|
|
Please Remember in Your Prayers this Week
|
DIOCESAN AND PARISH NEWS
|
#GlobalSonRiseAnglicans around the world proclaim the Good News on Easter Sunday At sunrise on Easter Sunday, Anglicans around the world proclaimed “Christ is Risen” on Twitter. Just before 5 am MST, the Rev. Jordan Ware shared the good news of the resurrection on behalf of Good Shepherd church and the Edmonton diocese in her #GlobalSonRise video message. The social media campaign, organised by the Anglican Communion Office, was meant to “offer a glimpse of hope amidst the fear and despair caused by Covid-19.” |
Breaking News: Live from the TombA gospel news video from St. Michael and All Angels' Edmonton Priest and parishioners of St. Michael and All Angels in Edmonton had so much fun putting together their Palm Sunday video – with actors participating from as far away as Quebec City – they decided to follow up with a similar effort for Easter Sunday. Thank you to the Rev. Colleen Sanderson for sharing episode two of St. Michael and All Angels’ gospel news videos. For more infomation visit:
|
Virtual Sunday School Keeping Kids and Church Connected
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March, children have been spending a lot of time with their families at home. While many churches in the Edmonton diocese are offering livestreamed and pre-recorded services, there has also been a need for resources connecting children to their church families. When Sarah Alexander’s three children began missing their church and their friends, the Holy Trinity Riverbend parishioner had an idea to deliver virtual Sunday school activity kits to families.
For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/virtual-sunday-school-keeping-kids-and-church-connected
|
What better gift in these times?
Clergy at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Edmonton were deeply blessed this week when they each received a homemade face mask, crafted by a person who wants to be identified simply as “a grateful parishioner.” This person has been busy through the pandemic so far, practicing physical distancing but maintaining social contact and encouragement of others through phone calls and emails. Sewing, which was for her initially a solitary pursuit, has turned into something more, even identified by others as a spiritual gift. So she got to work and made as many masks as she could until her supply of mask-making materials began to dwindle. Now she’s returned to completing other neglected sewing projects. As a recipient of one of these masks, and someone who does not sew, I can only say how touched I am by this gift, so significant in these strange days. Submitted by the Rev. Deacon Shelly King |
Community Gardens in a PandemicSt. Augustine of Canterbury Sunshine Community Garden Prepares for Spring The promise of warmer weather has green thumbs itching all across the diocese. Puttering in the garden, for those who have one, is likely going to be a safe way to enjoy the outdoors as we continue to endure physical distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. What about community gardens, though? St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Edmonton is home to the thriving Sunshine Community Garden, and plans are underway to consider how it might continue through this spring and summer. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/community-gardens-in-a-pandemic
|
PrayerWorks Community Meals Provided with Safety in Mind
April 4, 2020 volunteers with the St. John the Evangelist PrayerWorks team joined with helpers at St. Faith’s Anglican Church in Edmonton, including St. Faith’s rector, the Ven. Travis Enright, to provide takeaway meals for community members in need. Pictured here, Meredith Watt, Paul Chu, Carmen Chu, and Treena Chu prepared sandwiches to be included in nutritious lunches, which were then handed out by Enright, Greg Hendricks and Treena Chu. St. Faith's PrayerWorks volunteers prepare and package take-away lunches from Wednesday to Saturday each week. Lunches are passed to community members at the doors, ensuring physical distancing for the safety of all, while also providing an opportunity to say hello and share greetings. Some meals are delivered directly, always holding safety as a priority. |
What is it like for you to live through these strange days?
Your working-from-home diocesan staff, curators and content creators of Synod Scene, Messenger and edmonton.anglican.ca, would like to hear about your experiences in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. What has been the greatest challenge for you? Where do see God at work? How are you practicing your faith? What keeps you hopeful? If at all possible, please send us a picture that helps tell your story. Please send your thoughts to Margaret: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca |
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
|
Can you sew?requests for donations of face masks On April 6, the Government of Alberta posted the following information about the use of cloth or homemade, non-medical masks:
Some organizations, such as The Mustard Seed Society in Edmonton, have asked for donations of non-medical masks, and even homemade medical gowns. These and other items from the Seed's Urgent Needs List can be dropped off at 10568 114 Street NW. Edmonton (rear side of building) on Mondays-Fridays between 9am-4pm. See below for instructions on how to make a face mask: |
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.
|
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:
|
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:
|
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.
|
INDIGINEWS
|
Diocese of Edmonton Indigenous Ministries
Contacts: Resources: For more infomation visit: http://www.edmonton.anglican.org/what-we-do/indigenous-ministries
|
Indigenous Communities in a Time of PandemicNew podcasts available in Sacred Teachings series The Sacred Teachings podcast is back for its second season, with a new theme: "Path to the Stronghold". In the first episode, the Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor talks about the COVIC-19 pandemic in the context of our Indigenous communities, and what we can do if we find our minds thinking or worrying too much in this time of lockdown. Sacred Teachings is a joint initiative of Indigenous Ministries and Anglican Video at the Anglican Chuch of Canada. Find the podcasts on Vimeo, Spotify and PodBean. |
Spiritual Practice in a Time of Self Isolation
The moonlight shines through the small opening between the curtains in my bedroom as the scream of the alarm clock goes off. It is 5:30 am and the start of a new day. For many people, the start of the day means a quick meal before a run or a spin on a bicycle. As a person of Indigenous ancestry and a follower of Jesus, my day starts differently. Grateful for the gift of each new day, I sit to express my gratitude to Creator in prayer. Each day starts with the smudge. Mixing a little sweet grass with sage and tobacco, I light the sacred medicines with a match and fan the small flame with my prayer fan to ensure that the smoke rises. For more infomation visit: http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/spiritual-practice-in-a-time-of-self-isolation--686
|
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/
|
OTHER PARISH and DIOCESAN NOTICES
|
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 . |