• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: John and Donna; Tara; Della; Karen; Jim; Réal; Jordan; Jean and Cheveyo; Lorelei, Marie, Sue, Marguerite and Doreen; Paul, Rhea, Mitchell, Bob and Jen; Megan and Christian.
• Those who have died; and those who mourn.
• Those affected by conflict or natural disasters around the world, including residents of Jasper and first responders.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Updated list of Twinned Parishes).  
• ELCiC Bishop-Elect Patricia and the Synod of Alberta and the Territories.
• 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 at the end of those two weeks.

Bishop Stephen London has appointed the Very Rev. Alexandra Meek as Commissary from August 8 to 29.

When 500-foot flames leapt toward mountain tops on July 23, there was little more firefighters, first responders, and Parks Canada employees could do to stop the wildfire from roaring through parts of the town of Jasper.

Pictures posted to social media on July 24, showed all that remained of the historic St. Mary and St. George Anglican Church, once a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, was a chimney stack and parts of the stone foundation. A sign on the church property that once welcomed visitors to Sunday worship, stood in stark contrast to its ashen surroundings.

“We are all heartbroken. There are no words,” said Bishop Stephen London in a letter confirming the sad news to the people of the Edmonton diocese. Incredibly, although it was later confirmed the fire had consumed one-third of the town, more than 20,000 residents and visitors had been safely evacuated.

When the Crew of St. Mary’s, Edgerton heard about the devastating wildfire in Jasper that consumed one-third of the town including St. Mary and St. George Church and the homes of all but three parishioners, they knew exactly what to do with the proceeds of their annual bake sale.

Held over the Long Weekend, the sale featured homemade pies, bread, buns, muffins, cookies and more, fresh produce from the crew’s gardens, jams, jellies and pickles. Tables laden with goodies were purchased within 15 minutes, netting $2,800 for the Jasper Anglican community.

The Lake Bake Sale (originally held at a cabin at Clear Lake), was started in 1973 by St. Mary’s ACW. In recent years, the sale has been held at the Arm Lake clubhouse and campground, where the managers donate space for the sale. In addition to local Edgerton and Wainwright patrons, the sale is supported by many people camping and on holidays. Submitted by Donna Wilkinson, St. Mary’s, Edgerton-Dayspring

On a sunny hillside south of the Rochfort Bridge near Mayerthorpe, in Lac Ste. Anne County, Bishop Stephen London, accompanied by RJ Chambers, office administrator, Diocese of Edmonton; and Janette Chambers, office administrator, St. Timothy’s, Edmonton; led a Remembrance Service, on July 27, for those interred at Padstow Cemetery. 

Located in the center of four quarters of land farmed by the family of Wyatt and Coreen Soroka and their four children, Padstow Cemetery is all that remains of an Anglican churchyard that once included a log church built by pioneers and consecrated for worship in 1913. A plaque in the church honoured six settlers who had been killed in action during World War One (1914 to 1918).

By July, Anna Bubel, Strategic Planning Committee Consultant, had met with every parish in the Diocese of Edmonton, either in person or in a couple of extraordinary cases, via video or phone conference. 

Bubel says she had many “Ah-ha!” moments as she drove 4,600 kms to visit parishes. These are her top three:

1. “I am blown away by people's dedication. So many elderly women, in particular, are holding their church communities together despite declining numbers and increased expenses. They are clearly bound by a deep love of God and each other -- doing everything to keep their church doors open and keep Christ at the center of their lives. 'Small but mighty' was a description that was often repeated."
2. “I was impressed by people's clear and practical thinking when sharing their challenges and opportunities. There was a level-headedness when describing the struggles of their parishes.”
3. “The themes arising from the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analyses and the sessions were overwhelmingly similar and did not cut neatly along urban vs. rural divides. Smaller parishes experience the same challenges as larger ones, albeit on a different scale. Rural parishioners tithe more per capita than their urban brethren. They are tackling the same challenges but with fewer human and financial resources. Parishes struggle with big-picture diocesan thinking (seeing themselves as part of a diocesan family of churches).”

Parishes in the Diocese of Edmonton are invited to observe September 15 as PWRDF Sunday! Jeffrey Hanger, PWRDF Diocesan Representative, has prepared resources, including a sample Order of Service and Sermon for parishes to use if they so choose. Please View and Download the Resources HERE. Donation envelopes and additional resources will be provided via the Synod Office.

POSTER

PWRDF Sunday Service - WORD

PWRDF Sunday Service - PDF

The Diocese of Edmonton Children's Choir (DECC), directed by Laura Hawley, is gearing up for its third season! The children's choir is comprised of enthusiastic singers from across the diocese. The choir provides opportunities for children and youth in grade 2 and up to learn music to offer at church services, care facilities and special liturgical events throughout the diocese.

Running from September to April, the choir will meet on Wednesdays, from 5 to 6 pm, at Christ Church, 12116 - 102 Ave, Edmonton.

Choir conductor Laura Hawley has extensive experience leading children's choirs in the Anglican faith tradition and choral conducting. The choir's accompanist Tammy-Jo Mortensen has over 30 years of experience in sacred music, pedagogy and accompanying.

For more information: decchoiryeg@gmail.com

There is no cost to join! Register online HERE

Spiritual directors Pat Jameson and the Rev. Jonathan Crane, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Edmonton, will be facilitating a Spiritual Exercises Retreat in Daily Life for small groups, from September 2024 to May 2025. 

The exercises have been described as:  “a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God.”

Space is limited.  Please fill out the attached application form to apply.  You will be contacted for a simple one-on-one conversation preceding our entry into the exercises.

There's still time to catch the last three performances in the fourth annual Garden Concert Summer Series at Christ Church, 12116 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, on Wednesdays in August, at 7 pm. Enjoy a free night of music with friends and neighbours. VIEW LINE-UP

A quick visit to the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (August 15 to 25) website reveals that Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037–84 Avenue NW, Edmonton, is a venue for 15 (a record?!) different performances on three stages this year. From musical theatre and theatre for young audiences to comedies and dramas, to cabarets and variety shows to musicals, there looks to be something for everyone. These are high-quality acts often held over as "The Best of the Fringe." The Fringe is an opportunity to support local theatre and Holy Trinity Anglican Church. You will also want to visit the Tea Room and Kunitz Club for refreshments before, between or after performances!

In partnership with the Strathearn and Holyrood Community Leagues, St. Luke's Anglican Church invites all to the second annual Treaty 6 Recognition Day on August 24 at Holyrood Park (95 Ave and 80 St) There will be Ceremony at 10:30 am, followed by traditional games and bannock. Learn about Treaty and strengthen our relations! POSTER

The Good Shepherd ACW invites you to an afternoon of gourmet sandwiches, sweets and tea! High Tea will be held on September 14, from 2 to 4 pm, at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castle Downs Rd, Edmonton. Gluten-free options will be available. Don't miss this elegant and delicious experience! For tickets ($20), call Cathy Lake at 780-497-1802. POSTER

Led by the Rev. Clara King (ClaraKing.com), this one-day in-person workshop on Thursday, September 19 at All Saints' Cathedral, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, will help clergy explore the adaptive challenges facing the church, and equip them with new leadership skills to address these challenges. All active clergy in the Diocese of Edmonton are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend; lunch and snacks will be provided. 

The workshop is offered as part of a doctoral research study across Canada in 2024 and 2025, testing a new way to teach adaptive leadership to clergy. There are very minimal risks to participating in this study, however, this workshop may pose an elevated risk to clergy who are experiencing a high level of burnout. All participants must sign a letter of informed consent. 

To learn more about the workshop, the research study, the risks, and the letter of informed consent, all are welcome to join a short, optional Zoom meeting with Clara on Tuesday, September 10, at 1:00 pm, by clicking HERE.

In anticipation of coming together for Synod in October, join the Synod Planning Committee on Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 11:30 am, for an online bible study on our theme: "Hearts Burning Within Us," and the Emmaus Road scripture (Luke 24:32); and, from 10:30 am to 1 pm, for a presentation of the Synod resolutions followed by an opportunity for questions.

All youth of the Edmonton diocese and their friends are invited to a Youth Bowling Night on Saturday, September 21, 6:30 to 9 pm, at Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes, 8330 82 Ave NW, Edmonton. Please RSVP ASAP to the Rev. Danielle Key so she can reserve the bowling lanes. Hope to see you in September! Please share on social! POSTER

The Social Justice Committee of the Edmonton diocese is holding a Youth Day Social Justice Day on October 5, at St. John the Evangelist, 11111 57 Ave NW, Edmonton, from noon to 6 pm. This is a day for young people of every faith and those seeking to learn more about how our Christian faith compels us to transform the unjust structures of society. 

Young people, ages 13 to 30, will have the opportunity to engage with first-voice advocates and leaders in communities forging the way towards racial justice, queer justice, economic justice, environmental justice, prison justice and disability justice. And we will explore how these concerns overlap and intersect, finding commonalities and shared inspiration for change. 

We are happy to share news and pictures, or help promote upcoming events (ie. youth gathering, parish fundraiser, worship service, community outreach, public lecture) 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 news and event . Upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your event poster (if you have one). Submissions must be received by Tuesday at noon to guarantee their inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have questions? Email Margaret Glidden, communications@edmonton.anglican.ca; or call 780-439-7344

Wow, Team Anglican! As a partner of Canadian Blood Services (CBS), we are only 15 blood and plasma donations away from our annual goal of 130. However, CBS says that on the whole, donations tend to lag over the summer months. Will you donate this summer and, better yet, invite a friend/family member to join you?

To book a life-giving appointment, call 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services. Check your eligibility, then click here and enter our Partner ID: ANGL696986 to join Team Anglican. You won't just make a difference. You can make all the difference.

Have you lost a loved one to: Death? Divorce? Estrangement? Addiction? Have you experienced: Financial losses? Job losses? Health losses? Are you looking for a safe space to make peace with your broken pieces?

St. George’s Anglican Church in Devon will be hosting "A Sorrow Shared: Grieving Together Through Life’s Challenges" in September. This holistic, 6-week program is designed to provide:

• A safe and welcoming space for all.
• A support opportunity that examines life after loss.
• Freedom to explore a variety of tools for self-discovery and personal growth.

There is life before the loss—and life after the loss. How can we make sense of our new reality?

We are beginning to take registrations for this free program. To register, please email ldwojna@gmail.com, or phone the Rev. Lisa Wojna, MTS, CSHP, CT, at 780-860-0313.

Cold and flu season is upon us, and COVID persists in all its variations. As we spend more time indoors, it is becoming more difficult to contain germs and protect vulnerable members of our communities. Please remember that a minor infection for one person can develop into a major sickness for someone else. If you are feeling unwell (ie. have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, chest congestion, fever...), please stay home.

The Kidswise Montessori Daycare and Out of School Care program at St. Timothy's, 8420 145 St NW, Edmonton, is now enrolling. For more info, call 587-599-9185; email: kidswisedaycare@outlook.com 

All are invited to the Service of Ordination for Bishop-elect Patricia Schmermund, Synod of Alberta and the Territories, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 8405 83 St. NW Edmonton, starting at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow. Ample parking is available across the street at Bonnie Doon Mall. 

The ELCiC ABT Synod invites clergy and lay leaders to a Retreat of our Own 2024, September 13 to 15, at Camp Kuriakos.

Guest Speaker The Rev. Clara King, an Anglican Priest, Researcher, and Revitalist from Calgary, will explore how, as Christians, we are called to be faithful disciples in following Christ. But what does faithful following mean when we find ourselves in leadership, particularly as lay people? Join us for a highly engaging, funny, humble, and inspiring weekend with leadership researcher and lay leadership advocate Clara King. As we explore the dynamic tension between leadership and discipleship, you will discover new insights in the pages of Scripture, reflect on your church context in new ways, and hear God’s invitation to you with a new heart. Whether you think of yourself as a leader, or as a follower, all are welcome.

To find out more information about the retreat go to https://www.retreatofourown.ca. When you go to register it will transfer you to the Kuriakos registration site; OR you are welcome to call Kuriakos at 403-746-2702 to register over the phone. BROCHURE