Synod Scene April 13-19, 2020
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News and Events in the Edmonton Diocese

Anglican Diocese of Edmonton
Synod Scene April 13-19, 2020
Please Remember in Your Prayers this Week

Please Remember in Your Prayers this Week

  • Those who are sick, suffering or in need: all who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19; all who are struggling with fear or depression; all who are doing their best to serve others, including those who are saving lives by staying home.
  • Those who have died; and all those who mourn.
  • Our brothers and sisters in Christ from Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 First Nations, from the Métis Nation of Alberta, and from the Métis Settlements in Alberta.
  • Bishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Twinned Parishes).
  • Request a prayer Click here to let us know who you would like prayers for in the diocese. We will make sure they are prayed for by name.

DIOCESAN AND PARISH NEWS

#GlobalSonRise

#GlobalSonRise

Anglicans 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 Tomb

Breaking News: Live from the Tomb

A 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:

https://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/st-michaels-palm-sunday

Click here to see the Palm Sunday video
Virtual Sunday School Keeping Kids and Church Connected

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

Read full story and see more pictures
What better gift in these times?

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 Pandemic

Community Gardens in a Pandemic

St. 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

Read More
PrayerWorks Community Meals Provided with Safety in Mind

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?

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
or Shelly: reception@edmonton.anglican.ca

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Can you sew?

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:

  • They are not proven to protect the person wearing it, but may help protect others by covering your mouth and nose to prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating other people or surfaces
  • They should only be used in addition to other protective steps
  • They must be worn and taken on/off properly as the outside can become contaminated  

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:

  • PDF Pattern and Instructions
  • YouTube Video
Updated Information

Updated Information

CBS 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.

  • Sign up here to become a Partner for Life
  • Make an appointment to donate at the Edmonton Donor Clinic (8249–114 Street)
  • April Mobile Clinic Schedule (communities outside of Edmonton)
Worship Services Postponed

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:

https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

AHS website for up-to-date information
Give Today

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:

http://edmonton.anglican.ca/news/give-today

Read More
Help in Tough Times

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. 

  • Help in Tough Times, Alberta Health Services
  • Getting through a Financial Emergency, Government of Canada

INDIGINEWS

Diocese of Edmonton Indigenous Ministries

Diocese of Edmonton Indigenous Ministries

Contacts: 
*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
*The Rev. Lori Calkins, Priest: loriinkster@gmail.com 

Resources:
Please see the Indigenous Ministries section of the diocesan website for leaflets, web links and other resources to help you pray and take action for reconciliation. See also the Anglican Church of Canada Reconciliation Toolkit.

For more infomation visit:

http://www.edmonton.anglican.org/what-we-do/indigenous-ministries

Diocesan Indigenous Ministries
Indigenous Communities in a Time of Pandemic

Indigenous Communities in a Time of Pandemic

New 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

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

Read More
Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts

Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts

an 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/

Doctrine of Discovery

OTHER PARISH and DIOCESAN NOTICES

Sing it Out!

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
n.trussell@edmonton.anglican.ca or call 780-405-6938.

Ministry Opportunities

Ministry Opportunities

Christ 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 .

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10035 – 103 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
Canada T5J 0X5

780.439.7344

churched@edmonton.anglican.ca