• Those who are sick, suffering or in need: Rhea, Erin, Megan, Paul, Bob, and Meredith.
• 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.

The Edmonton diocesan family welcomes Camden Bowie Parsall-Myler, born at 1:30 am, February 10, 2021. Elated new father Aaron, rector of St. George's Fort Saskatchewan, reports that mum Erika and baby Camden are doing great. Congratulations!

In light of news headlines regarding GraceLife Church in Parkland County, where leaders and members have defied COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Province, we share once again this message from a group of Edmonton and area spiritual leaders reiterating our commitment to putting safety first.

Bishop Jane Alexander is one of more than 25 faith leaders in Alberta who has signed an Ecumenical-Interfaith COVID-19 Statement, first released on December 3, 2020. These leaders continue stand in solidarity with a plea to citizens and governments to: “commit to carrying the burdens of one another, and to leaving no one behind.”

“It has already been a long season of uncertainty, fear, suffering, and loss," the statement reads, "and it is not over yet. We must make an even more intentional effort to preserve social cohesion and concern for the common good. We are not alone, and we cannot and do not face this trial alone.” 

Please find the statement in full, attached here in pdf form and please feel free to share it.

Canon Scott Sharman, ecumenical and interfaith coordinator for our diocese, has been interviewed by local media this week. Listen to and view those stories below:

• CBC Radio Active
• CTV 
• Edmonton Journal

image by Gerd Altman

Having provided musical pieces for the diocese during Advent and Christmas, the music director at St. Matthias' parish in Edmonton, Evan Thomas, has shared a new piece that parishes and individuals might like to use in collective or personal prayer. This is an original composition based on The Song of Simeon, page 90 of the Book of Alternative Services. The melody and the “Go in Peace” refrain are Evan's additions to this familiar prayer.

For Lent 2021, Rev. Sue is running a daily Bible reading challenge for tweens and teens of the Edmonton diocese. Sign up by emailing Christ Church, then check your email daily for Bible verse challenges. There will be weekly Zoom check-ins, fun, games and prizes! Don't have a Bible? Contact your parish priest and he or she will hook you up! 

The Rural Ministry Initiative of the Edmonton diocese is hosting a Virtual Lenten Study, beginning on Feb 24 through to March 31. All are welcome to join!

For more info, including the Zoom link, please visit the Rural Ministry Facebook page, or email Chelsy Bouwman, canon pastor for rural ministry. See attached POSTER.

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in St. Albert has created a desert space in their sanctuary, which will be available for all to visit online through their Facebook page during Lent.

The theme of justice pervades the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. But readers frequently miss a key source, a writing in which justice is actually the central concern: the book of Romans. Please join Rev. Myron Penner as he hosts Dr. Douglas Harink for a series of discussions during the season of Lent. This series more or less follows the text of Romans, aiming to help readers trace the theme of justice throughout Paul’s letter. For more information on how to tune in, please visit https://www.stpauls-anglican.ca/events/resurrecting-justice-talks.

Lent is considered a special time of focusing on our spiritual lives and drawing closer to Christ. Christ came to heal our souls, to bring us into spiritual wholeness. He wants you to be fully the person you were created to be.  How do we draw closer to Christ? The answer is a life-long practice of discipleship.  In our Lenten study this year, we will break discipleship down to the six essential questions that every Christian needs to answer. Join us as we go deep into what a renewed spiritual life in Christ looks like. 

Every Wednesday evening beginning on February 24, we will gather together to hear guest speakers from across the country, as we explore traditional Lenten themes with the help of Saints, theology and poetry.

• February 24: Dr. Mike Ferber| Lament in the Wilderness
• March 3: Rev. Helen Dunn | The Art of Listening in the Wilderness March 10: Bishop Jane Alexander | The Way of Love in the Wilderness
• March 17: Rev. Dr. Paul Freisen | Listening to St. Patrick in the Wilderness 
• March 24: Ms.Witty Sandle | Listening to Julian of Norwich in the Wilderness     

To register, please email David at the Christ Church office. We will send you the weekly readings and the zoom link.

In this book, N.T. Wright argues that every world view must explain seven “signposts” of 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.

Join Bishop Jane Alexander and PWRDF Diocesan Representative (Ottawa) the Rev. Patrick Stephens this season of Lent as we focus on Creation Care: Climate Action:

• 40 days of Lent
• 40 days of stories about PWRDF
• 40 prayers for the Earth

Subscribe to the "Creation Care: Climate Action Lent" resource, which will be sent to your inbox throughout the season of Lent, and check out the Lent 2021 Children's resource.

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 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, on February 11, 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

The sixth season of the Sacred Teachings podcast, is titled "Suicide: The Other Pandemic." In this episode guest host Peter Downie interviews the Rev. Canon Debbie Royals who is Pascua Yaqui from Tucson Arizona. Debbie talks about the power of ceremony and traditional teachings and making the choice to live.

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.

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.

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

In the Footsteps of a Mother: Journey with Mary #14232 Carol Sebastian & Linda MacIsaac (via Zoom) Live this Lent through the life and experience of Mary, Mother of Jesus. (This program is offered in collaboration with St. Thomas More Parish CWL) Thursdays, Feb 18, 25, March 4, 11, 7:00 – 8:30 pm; $60 CWL members; $80 non-members; Register by February 11

Fasting: An Exploration and an Invitation #14234 Sr. Elizabeth Poilievre, FCJ (via ZOOM) This day is an opportunity to explore and experience fasting as a spiritual exercise. You may bring whatever snacks you need for your day, beverages provided. This retreat will take place via ZOOM. Please come prepared with a journal, pen and bible. Saturday, February 27, 10:00 am-4:00 pm  $50 (Zoom from home); $80.00 (Zoom from a parlour at PRC) Register by February 22      

Expressions of Hope: Voices of a Resurrection People #14243 A collaboration of Providence Renewal Centre and the Edmonton District Council of Churches 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), then join other listeners and Providence Renewal Centre staff on Wednesday evening to discuss what you noticed, wondered about and appreciated. Wednesday Evenings during Lent (date and speaker details on our website when available), 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm  No charge but pre-registration required for Zoom access

The board of the Greater Edmonton Alliance for the Common Good invites you to a virtual assembly on Thursday, March 4, 2021, 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. At this community gathering, GEA will be asking Edmonton City Councilors to adopt the Canadian National Standard for Psychological Safety in the Workplace as official policy. Please RSVP to receive the zoom link.