmonton. The exhibit will feature art collaborations by youth, led by Alma Louise Visscher, thanks to a Community Arts Program grant from the Edmonton Arts Council. For more info, contact Clark at info@trinityyouthproject.ca .

Trinity Youth Project is a Diocesan ministry that supports marginalised youth in Edmonton and area. In February and March they are offering a 15% discount to parishes looking to order baked goods from their baking employment program! Individuals part of the Diocese can also take advantage of this discount by mentioning discount code “Diocese15” when placing an order. For their current menu, and to place an order, please email info@trinityyouthproject.ca.

The Inner City Pastoral Ministry Annual General Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Christ Church Anglican, 12116-102 Ave, Edmonton. The keynote speaker is the Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander. For more information, call ICPM Pastor Rick Chapman at 780-424-7652. INVITATION

It is our pleasure to announce that Bishop Jane Alexander intends, God willing, to ordain to the priesthood the Rev. Rebecca Harris, interim deacon-in-charge at Holy Trinity Riverbend, Edmonton. The ordination service will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 7:00 pm, at All Saints' Anglican Cathedral, 10035-103 St NW, Edmonton. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy are invited to vest. The colour is white.

*PLEASE NOTE* This service will also include the blessing of the oils, so please bring your containers. Plus, we will be celebrating Canon Barb Burrows and thanking her for her years of hard work and dedication as the Secretary of Synod. Please feel free to bring cards and warm wishes for her.

Committed to “walking together” despite “deep differences,” the Primates of the Anglican Communion have called the churches of the Anglican Communion to a Season of Repentance around the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 29, 2020.

They commend a collection of prayers for repentance and reconciliation to use in worship. The Lent 5 resources are available for parishes to download in PDF for printing, or as a WORD document, for cutting and pasting into other documents, such as service booklets.

The 2020 Interfaith Works Project is taking place from until May 14! The IWP is a project that brings together faith communities to support Habitat for Humanity as we provide affordable home ownership to local families. Learn how you and your faith community can be part of the action: https://www.hfh.org/interfaith/ POSTER / INFO

The ACW Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, May 2, at St. Matthias, 6210-188 St, Edmonton. Registration begins at 9:15 am, with Holy Eucharist at 10 am. All members of the diocese are welcome!

Do you enjoy sharing God's love and presence with people in need? Have you considered giving your time as a Lay Hospital/Carehome visitor in our diocese? The Rev. Regula Brandle, diocesan hospital visitor program coordinator, would like to build her lay hospital visitor team. She will gladly provide information and training. Your time commitment would be approximately three hours/week. If you are interested, or would like to know more, please contact Regula, Anglican Hospital Chaplain, at 780-484-0334. She is hoping to hear from you!

The Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) is an inter-denominational Christian ‘ministry of presence’ for inner city people. The pastor oversees the overall direction of the ICPM mission, objectives, and goals, providing spiritual leadership and pastoral care largely among adults living within the urban core of Edmonton. For more information, see the Ministry Description, visit www.icpmedmonton.ca, or contact or Nancy Kerr. Please send applications by email to nkerr@ualberta.ca by March 9. Review of applications will begin on March 16, 2020.

Give the gift of Life! And when you do, let Canadian Blood Services know you're Anglican! Donate through the Partners for Life program using our code: ANGL696986, and help us meet our goal of 100 units of blood donated by the end of 2020.

• Sign up here to become a Partner for Life
• Make an appointment to donate at the Edmonton Donor Clinic (8249–114 Street)
• March Mobile Clinic Schedule (communities outside of Edmonton)

Keeping track of historical documents important to the Diocese of Edmonton is a big job! Our dedicated archivist is looking for interested and conscientious individuals who would like to volunteer to help with this work for about three hours a week. Please take a look at the attached Job Description which includes more information and the right person to contact if this interests you. 

Contacts: 
*The Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Indigenous Ministry: rev.enright@gmail.com / 780-477-5931
*Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and Rural Communities Liaison: f.brownlee@edmonton.anglican.ca / 780-312-9070
*The Rev. Lori Calkins, Priest: loriinkster@gmail.com 

Resources:
Please see the Indigenous Ministries section of the diocesan website for leaflets, web links and other resources to help you pray and take action for reconciliation. See also the Anglican Church of Canada Reconciliation Toolkit.

The Creating Hope Society of Alberta invites anyone involved in urban core ministries to a 4 Directions Gathering in the Spirit of Creating Hope. A sharing circle will be held at McCauley School Gym (Edmonton Intercultural Centre), 9538 -107 Avenue, on Friday, March 20, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. Creating Hope Society is engaging with community Elders, agencies, and educators to share responses to the TRC Calls to Action – reconciliation, healing and beyond (resurgence). Your participation in this timely gathering is significant because members of 4 Directions engage daily on many levels with First Nations, Métis and others.

The Anglican Church of Canada invites you to listen in to an eight-part podcast series entitled Sacred Teachings: Wisdom of the Land; a joint initiative of Indigenous Ministries and Anglican Video. The series features Indigenous speakers, who share their insights, wisdom, traditions and stories about the sacredness of creation. To date, four podcasts have been released across various platforms, including: Vimeo, Spotify and PodBean

Come to the Desert: We read various accounts of Jesus inviting and encouraging the disciples to go in to the quiet to pray and to just "be" in the presence of their Creator; this year, through the season of Lent, St. Matthew's, 125 Larose Drive, St. Albert, has created a desert for this same purpose! The church will be open Monday through Thursdays over the noon hour (12-1:00pm) and then during the weekday evening Eucharist Tuesdays at 7:00pm. All are welcome and invited to come, sit, and be. POSTER

Saturday, March 14 from 9:30am-3:00pm at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, 5042 – 48 Avenue Vegreville. Take some time in your Lenten journey to spend a day with Bishop Jane Alexander as she leads participants through a series of reflections, worship and prayers, pointing us on our journey to the cross and beyond to Jesus’ resurrection. Refreshments and a light hot lunch will be provided. If you have any dietary restrictions, you are encouraged to bring your own bagged lunch. Donations appreciated. POSTER

In the middle of the Lenten season, i Coristi Chamber Choir presents Passiontide, reflecting on Christ’s journey to the cross, and the universal themes of sorrow and betrayal, as we look with hope toward Easter. Featured works are Schütz’s rarely performed early Baroque masterpiece, his setting of the St. John Passion; and the lush, Romantic Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence by Francis Poulenc. The audience is invited to bring donations for Edmonton’s Food Bank. Advance tickets $20 through TixOnTheSquare.ca (780-420-1757) or Eventbrite.ca. Tickets at the door $25.

All are invited to the next Philosopher's Cafe discussion at Christ Church, 12116-102 Ave, Edmonton. Join us on Sunday, March 29, at 4:00 pm, for wine, cheese and a conversation with Dr. Henry Schuurman speaking on the topic of The Place of Chance in a World Sustained by God. There will be a movie and popcorn in the lounge for the little philosophers.

CANCELLED Due to Health Concerns: St. Stephen the Martyr ACW's Irish Stew Dinner in honour of St. Patrick.

The Rev. Andreas Sigrist will be inducted as rector of St. Mary and St. George in Jasper, on March 22 during the Sunday morning service at 10:30. The church is at the intersection of Geikie Street and Miette Avenue. All who are able to make the trip to beautiful Jasper are welcome to join us. Any clergy who are able to attend are invited to vest. The colour is purple. 

The Associates of SSJD will host a Quiet Day on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at the Anglican Parish of Christ Church, 12116-102 Ave. We will begin with coffee at 9:30 am. Canon Susan Storey will deliver two talks on the theme of spiritual practices, including centering prayer. We will have a noon Eucharist with Canon Maureen Crerar officiating, followed by a silent lunch (bring your own brown bag surprise); soup will be served. Please confirm your intention to come by emailing Gen at gclaire@telus.net We will close with compline at 3:15 pm. We really like having new attendees – everyone is welcome.

The Anglican Foundation’s Board of Directors will hold its spring meeting in Edmonton this year. All are invited to an Evensong service, Reception, and Annual General Meeting at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035-103 St, on the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Come join us! INVITATION
5:45 pm – Choral Evensong
6:45 pm – Reception
7:30 pm – Annual General Meeting  

St. Luke's, Edmonton is looking for a part-time musician and choral leader (approx. 6hrs/wk, paid monthly) who will lead Sunday and special worship music, as well as rehearse with our choir and volunteer musicians. If interested see attached Ministry Profile. To apply, please email rector the Rev. Nick Trussell at
n.trussell@edmonton.anglican.ca or call 780-405-6938.

The Anglican Parish of Christ Church, 12116-102 Ave, Edmonton, is hiring a Youth Ministry Leader and Communications Coordinator. To apply, see attached ministry profiles and email your coverletter and resume to the Rev. Sue Oliver: mailto:sue@christchurchedm.ca.

Jenny Nunes has a well-used and beautifully cared for Lowrey Jubilee organ, originally purchased from Giovanni’s, to give away to a good home. For more information, please call Jenny: 780-909-5410.

This year, preceding the walk on Good Friday, April 10, a smudge ceremony will be offered at the starting point beginning at 9:45 AM. The walk then begins at 10 AM at Immigration Hall, 100 Street 105 Avenue, Edmonton, and finishes about noon at Hope Mission (9908 106 Ave).

The 40th annual Edmonton Outdoor Way of the Cross is an ecumenical event that invites the participation of people from all faith traditions. This year the focus is inspired by Pope Francis’, Laudato Si, Care for Our Common Home. Each of EIGHT stations offers prayer and musical reflections on how the gospel values of Jesus apply to individual and public life today; calling us to action. They will highlight both a challenge and a source of hope reminding us that “The earth is the Lord’s and its fullness is for all who dwell therein.”Participants walk from station to station, on a route of two kilometres, on paved streets and lanes, making it reasonable for most ages and levels of fitness and ability. Participants are encouraged to dress for conditions; ensuring they wear good footwear for the journey.

Participants are invited to bring donations of toiletries or non-perishable food items to be collected by the Mustard Seed. There is free street parking available in the area of the start and finish locations. POSTER

The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund has a number of resources available for parishes to purchase. This year there is a special focus on climate action, including - back by popular demand - reusable laminated place mats. For more information, see the attached letter. To see all that is available, visit the PWRDF website. If you know your parish ID number, you can use it when ordering, but it is not necessary. Resources will be mailed out beginning in early April.

Unfolding Through the Seasons: Guided Nature Therapy Walks: Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, translated as “forest bathing,” this series of nature and forest therapy walks is designed to connect participants in ever-deepening ways with themselves and the “more-than-human” world as we journey together through the seasons. This program is entirely outdoors on the lovely grounds at PRC, so dress for the weather!!
Saturdays: March 21, April 18, and May 23 (1:00 to 4:00 pm) $120 Register by: March 17

Holy Week Retreat: Walking with the Disciples through the First Holy Week: April 5, 7:00pm to April 12, 10:00am
Starting on Palm Sunday, we will walk with the disciples as Jesus leads them (and us) through the events of each day, on an incredible journey in which they (and we) truly die and rise with him. See website for cost and registration. 

Mundane Mysteries: A Contemplative Bread-Making Retreat with Jodi Lammiman & Amy Spark. Sat, March 21. Cost: $95.

Ignatian Prayer Retreat with Faith Nostbakken, March 27-29. Cost: Live-in: $250; Commuters: $190. POSTER

At This Wonderful Age: Discovering and Celebrating the Gift of Our Years with Sandy Prather & Connie Hopkins. Wednesdays, 7 to 9 pm, April 15, 22, 29 and May 6.  

Grandmothers of Alberta for a New Generation (GANG) is looking for donations of new fabric, notions, yarn, craft supplies for their Fabulous Fabric Frenzy 2020, to be held May 2nd. All proceeds will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, helping African orphans, victims of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and their grandmothers looking after them. Whether you are trying to downsize or helping someone else clear out a home, please consider donating to GANG. Donations can be delivered to the back door of Strathearn United Church, 8510 95th Ave, Edmonton, any Thursday until April 16, from 10-2:00 pm. Pick-up can also be arranged by calling 780-902-1894.

The Diocese of Huron has forwarded information about The Church Camp at Big Bay Point on Lake Simcoe, Ontario. Several cottages are available to rent every summer. The Board would like to make these rental opportunities available to clergy across the Canadian church. The land for the camp was donated to provide inexpensive respite for clergy and these rustic two and three bedroom cabins offer a quiet, forested setting on a private beach that is close to Barrie.  The site is easily accessible from the airport and GO train in Toronto.  Brochure

Messy Church Canada is holding a National ‘Messy Connections’ Conference in Winnipeg, from October 15 to 18, 2020. Messy Connections brings together Messy Church teams, as well as those interested in launching Messy Church, in a four-day conference with Messy Church founders and leaders. The conference will be an interactive, energized, musical, and inspired gathering that will connect you with other leaders and with your own learning in Messy Church.Information about the Conference and registration can be found on Eventbrite.