• Those who are sick or suffering: Daphne, Jim, Amy, Donna, Will.
• Those who have died; and those who mourn.
• Our brothers and sisters in Christ from Treaty Six and Treaty Eight First Nations.
• Bishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Twinned Parishes).
• Request a prayer Click here to let us know what you would like 'pray-ers' in the diocese to pray for. We will use first names only for personal prayer requests. They will be removed after two or three weeks; please let us know if you would like a name to remain on or be returned to the list.

We at the Synod Office love to share your stories and promote events in the diocese and in your parish. Please send pictures and details often! And to ensure your information can be included the same week, please send it no later than end of day Tuesday. Thank you!

Margaret and Shelly

Since 1999, No Room in the Inn has led a highly successful cross-denominational Christmas campaign to raise money for housing and housing improvements for those in need. No Room in the Inn is inspired by the story of Mary and Joseph, who arrived in Bethlehem to discover there was no room at the inn for them. They found a place in a stable, where they welcomed their son, Jesus.  

Calling all youth in the Edmonton diocese! You’re invited to the… great Anglican BUILD OFF! Join us at Holy Trinity in Old Strathcona on Friday, December 14 as we build gingerbread houses, share a meal together, blare the music, and have jolly fellowship! All youth 11+ are welcomed and encouraged to attend! Cost is $5 per person. Please RSVP to Rev. Danielle @ assistantcurate@holytrinity.ab.ca  POSTER

The Neighbourly is a monthly publication of the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, of which the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is a founding and active member. This month, CRIHI gives thanks for all that has happened in the battle against homelessness in 2018.

An EfM Mentor Training event will be held in Edmonton from Monday afternoon, January 21 to noon Wednesday, January 23. This is open all clergy and EfM graduates who wish to learn about the program and possibly become accredited as group mentors. Interested people should contact the Rev. Robin Walker, Diocesan EfM Co-ordinator at robin_walker1948@outlook.com. Note that space is limited, and that accreditation requires attendance at the entire event.    

Wondering what to do with that car or motorcycle sitting idle in your garage? The Edmonton diocese’s new partnership with Donate A Car Canada enables you to donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location).

The Edmonton diocese is in need of a volunteer to help with our refugee sponsorship ministry.

Gail Millard, refugee sponsorship coordinator for the Edmonton diocese, is seeking assistance with the process of submitting applications on behalf of sponsored families. 

This person should be familiar with computer programs like Adobe Premiere and Microsoft Office and be able to help Gail approximately one day/month, with the likelihood of more hours when she is away in January, 2019.

If you can share your organizational and administrative gifts to assist refugee families, please contact Bishop Jane Alexander at the Synod Office: 780-439-7344, or email: bishop@edmonton.anglican.ca

As Partners for Life, members of the diocese give blood through the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) Program. So far in 2018, we have donated 58 units of blood. Most of that has come from members who have given before.

To sign up and join Team Anglican, Click here. Our Partner ID is ANGL696986. 

To donate blood, call: 1-888-236-6283 or click below for more information, including mobile clinics in rural areas.

Archbishop Fred Hiltz invites parishes and dioceses across the country to join together in dialogue, prayer and reflection through Conversation Circles. He asks that each circle create a prayer expressing their "heartbeat for the church." The prayers will be shared at General Synod 2019, which is also when Archbishop Hiltz will step down as Primate. Conversation Circles can take place anytime from now until May 7, 2019. Find all you need to know about this initiative on the ACC website.

Contact: 

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

Resources: Please see the Indigenous Ministries section of the diocesan website for leaflets, web links and other resources to help you pray and act for reconciliation. Please see the City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office to subscribe to their Community Bulletin.

Since the conclusion of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) mandate in 2015 and the release of the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, Anglicans across Canada have been seeking ways to continue the process of truth-telling and healing begun by the TRC. From commemorations, walks and feasts to study groups and social action groups, more and more people are getting involved in this ongoing healing journey. Reconciliation, right relationship, justice-seeking—these are all part of a “trajectory of grace”. There are many places to enter into this journey. Wherever you are at, you will find resources here to help you either enter into this journey for the first time, or take the next step on that journey. Want to be part of a network of Anglicans talking about and working towards reconciliation? Sign up for the Anglican Reconciliation Connections (ARC) newsletter to receive news on reconciliation activities, new resources, and the work of the Reconciliation Animator.

Christ Church, Edmonton families stepped through the wardrobe into Narnia (the magical land created by CS Lewis), on Saturday, December 1, for a Christmas dinner catered by The Hallway, a social enterprise formerly known as Kids in the Hall. In the wardrobe, children found cozy fur coats to keep them warm as they scoured the snowy church sanctuary for the White Witch and Aslan the Lion. Sidling up next to their rector the Rev. Susan Oliver (listen to her Advent 1 sermon), the kids were introduced to some of the many characters, including: Lucy, Mrs. Beaver, Edmund, even St. Nicholas, the congregation will be meeting on their incredible journey through the land of Narnia this Advent.

St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, Vegreville, will hosts its Second Annual Nativity Festival, Saturday, December 8, 10:00 am–3:00 pm; and Sunday, December 9, 10:00 am (following our 9:00 am worship service)-2:00 pm.  Come get into the spirit of the season by admiring parishioners' nativities from around the world. Admission is a freewill offering or non-perishable item for the local food bank.

The ACW at St. Stephen the Martyr is hosting their annual St. Nicholas Tea and Bake sale on Saturday December 8. The tea runs from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children (ages 6 to 12) and free for children under six. Our Tea and Bake Sale will be held at PrayerWorks Hall adjacent to the Church at 11725 – 93 Street, Edmonton. POSTER

St. Thomas, Sherwood Park (4A Raven Drive, Sherwood Park) invites all to a seasonal festival on December 8 starting at 10:00am, featuring free family activities, an outdoor fire pit, musical entertainment, a photo booth, and drop-in Christmas pageants at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm (costumes provided). POSTER

Several parishes are hosting a "Messy Christmas" this season and all are welcome. Click below to find the one nearest you and join in the fun as we celebrate the season!

Please join us for the next in an enlightening lecture-discussion series on monthly Saturday mornings at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037 84 Ave NW, Edmonton. 30 minute lecture followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Refreshments provided. POSTER
December 8 - John Brough: "The Origins of the Christmas Carol"

Join us at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037-84 Ave NW, Edmonton, for a Christmas Concert with something more... Did you know that “Jingle Bells” was never intended to be a Christmas song? Or that “The Hallelujah Chorus” was written to raise funds for London charities? Or that “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” was written by two men trying to find relief during a California heat wave in July?

St. Aidan and St. Hilda Anglican Church, Rexboro, presents its 41st Annual Service of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas on Sunday, December 9 at 10:30am. A reception will follow in the Wabamun and District Seniors’ Centre. Donations of non-perishable food items and/or new children’s toys will be gratefully accepted on behalf of the Wabamun Christmas Hamper Committee. 

On the evening of Saturday, December 15, St. Augustine's Parkland Anglican Church presents a dramatic reading of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring six CBC Radio One personalities. Long a tradition for over two decades in cities across Canada and originated by CBC Toronto newsreader Judy Maddren, this local version will be emceed by Lydia Neufeld, with the five staves of the reading presented by Mark Connolly, Adrienne Pan, Rod Kurtz, Kim Trynacity, and Janice Johnston. Between the readings will be musical presentations by the St. Augustine’s Music Team, Tag Along (barbershop), Tim Chesterton (folk), Lorne Manweiler (organ), and Meridian Line (folk).

St. Faith Anglican Church (11725–93 Street NW, Edmonton) needs a Godly Play volunteer to help lead our diverse children's outreach ministry. Our community members have a desire to know and be loved by Jesus. We need someone to teach and show God’s love through play with the children while their parents are in church. If God is calling you please contact the Ven. Travis Enright at 780-887-9710.

The Anglican/Lutheran parish of Holy Trinity, Edson is seeking a parish priest/pastor to shepherd the community in a new direction as one church with open arms; someone who is enthusiastic about building relationships with the church and the Edson community-at-large. To learn more, please view the Parish Profile or click on the link below.

Love Handel's Messiah? Ever wished for the chance to be a member of the chorus? Well, the Edmonton BALM Society is pleased to present its first annual Sing-Along Messiah! on Saturday December 8, 2:00pm, at Robertson-Wesley United Church. The audience is invited to sing the choruses along with a chamber orchestra consisting of strings, organ, and trumpet; and to listen to the solo arias performed by professionals and emerging artists from the Edmonton area. Tickets available from Tix on the Square  POSTER

This service of Lessons and Carols takes place at Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209 123 Street, Edmonton) on Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 pm. This is an afternoon of traditional congregational carols, scripture readings and music sung by the Robertson-Wesley choir. The gentle beauty of the dissipating winter light combined with the music, candles and the Christmas story creates a magical afternoon. It has become a favourite tradition for many. Please come and invite your friends and neighbours! No charge, freewill offering. POSTER

The CP Holiday Train will roll into Edmonton on Monday, December 10, turning right at the Old Strathcona Arch (University Ave and Gateway Blvd) and making its way to 7935 Gateway Blvd. Festivities start at 7:45 pm at the CP Rail Yard, South of the CP Station. The performance is scheduled to run 8:15pm to 8:45pm. Edmonton's Food Bank will be on site collecting donations. Scheduled performers are Terri Clark, Sierra Noble and Kelly Prescott. SCHEDULE / POSTER

Providence Renewal Centre is offering a three-week journey based on the book Ten Evenings with God, by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF, which invites us to get to know God and to awaken to Divine presence in life’s decisions. We gather in prayer to begin the adventure January 3rd. Then, in the comfort of your home, work through five evenings (chapters) before we gather two weeks later to share. We finish the book and return to celebrate the journey as the month ends. Thursdays: January 3, 17, 31 from 1:30 to 3:30 pm Cost is $60.00 (book not included) Please register by December 20th.