• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Shannon and Mike, Anne and Roger, Hilda and Aubrey, Lorelei, Vuokko, Rhonda, Gail, and Rita.
• Those who have died and those who mourn.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Updated list of Twinned Parishes).  
• Our relations in Christ from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations, from the Métis Nation of Alberta, and from the Métis Settlements in Alberta.
• Click here if you would like someone's name included in this prayer list. We will use first names only. Names are kept on the list for two weeks unless intentionally renewed.
• 2023 January to April Prayer Cycle - PDF / WORD

God of hope,
look upon those who live with despair as their companion.
Give them signs of your healing presence
and of your eternal purpose of salvation.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.
(Source: ACC Occasional Celebrations, Christmas Festival)

"The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." John 1:9

The staff of All Saints' Cathedral and the Synod Office wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year! 

The Synod Office staff wish one and all the blessings of the Advent season as it draws to a close, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year! The office will be closed the week of December 26-30, 2022 and will re-open Tuesday, January 3, 2023. 
Image: Gerd Altmann, Pixabay

Bishop Stephen London is pleased to appoint Sarah Kemp as Executive Assistant to the Bishop effective January 9, 2023.

Sarah brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously served the Edmonton diocese as an administrative assistant at All Saints’ Cathedral and then as assistant to Bishop Jane Alexander, before relocating to Sweden, in 2013, for Grant’s work.

“I thrive on being a problem solver,” says Sarah who has Sarah has a BA degree in Psychology, minoring in Christian Theology. “I enjoy managing tasks that would allow Bishop Stephen London and the rest of the team to focus on the larger picture.”

Sarah and Grant (pictured) will divide their home base until June when Grant and the kids will join Sarah in Canada.

Bishop Steve is “really excited” for Sarah’s help and says, “this is such an important position in the life of our diocese, and I think that Sarah will do an amazing job. We are really looking forward to her starting in January.”

Please join the Synod Office in welcoming Sarah and her family back to the Edmonton diocese.

The Hon. Lori Sigurdson, MLA for Edmonton-Riverview, awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal to Bishop Jane Alexander during Choral Evensong at All Saints’ Cathedral on December 18, the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Consecrated as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Edmonton on May 11, 2008, and currently serving as Assisting Bishop in the Territory of the People in central B.C., "Bishop Jane shows compassion, positivity and resilience, as she drives for change,” said Sigurdson. She is a champion for the dignity and rights of people who are marginalised in Edmonton and around the world… and is committed to building right relationships with LGTBQ2S+ and Indigenous communities. "Bishop Jane was instrumental in developing social justice leadership in her community. She was the co-chair of End Poverty Edmonton..."

In November, Bishop Stephen London was presented the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his efforts to encourage ecumenical dialogue.

The Diocese of Edmonton is grateful to both Bishops for their courageous and inspiring leadership. 

Team Anglican has reached its 2022 goal by donating 120 units of blood and/or plasma. Way to go team! If you're able, please consider giving blood over the holidays. You can join our team by first checking you're eligible, then clicking here to enter our Partner ID: ANGL696986. To donate blood, call: 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services.

Thank you to everyone who gave the give of life this year!

Volunteers led by Jennifer Rees and Darlene and Randy Niederhaus prepared an Outreach Christmas Luncheon featuring a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for participants of the outreach programs at All Saints’ Cathedral. 

People ate together at festively decorated tables as Mary-Lou Cleveland played Christmas music in the background. Santa stopped in for a piece of homemade pie.

“It was a lovely way to connect folks from our four outreach communities,” says the Rev. Ruth Sesink Bott, All Saints’ Vicar. “We’re developing a community of care around people like our seniors from the Cathedral Close who have a restricted income and, in many cases, not a large support network of family and friends.”

God is doing a new thing in the eastern region of the Diocese of Edmonton, where the congregations of St. Mary’s, Edgerton; St. Thomas, Wainwright; and St. Saviour’s, Vermilion recently came together as the Dayspring Ministry Team.

Pictured: St. Saviour's, Vermilion hosts a massive Garage Sale each fall with the entire proceeds supporting the Hot Meals Programs at the two local elementary schools. Submitted by the Rev. Rachael Parker, Rector, Dayspring Ministry

"If we had a service without any music, I would certainly notice it. I would notice the lack of it. There would be a dimension missing from the service. And this dimension . . . we can sort of live in this dimension. We can live in it like a house. Create music, and you can sort of see beyond it, see through the music to something . . . to something glorious."

Jeremy Spurgeon is the third career organist of All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton. The first, Vernon Barford, served from 1900-1956; the second, Hugh Bancroft, served from 1957- 1980. Jeremy took up the position of Director of Music at All Saints’ on “Low Sunday” (the Sunday after Easter), in 1980. He’s been here a long time, but he still has years to go if he’s going to beat Vernon Barford!

I met Jeremy when I joined the cathedral choir in the week preceding Palm Sunday, 2007. My husband Joe and I had been attending Choral Eucharist at the cathedral, sporadically, for about two years, and we had developed the notion that Jeremy was a sort of Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the good ship All Saints’ and that the organ console was his “bridge” (Star Trek fans will know what I’m talking about). As I’ve become acquainted with Jeremy over the years,

I’ve learned that our early notions were both right and wrong: right in our perception of expertise, energy, and, obviously, Englishness, but wrong because Jeremy is, of course, very much his own personality who, for instance, enjoys silliness, poetic imagery, and countless little cups of espresso coffee. But I won’t presume to describe him for you; I’ll let him do so for himself in the story that emerged from our interview chat, a conversation that took place in the relaxed atmosphere of his music-strewn office at the cathedral on October 21, 2016.

By the way, Jeremy’s was the last interview I conducted, but Bishop Steve and I have decided to put his story first (for the last shall be first). So, with future monthly installments of Keeping Faith, I’ll be working backward toward the oldest members of the diocese and the stories that take us back to the early days.  

(Gathered, edited, and presented by Karen Simons)

Installment #1: Jeremy Spurgeon’s “Time, Faith, and Music” 

Members of the Mothers’ Union held a rally in Ngozi town as part of their participation in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence leading up to Human Rights Day on December 10. Women from our companion diocese of Buyé and other dioceses, as well as bishops from Bujumbura, Rumonge and Buhiga participated in the rally. Photos: Fr. Canon Dominique Ciza

Let us help you promote your upcoming event in Synod Scene, our weekly e-newsletter to clergy, parishes and subscribers. Please click the link to the form below to tell us about your event (ie. youth gathering, parish fundraiser, worship service, community outreach, public lecture). Upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your event poster. Events must be submitted by Tuesday at noon for inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have Questions? Send us an email: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca

The Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM), now in its 45th year of responding compassionately to the needs of people living in Edmonton's inner city, needs your assistance. Led by the Rev. Quinn Strikwerda, the ICPM minitry team provides worship, Bible study, and men’s and women’s groups. As you prepare for the wondrous celebration of the birth of Jesus and time spent with family and friends, please take a moment to support the work of ICPM this Advent. Emergency grocery cards, bus tickets, and warm winter clothing and blankets all make a difference as ICPM supports people. Cheques may be made out to Inner City Pastoral Ministry and returned to: the Bissell Centre, 10527 96 ST NW, Edmonton AB, T5H 2H6. Donations are also welcome at www.canadahelps.org, or via e-transfer to icpmgiving@gmail.com.  Advent Appeal Letter

No Room in the Inn is based on the story of Mary and Joseph, forced to take refuge in a stable because there was nowhere else for them to stay. Each Christmas, churches and individuals from a number of denominations join together in this campaign to raise financial support to a housing provider that works to meet the needs of the homeless or those at risk in the Edmonton Metro Region. This year No Room in the Inn has chosen the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Edmonton Region. For more than 50 years, CMHA has worked to provide safe and secure housing for people living with mental illness. CMHA currently owns or operates seven buildings comprising of 146 units that house 108 individuals and families. Watch video!

As we journey through Advent, Bishop Stephen London accompanies parishes in this time of joyful waiting. Please keep him in your prayers.

• December 24: Christmas Eve Services, All Sants' Cathedral, Edmonton

Holidays are difficult for anyone experiencing pain, loss, loneliness and insecurity. The following parishes invite anyone struggling to find the joy of Christmas in the midst of grief to come together to listen to the promise of hope found in the birth of our Saviour who came to experience our human condition:

Wednesday, December 21:

7 pm: A Service of Light and Hope: Christ Church, 12116-102 Ave NW, Edmonton - CANCELLED due to cold weather

7 pm: Longest Night Service, Good Shepherd, 15495 Castle Downs, Rd NW, Edmonton

7 pm: When Christmas Hurts, joint service with St. Patrick's and St. Margaret's, 12603 Ellerslie Rd. SW, Edmonton

7 pm: Communion on the Darkest Night:  A service of quiet contemplation, prayer, and communion for those who find the season difficult to navigate will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral, 10035 103 St NW, Edmonton

Thursday, December 22:

7 pm: St. Thomas, 4A Raven Drive, Sherwood Park

Christmas Eve Happy Birthday Jesus, 4:30 pm: "And there, in the stable, amongst the chickens and the donkeys and the cows, in the quiet of the night, God gave the world his wonderful gift. The baby that would change the world was born. His baby son." Families are invited to St. Thomas's to celebrate the Birth of Jesus through crafts, carols, Communion and cupcakes!      

Traditional Christmas Eve Services, 7 pm & 9:30 pm: "‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’" Join us at one of our Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve services that will include the singing of some of our favourite carols and Eucharist as we celebrated the long awaited arrival of Emmanuel.                              

Christmas Day Service, 10 am: "And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Join us for a quiet Christmas morning service as we celebrate the arrival of the Christ Child through prayer, and Eucharist. Please note: This will be a said service   

St. Margaret's, Edmonton, 12603 Ellerslie Rd. SW, Edmonton, invites you to the following Christmas Services:

Christmas Eve

4.00 pm, Holy Communion for children and families (on-site only)

9.30 pm, Holy Communion by candlelight (battery-operated), on-site and live-streamed at www.facebook.com/stmargaretsedmonton

Christmas Day

10.00 am, Holy Communion, on-site, and possibly live-streamed if a tech is available - watch the Facebook page for more info

Family Service, 4:30 pm: Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castle Downs Rd, Edmonton, will host a Family Friendly Christmas Eve Service December 24. Families of all shapes and sizes are invited to Good Shepherd for a service designed with kids in mind. We will tell the story of the birth of Jesus, sing songs together and fill the church with playful laughter. This service will be similar to our Green Growing Sunday services and has been designed to be inclusive of all children, we know that movement, noise, questions and curiosity are an important part of growing up so we make extra space for wiggles, giggles, fidgets and story sharing. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Traditional Service, 7 pm: Good Shepherd will host a traditional Christmas Eve Service for folks who prefer the sacred traditions and ceremonies of the Anglican service. We will celebrate the birth of Jesus and sing hymns that connect our spirit deeply with the Holy Spirit. Prayerfully set your intentions for the new year with us as we reflect on the many gifts that God has given us and how we can share His light with our neighbours.  

St. Matthias, 6210 188 Street NW, Edmonton, is hosting a New Year’s Eve Family Dance fundraiser on December 31, 2022! Doors open at 7:00 pm and we will dance our way into 2023. There will be a late lunch and New Year’s bubbly of your choice is included with your ticket. The youth will be running a concession throughout the night with low-cost treats. There will be a cash bar available. Come enjoy music brought to you by DJ Marc, a photobooth, games and more. Optional kids’ movie room available after the countdown – bring your PJs and sleeping bag.  For tickets, call Tracey at St. Matthias: 780-487-0324 or office@stmatthiasedmonton.ca  Children under 3: free; Children under 16: $10; Adult: $20; Family rate: $50 (immediate family: parents/guardians and 2 children – additional children $5 each)

You are invited to a Bible Study on The Story of King David via the First and Second Books of Samuel at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84 Ave, in Old Strathcona, on Wednesdays, beginning January 4, 2023, at 10:30 am. 

In this study, we will read through the longest single narrative in the Bible, taking us from the time of the Judges through the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, to the reign of King David, and his death. While not ignoring the theological framework, the emphasis will be on the text as a story. To take part fully, participants should read each section before the session. Parking is free and the coffee is hot AND we offer morning prayer, at 10 am, that you are welcome to join! 

The parish of Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Old Strathcona) in Edmonton is looking for a half-time Assistant Priest. The Assistant Priest will work alongside the Rector in continuing to grow and develop many areas of ministry including but not limited to stewardship, youth and young adult’s ministry, and working in various areas of social justice in the community of Old Strathcona.  Job Profile

The parish of St. Augustine Parkland, located in Spruce Grove, is seeking a full-time rector. If this interests you, the parish of St. Augustine has prepared a parish profile in the form of a website, providing all the information you might need. The application deadline is January 3, 2023.

Resources for the  2023 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, traditionally held every year between January 18 (the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter) and January 25 (the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul), can be accessed here.

The resources have been prepared by the ecumenical Writing and Animation Team (WPCU ) of volunteers from member churches of The Canadian Council of Churches working in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism, the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism, and the Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada.

Dee Andres is a Christian caregiver offering support to seniors in the Edmonton region. A member of St. Paul's Anglican Church in Leduc for 12+ years and now a member of the congregation at St. Margaret's in Edmonton, Andres says she has had the pleasure of caring for hundreds of seniors. "COVID has made life and caregiving difficult," she says, "but please be reassured, there are still honest, empathetic and caring individuals available. I am available to all seniors and can provide a vast array of services."  Andres' business is called "For the Love of Seniors." She can be contacted at 780-446-6918. 

*Please note: the Synod Scene is happy to share information, but does not specifically endorse any particular business endeavour.

The 2023 Anglican Church of Canada publications are ready to order online. To get your church calendars, click here or visit the ACC publishing website at anglican.gilmore.ca and follow the links. The cost is $7.50 for 1 calendar, $6.00 for 2-19 calendars, and $4.00 for 20 or more. There is free shipping for orders of 50 or more. Click here to see a PDF preview of the calendar.

The Network of Biblical Storytelling Canada is hosting an online festival, February 3-5, 2023. Titled “Biblical Telling: A New Way Home,” the online gathering will explore ways in which the culture we grow up in can lead us to make assumptions about the meaning of the biblical texts we read and tell. Uncovering these assumptions and values is a way of knowing ourselves better, respecting the biblical witness more fully, and becoming more sensitive to those of cultures different from our own.