• Those who are sick, suffering or in need: Gail, Stephen, Meredith, and Brian.
• Those who are struggling with physical or mental illness due to COVID-19; for "bending the curve" and bringing down the number of cases in Alberta; for all who are doing their best to serve others in this time.
• Those who have died: Joan, Bishop Jane Alexander's mother, and those who mourn: Bishop Jane and family, in Canada and the UK.
• Bishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Twinned Parishes).  
• 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.
• Click here if you would like someone's name included in this prayer list. We will use first names only. Names are kept on the list for two weeks.

Bishop Jane Alexander is pleased to appoint Fred Matthews as Lay Reader in Charge at the Church of the Nativity in Frog Lake effective February 1 until July 1, 2021. Matthews is pictured here at a 2019 screening of the documentary Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts at St. Thomas' Anglican Church in Sherwood Park.

Bishop Jane Alexander is pleased to appoint the Rev. Eileen Edwards as Associate Priest of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Old Strathcona, Edmonton, effective March 1 until July 31, 2021. Edwards is pictured here leading the Sunday worship service on January 31, 2021, live-streamed on Holy Trinity's Facebook page.

This month's edition of The Messenger highlights World Interfaith Harmony week, and the many ways parishes continue to adapt to life in a pandemic. Download the February 2021 edition of The Messenger or view online as a flipbook.

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25) Bishop Jane asked Fr. Donald MacDonald if he would accept the title of Honorary Canon of the Diocese of Edmonton in recognition of his commitment to ecumenical relations over many years. A member of the Franciscan religious order, Fr. MacDonald served as a professor at Newman Theological College in Edmonton and was, in fact, Bishop Jane's teacher, long before she became bishop....

There have been many discussions about how our current time of pandemic can make it feel like we are in a desert; the guidelines on who we can see and how we see them are vastly different than most of us have known in our lifetimes. The empty church buildings on Sunday mornings, the intentional distance from friends and family, and likely changes in how or where we engage our day to day employment.

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in St. Albert, once again, has created a desert space in our sanctuary....

As a way to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 1-7) you are invited to settle into a comfy chair and join the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman as he chats with colleague Naz Quershi, who shares her experience and perspective as a follower of the Islamic faith, and also with Rabbi Gila Caine of Temple Beth Ora Synagogue in Edmonton, who shares about her life and faith as a member and leader in the Jewish community.

How are Christians called to interact with others who share our beliefs but express them differently? How are we called to interact with those who faithfully follow beliefs that are different to our own? The Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman has developed a short, interactive study to help answer those questions. It includes four videos, a guide book, and the opportunity to join with others to explore this topic.

You can still join the folks at All Saints' Cathedral for this study, even though it's already started. Email Sara at admin@allsaintscathedral.ca to get the Zoom link. The sessions will run Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm on February 3 and 10, through World Interfaith Harmony Week. If you'd rather work on your own, the videos and guide book are available on the diocesan website.

In this book, N.T. Wright argues that every world view must explain seven “signposts;” indicators inherent to humanity. They are: Justice, Spirituality, Relationships, Beauty, Freedom, Truth, and Power. Using the Gospel of John as his source, Wright shows how Christianity defines each signpost and illuminates why we so often see them as being "broken" and unattainable. You are welcome to join St. David's Anglican Church in Edmonton for this study on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00pm, February 10-March 24. Please email the Rev. Dr. Renée Desjardins  at rector.stdavid@gmail.com for more information and the Zoom link.

Ever think having a “calling” is only for clergy? Not true! Every follower of Christ has a Christian Vocation.  You might describe it as a "Vocation in a Travel Mug,” ready-to-go any place and any time. This is your invitation to join a Zoom conversation to explore what defines a Christian Vocation and how you might find ways to live that out in Church and World. Two sessions, on Wednesdays January 27 and February 10, at 7:00pm via Zoom. RSVP to Archdeacon David at david@stmatthiasedmonton.ca for the Zoom link.

For February, the Good Shepherd Anti-Racism Book Club is reading The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King. We will meet on Zoom on Monday, February 22 at 7:30pm to discuss our thoughts and explore the themes in this book. If you plan on attending, you will need to register in advance by emailing Archdeacon Jordan at rector@goodshepanglican.org and she will send the Zoom meeting link. Intending to purchase a copy? Glass Bookshop is a locally owned/operated book store that focuses on social justice issues. They offer free delivery within Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and St. Albert.

As people called into a covenant relationship of love and friendship with God, we are also called to "act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God." You are invited to explore this theme in a Zoom Quiet Day on March 13, 2021, from 10:00am – 1:30pm. This Lenten Quiet Day will be led by Sister Doreen, SSJD. To register, email Maureen Crerar at maureen.crerar@gmail.com no later than March 8. A Zoom link will be sent out when registrations are complete. POSTER

Just a reminder that Synod Office staff are working from home in compliance with current public health guidance in Alberta. The best way to get the help you need is by email. 

General office questions and communications
(Synod Scene, The Messenger):
Shelly King at reception@edmonton.anglican.ca

Questions regarding finances and giving:
John Gee at treasurer@edmonton.anglican.ca

Questions to the attention of the Bishop:
Jennifer Wirun at assistant@edmonton.anglican.ca
Bishop Jane at bishop@edmonton.anglican.ca

Contacts: 
*The Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Indigenous Ministry: rector@stfaithsanglican.org / 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 

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.

The sixth season of the Sacred Teachings podcast, is titled "Suicide: The Other Pandemic." In this episode guest host Peter Downie interviews revered Elder and psychologist Dr. Martin Brokenleg about supporting young people to choose life.

This season contains themes that may be harmful or triggering to some audiences. If you, or someone you know is struggling, please contact The Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 833-456-4566 or send a text to 45645. Help IS available.

The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men, boys and allies who are standing up against violence towards women and children. This year, this national campaign will be offering ceremony and workshops online for all who register. Here in Edmonton, the Rev. Nick Trussell will lead a small in person ceremony (10 people outdoors) that will also be available by Zoom. Email n.trussell@edmonton.anglican.ca to register. POSTER

Indigenous Ministries of the Anglican Church of Canada is planning the next online Gospel Jamboree, titled: "With Love Before Is, We are Walking." This is the seventh jamboree and will feature special guest preacher, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US (perhaps known best in popular culture as the person who preached at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle). If you've never tuned in to a Gospel Jam, put February 13 on your calendar!

Everyone knows February 14th as Valentine's Day, but the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society invites you to see it as more than a day for romance. "Have a Heart Day" is a chance to help us all to learn more about education inequalities for First Nation schools which are funded less than public schools. The activities on the website are ones that can be done at home with the whole family participating. Click below to see what you might be able to do and learn! 

Nukskahtowin, the Indigenous Meeting Place of Athabasca University, invites you to its winter series of Indigenous films and documentaries. February's movie, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up by Tasha Hubbard, follows the story of a young Cree man named Colten Boushie, who was shot in the back of his head after entering Gerald Stanley's rural property. The jury’s subsequent acquittal of Stanley captured international attention. 

Online Bannock and a Movie is set up so you can self-enrol even if you do not have an Athabasca University account. Click the link below. Create a new account or sign in if you have already registered. Please contact Ivy Lalonde with any questions at ivyl@athabascau.ca

This page lists online opportunities for worship, learning and virtual community provided weekly by parishes throughout the diocese.

In this time of continued uncertainty, the Church, the Body of Christ, remains a loving and connected community. we hope to do all we can to support each other, and the diocese grateful for any and all donations we receive. If 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 through the diocesan website.

This year, the season of Lent will be observed Febuary 17 to April 3. The Anglican Church of Canada is compiling a collection of resources. Please click below to find the resource that will be most helpful to you and your parish.

This virtual study conference with spiritual director and retreat leader Dr. Faith Nostbakken is titled Grounding Our Faith: Payer and Spiritual Practices for Challenging Times. Sessions run Friday evening to Sunday morning, February 5-7 and will cover topics such as Spiritual Practices to Help Us Thrive, Pathways to Prayer, and Reading Scripture as Prayer. Click below to find out more!

Since March 2020 our lives have been affected in different ways by the COVID-19 pandemic. A quieter pandemic that has affected lives around the world for generations and of which our generation has not been spared is that of loneliness. Renovaré Canada is offering a course, 'Loneliness: The Enduring Pandemic,' in which we will explore the reality of loneliness in our times, looking at causes and potential cures, as well as lessons to be learned in seasons of loneliness.

If this is something you might be interested in you can click below to learn more and register. This online course starts on February 9, 2021.

Sometimes we find ourselves lost in the busy-ness of daily events, longing to catch our breath, listen to what our bodies and souls are saying, and lean into the silence. Come examine the patterns in your life: What do you feel drawn toward or pulled away from? This online day retreat with Jodi Lammiman and Amy Spark uses ecological metaphor to engage and uncover what is stirring in your inner world through group dialogue as well as guided solitude time. Students: $40; Regular: $70. Register at www.starofthenorth.ca/listen or call 780-459-5511.

This Lent, voices from a variety of Christian denominations share reflections on how scripture invites experiences of Divine providence. Listen to the weekly pre-recorded message (posted every Tuesday during Lent), and/or join other listeners and Providence Renewal Centre staff on Wednesday evening to listen and discuss what you noticed, wondered about, and appreciated. Wednesdays February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 7:00 to 8:00pm. Join whenever you are able. There is no charge, but pre-registration is required for Zoom access. POSTER