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Please Remember in Your Prayers this Week
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Prayer for South AfricaFr. Lapsley pictured during 2019 visit to Edmonton Fr. Michael Lapsley, Honorary Canon for Healing and Reconciliation in Edmonton Diocese and resident of Cape Town, South Africa, asks our prayers for the people of South Africa. On Thursday, March 26, the government there began a three-week nation-wide lockdown. All South Africans are required to stay in their homes. Please pray for the thousands who live in depressed areas where it is not uncommon that 10 people might share a small shack with no running water. |
From Our Prayer Partners in Buyé
On April 1, the Synod Office received the following message from the Rev. Dominique Ciza, former Diocesan Secretary for Buyé Diocese pictured (right) with Bishop Sixbert in 2014: "I hope this finds you safe and well. I am too. This is to let you know that two positive cases of Covid-19 were recorded today in Burundi. I do not know the following decisions from the government, but we need you prayers." Rev. Dominique is currently at seminary in Sewanee, Tennessee. |
DIOCESAN AND PARISH NEWS
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An Unconventional OrdinationThe Rev. Rebecca Harris ordained to the Priesthood The Rev. Rebecca Harris was ordained an Anglican priest in the Diocese of Edmonton on March 25, 2020, the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary. As was expected, the ordination was performed by Bishop Jane Alexander at All Saints' Cathedral. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, only a small group including Rebecca’s husband Ian and daughter Misty and friends Ken and Patti Holmstrom, all careful to stand at least two meters apart, could be present for the ceremony. Yet, through the wonders of digital technology and video equipment set up by the Very Rev. Alex Meek in the Cathedral chancel, the service was livestreamed to members of Harris’s parish of Holy Trinity Riverbend, Edmonton, where she serves as interim priest-in-charge, and to her daughter Wendy, at her home in Edson. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/an-unconventional-ordination
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Cathedral Food Ministry Feeding Neighbours in Uncertain Times
At All Saints’ Cathedral we are trying to adapt to our 'new normal' created by the Covid-19 crisis. It is important we continue, as long as possible, our food ministry to our neighbours in downtown Edmonton who rely on us. We have made significant changes to these programs to provide for the health and safety of both the volunteers and the community members. At Manna Market, which runs every Wednesday afternoon, from 2-3:30 pm, we now pre-pack bags of fresh groceries which customers can pick up for $10. Before the crisis our neighbours, many of whom reside in the low-income seniors residence next door, could choose their own produce from baskets set out in our indoor market. Last week it worked for them to come in one door, pay, pick up their bag, and exit out the other door of the hall. We pack the bags with popular items and/or items that might last a while, such as potatoes, apples, oranges, pears, onions, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower or bananas. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/cathedral-food-ministry-feeding-neighbours-in-uncertain-times
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ICPM a Presence at Expo Centre and in Urban Core
In these extraordinary days when so many are being asked to self-isolate and stay home, what happens to those who don’t have a home? Edmonton is trying to answer that need, using the Expo Centre at Northlands as a day shelter where 4-500 people experiencing homelessness can still access the things they need for daily life. Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM), an interdenominational Christian ministry of presence in Edmonton’s urban core, plays a significant role in the city’s response to homelessness. Like other social service agencies coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has had to quickly adapt its services to continue to safely meet the needs of the city's vulnerable population. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/icpm-a-presence-at-expo-centre-and-in-urban-core
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Messy Easter To Go!
Social distancing will not stop Messy Easter at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Edmonton! It’s true, families and friends will not gather round tables in the usual fashion, working on their crafts and enjoying a meal together, but the Messy Celebration of Easter will still go ahead. In their research and planning this month, St. Luke’s Messy Church Team was inspired to put together “Messy Church To Go” bags! They filled the bags with six Easter crafts, plus crossword puzzles, colouring pages, an Easter story booklet, the Easter jellybean prayer, and a few treats. The bag has everything needed for making the crafts, including pencils, crayons and glue dots. The team then emailed the St. Luke’s Messy Church gang to let them know when to pick up their Easter bags at St. Luke’s or to arrange for delivery if needed. For more infomation visit:
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Immanuel, Wetaskiwin Creates Faith Activity PackagesInvites Families to Worship on Parish Facebook Page Overcoming the barriers of social distancing and isolation, Immanuel, Wetaskiwin rector the Rev. Hugh Matheson and wardens Carol Blair and Shirley Fordice delivered Sunday school packages to families in the communities of Wetaskiwin and Millet for the fifth Sunday of Lent, March 29. Immanuel members printed activities, from Illustrated Ministry, for each Sunday school family and packaged them with notes in zipper-lock bags. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/wetaskiwin-and-millet-families-given-faith-activity-packages
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The Messenger April, 2020Featuring the Consecration of the Bishop of Athabasca and Installation of the Dean of Edmonton Download the April, 2020 issue of The Messenger or view online as a flipbook Click here to subscribe to The Messenger or to change your subscription address. Print editions of the Anglican Journal and The Messenger are mailed to confirmed subscribers. The Messenger welcomes story ideas, opinion and photo submissions relating to news and events of the Athabasca and Edmonton dioceses. Written content should be limited to 500 words. Pictures must be high resolution, a minimum of 1 MB (300 dpi), and include the photographer's name and a brief description of the subject. Submissions are accepted until the first of the month, one month prior to the publication date (for example, April 1 for May, 2020 issue). Please send submissions to editor Margaret Glidden: anglicanmessenger@gmail.com For more infomation visit:
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How's Everyone Doing Out There?!
Your hard-at-work-from-home diocesan staff, curators and content creators of Synod Scene, Messenger and edmonton.anglican.ca would like to hear about your experiences of hope and resiliency in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. What has been your experience of worshiping at home? Have you embraced new technology in order to stay connected to your community or practice your faith? What practices keep you spiritually strong? How has this crisis reshaped your Anglican community? How are you responding to the needs of your neighbours while observing social distancing? Will your church community look different by the end of the COVID-19 crisis? Please send your thoughts to Margaret: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca |
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
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Worship from Home: Online Resources for Prayer and SupportWeb Page Updated Regularly As we weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, parishes and dioceses are finding creative ways to encourage and support their communities using digital and mobile technology. Check out our collection of online worship opportunities in the Edmonton area to support prayer, learning, and virtual community in this season of social distancing. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/worship-from-home-online-resources-for-prayer-and-support
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Reading through the Gospel of Markwith Bishop Jane Bishop Jane has invited anyone who wants to, to read with her through the Gospel of Mark, one chapter every day, finishing at Easter. She has already begun, but it's not too late to join. Just follow this link to see where the videos are posted. The Bishop will also share a reflection each day during Holy Week. |
Easter Morning Church BellsSunday, April 12, 2020 On Easter Sunday morning, at 9 am, Bishop Jane invites parishes in the Edmonton diocese to join Anglican churches across Canada in ringing their bells to proclaim Christ is risen! |
Organizing Help in CommunitiesGreater Edmonton Alliance to host first forum - Thursday, April 2, 2020 Crises such as the one we currently face can bring out the worst or the best in us. Social solidarity speaks to the best of who we can be. This week, GEA will host the first of several “Civic Academies” to learn how we can turn this crisis into an opportunity to become better neighbors and citizens. The first Civic Academy will focus on how to organize to reach those most in need, break isolation, and cultivate meaningful social solidarity. The agenda will include:
Please see the attached PDF for meeting details. |
Updated InformationCBS calling for donors; says giving is safe Canadian Blood Services has supplied the diocese with an updated mobile clinic schedule for April, along with a letter addressing concerns about giving blood during these extraordinary times. Precautions for donors and the blood supply are always in place and currently heightened. The need remains strong. Donate through the Partners for Life program using the code for the Edmonton diocese: ANGL696986. We are working toward a goal of 100 units of blood donated by the end of 2020.
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Give Today
Though we are unable to gather in person for the safety of ourselves and others, we remain a loving and connected community. As the Church, the Body of Christ, we hope to do all we can to support each other. In this time of uncertainty, we are grateful for all donations we receive. If you feel you are able, please continue to support the ministries of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton. We continue to look for ways to support parishes and to ease the financial burden on those who will be struggling in weeks and months to come. You can make a secure online donation at edmonton.anglican.ca/give/donate. For more info, contact the Rev. John Gee at treasurer@edmonton.anglican.ca. For more infomation visit:
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Worship Services Postponed
Bishop Jane continues to monitor and evaluate the situation regarding the use of church buildings, in communication with government officials. Steps forward will be communicated as they become clear. "We are living in an extraordinary time and we need to put the needs of the most vulnerable members of our churches before all else," she said. "Please take good care of yourselves and your folk." For more infomation visit:
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Serving You SafelyWe will also check the mail box for 'snail mail' regularly. |
PWRDF Lenten/ Holy Week Reflections
The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund has provided a series of recorded lenten reflections that will continue through Palm Sunday, Holy Week and into Easter, when it will feature a reflection from Archbishop Linda. Diocese of Edmonton PWRDF representative, Dorothy Marshall, is one of the presenters. Click the link below to listen. For more infomation visit:
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On Eagles WingsAnnual Offering of Holy Week Reflections On Eagles Wings is a misson dedicated to serving the people and communities of northern Canada. Every year a team from OEW creates a series of reflections for Holy Week. Please find those reflections attached here, along with a letter outlining the response of OEW to the Covid-19 pandemic and how it will affect their ministry. |
On Eagle's Wings Offers Online Sunday School CurriculumFaith-based online resource for families On Eagle's Wings has made its Children Live In Christ's Kingdom (CLICK) Bible Camp curriculum freely available to families. It is full of Bible stories, crafts, games, colouring, puzzles, skits and more! Download CLICK |
Help in Tough Times
The Synod Office will keep an eye out for helpful information and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. Below are two links to information regarding mental health and financial difficulty.
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INDIGINEWS
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Diocese of Edmonton Indigenous Ministries
Contacts: Resources: For more infomation visit: http://www.edmonton.anglican.org/what-we-do/indigenous-ministries
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Stolen Lands, Strong Heartsan excellent use of time while stuck at home The Anglican Church of Canada, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 94 Calls to Action, has created Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts, an hour long video documentary explaining proclamations made by kings and religious leaders more than 500 years ago, which created the environment for European explorers to consider the land they found as “empty” land and its millions of Indigenous inhabitants as “non-human.” A study guide accompanies the video for those who wish to pursue their study and increase their understanding of the ways this "Doctrine of Discovery" continues to affect us today. For more infomation visit: https://www.anglican.ca/primate/tfc/drj/doctrineofdiscovery/
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Podcast Series
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 |
OTHER PARISH and DIOCESAN NOTICES
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Sing it Out!St. Luke's Seeking Worship Music Leader 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 |
Ministry OpportunitiesChrist Church Hiring Youth Ministry Leader and Communications Coordinator 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: sue@christchurchedm.ca . |
FUTURE PLANNED EVENTSWe will update whether these will go ahead, closer to the date. |
Save the Date: National Messy Church Conference
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. |