• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Darlene; Josh, Wanda, Lorraine, Wayne; Paul, Bjorn, Bob, Becky, Graeme; Joanne, Sandy.
• Those who have died: Tom, and those who mourn: Dean family.
• Those affected by conflict or natural disasters around the world.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Updated list of Twinned Parishes).  Buyé diocese is holding confirmation services throughout the summer and will ordain two priests and 10 deacons on July 20.
• 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 to include someone's name 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 is on vacation until August 18. If you have a matter that would typically come to the Bishop, please contact the Synod Office, and we will connect you with the appropriate individual in his absence.

Bishop Stephen London has appointed the following people to serve as commissaries while he is away:

• Monday, July 14 to Sunday, July 20 – Commissary: Archdeacon Jordan Haynie Ware
• Monday, July 21 to Monday, August 4 – Commissary: Archdeacon Jonathan Crane
• Tuesday, August 5 to Monday, August 18 – Commissary: Dean Alexandra Meek

Parishioners of St. Aidan and St. Hilda, Rexboro welcomed guests, including members of St. John the Divine, Onoway, for a celebration service and barbeque in honour of St. Aidan and St. Hilda’s 115^th Anniversary on Sunday, July 13.

Margaret Glidden, who has worked at the Synod Office since 2008, will be leaving her position as Director of Communications as of August 29.

Originally starting as the receptionist/events secretary, Margaret evolved the role to focus on all things related to communications, including chairing the Creativity Exchange, redesigning the website, and developing the diocesan style guide. For six years, she has been the President of the Anglican Editors Association. She has focused on designing and editing content for The Messenger and the Synod Scene, but has also contributed to a variety of other areas. She has fostered connections across the diocese and put into words many of our stories. As a reporter, she attended many of our key events to tell those stories. Her work on the Diocesan Workplan and the launch of A Way Through the Wilderness are critical to their success. We are grateful for her time with the diocese, and we wish her every blessing as she follows where God is leading her.

When was the last time you thought about your parish utility and other service providers? If it's been more than a year or two, you might be able to make cost-saving changes!

For utilities cost comparisons, check out the Utilities Consumer Advocate (https://www.ucahelps.alberta.ca/cost-comparison-tool.aspx) for potential savings.

Although garbage and recycling service rates tend to sneak up year over year, researching service providers might be worth the time investment. Many communities have options outside the municipality, so it’s worth checking what is available. RJ Chambers, Office Administrator, churched@edmonton.anglican.ca

In recent weeks, parishes in the diocese have received disturbing phone calls from someone identifying themselves as Jason (or Mason) Choponda. Initially requesting help with a drinking problem, this individual has proceeded to sexually harass two clergy and one parish administrator, all women.

If you have received a phone call from Mr. Choponda, who calls from a blocked or private number, please call the Synod Office. We are compiling information intending to make a police report.

In light of this information, it is perfectly acceptable to hang up on this person or to choose not to answer a blocked or private number. If someone needs to reach your parish, they will leave a message.

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets, the Christ Church Garden Concert Series is returning for a fifth year. Held at Christ Church, 12116 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, on Wednesday evenings in July and August, from 7 to 8 pm, these free performances attract audience members from the neighbourhood of Wîhkwêntôwin (Oliver) and from all over the city to enjoy music in the lovely gardens. The series offers a diverse musical lineup, from jazz, world music, folk, roots and Indigenous to classical. 

The Anglican parish of Christ Church, 12116 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, is thrilled to host Vacation Bible School from July 21 to 25, 9 am to 12 pm. Led by our dedicated team of adult and student volunteers, under the guidance of our Children’s Minister Karianne Rillera, True North is designed for children from kindergarten to grade 6. This fun-filled week of learning will not only deepen their understanding of faith but also help them build lasting friendships and a strong sense of community. Email admin@christchurchedm.ca to register.

St. George’s Anglican Church in Devon invites you to a Forest Bathing walk at Voyageur Park (meet at gazebo in first parking lot) on Wednesday, July 23, at 6:30 pm (Rain Date July 30). Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest to reconnect with nature. Bring comfortable shoes, an open heart and a curious mind. We look forward to seeing you there! POSTER

Good Shepherd, 15495 Castledowns Rd, Edmonton, invites families to the intergenerational VBS Operation Restoration, where all ages will learn how to mend God’s world. Everyone will discover simple ways to live out their faith in daily life. This year, we’re exploring how to learn to feed, heal, forgive, pray, and rest every Thursday from July 31 to August 28.

You are invited to march with the Anglican Queerly Beloved team in the Edmonton Pride Parade on Saturday, August 23. The parade will begin in Churchill Square, downtown Edmonton, at 1 pm. It will loop around to the Fan Park, 10104 104 Ave NW.

Wear your colours and comfortable walking shoes in solidarity with the 2SLQBTQ+ community and invite your friends and family to do the same. This event is free and open to everyone. All ages welcome. Click the button below to register.

St. George’s, Fort Saskatchewan, invites all its friends to celebrate 150 years of Anglican Ministry on August 30 and 31! See Event Schedule

• To register for the dinner by August 15, please send an e-Transfer of $50/person to stgeorgeanglicanchurchfortsask@gmail.com. This will be your reservation confirmation

The parish is also in need of 12 additional people to help with the BBQ and children’s activities on August 31, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you can help, please get in touch with the Rev. Regula Brandle: 780-484-0334, regula@edmonton.anglican.ca

Are you ready to delve deeper and learn more about what it means to decolonize both yourself and your work in your community? Jenny Stuart and Canon Fiona Brownlee, lay leaders in the Diocese of Edmonton, invite you to join them for "Decolonizing Self and Community," Monday evenings beginning September 15, from 7 to 9 pm, on Zoom.

With our instructor Andrea Montgomery DiMarco, PhD, CEO, The Flourishing Foundation: Global Women Seeking Change, we will explore how colonization and white supremacy have historically and continue to shape Canadian society and institutions. There will be opportunities for meaningful conversations about our own stories. To register or ask a question, please email Andrea at contact@flourishingfoundation.org.

Retired Anglican priest the Rev. Tim Chesterton is excited to take Christian Basics, a short course about the central Gospel message, on the road. He is offering this opportunity to every parish in the diocese. 

*Note that Tim currently has the following booking for Christian Basics this fall. Please get in touch with St. George's, Fort Saskatchewan, directly to reserve your place on the course. NB: Course registration is required.

• September 23 and 30, October 7 and 14: St. George's, 10029–99 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan, (780) 998-3620; parishstgeorges@gmail.com

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

KAIROS invites you to Learn about our treaty obligations and see, first-hand, how the wound of residential schools can be transformed. Decolonizing Ourselves: Residential School Tour and Our Future in Treaty is a free event (including lunch) to be held on September 6, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, at University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills on Treaty 6 Territory near St. Paul (transportation available). PRE-REGISTRATION LINK