• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Gail, Becky, Rhea, Megan, Paul, Bill, and Sara.
• Those who are struggling with the fourth wave of COVID-19 in Alberta, especially our health care workers.
• Those who have died: Audrey, Ruth, Joan; Sylva; and those who mourn: Aylard family; Mellor family, King family; Irving family.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Twinned Parishes).  
• Our relations 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 unless intentionally renewed.

We give thanks for all the producers in our diocese who care for the land and the creatures that inhabit it. The Rural Ministry Initiative of the Edmonton diocese wishes you a blessed and happy thanksgiving!

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
   and all their host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

Bishop Steve London, newly consecrated on September 18, has hit the ground running in his new role in the Edmonton diocese and in the Anglican Church of Canada. One of his first ambitions is to visit every parish in the diocese as soon as possible. Following is his itinerary for the next few weeks:

• October 10: Harvest Thanksgiving Service, St. John's, Sedgewick
• October 14: Clergy Day, Zoom
• November 7: Evensong, All Saints' Cathedral, Edmonton
• Monthly Zoom bible study and conversations with bishops from around the Anglican Communion in preparation for Lambeth 2022.

Bishop Steve also has various visits booked to meet with rectors, corporations, and vestries over the coming months. 

Bishop Steve's calendar is full in these first weeks of his episcopacy. As well as visiting for Sunday services in various parishes, he is making time for smaller meetings with rectors, vestries and corporations mid-week. You can keep up with Bishop Steve through his FaceBook page, where the Synod Scene has collected a few pictures to share from visits so far in October.

The community of Wetaskiwin, led by Immanuel Anglican Church and the Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum, came together on September 30, for the annual Orange Shirt Day walk to remember the children who were sent to Residential Schools; to remember those who died, and those who returned home with so many losses. This year’s walk came with extra solemnity as all in attendance held in their hearts the news of the unmarked graves. 

On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation the whitewashed walls of a church building, with everything those walls represent, became the place to see and listen to the story of the Indigenous families who were forced out of what we know today as Jasper National Park. 

“This may have been the most important thing our church has ever done,” said Nancy Addison, people’s warden at St. Mary’s and St. George’s Anglican Church, following a community screening of the Indigenous documentary Resilient: The Aseniwuche Winewak Story. 

“My mind was blown by this amazing film with so many local connections,” said Bob Covey, editor and publisher of The Jasper Local and president of the Jasper Film Club. Covey had seen the film when it debuted in Grande Cache on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. 

People of all ages, of All Saints’, Drayton Valley, brought their four-legged and feathered friends to participate in a Blessings of the Animals service to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on the afternoon of October 3. People brought donations for the local animal rescue Cause for Critters, which strives “to provide the absolute best care we can to our resident animals who are awaiting their forever families.” Every dog, cat and parrot present received a blessing for a life of joy with their families. Photos by Miriam Roberts and Shelby Cook 

As an expression of love for people all across the globe, the congregation of All Saints', Drayton Valley, donated to the Love My Neighbour Project. Love My Neighbour is a movement for global vaccine equity that raises funds to help increase access and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to communities living in vulnerable circumstances around the world. With a matching grant from the Government of Canada, All Saints' raised enough for 50 two-dose vaccines.

Submitted by the Rev. Christopher Cook

The staff and congregation at Good Shepherd Anglican Church in Edmonton have been working hard to spread positivity and hope in our community. We believe small, consistent acts of kindness and compassion can help rebuild connection and help people overcome the sense of isolation and frustration they have felt during the pandemic.

We have worked together to learn how to connect online, through live Zoom worship services, and our study of the Book of Acts, on Zoom. We have also incorporated safety measures so people can worship in–person with us and know we value their safety. We welcome families of all shapes and sizes. It is truly an honour to be able to host safe, socially distanced services and blessings that invite our parish and larger community to hold close the warm glow of the Lord’s love.

You are invited to join us for the next edition of the Holy Trinity Speaker Series, October 9, at 11:00 am, in the Upper Hall at Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Paul Crump will be presenting on "Worshipping the Christ is not following Jesus." Paul Crump describes himself as someone who has long doubted the “I believe” truths favoured by institutions and power-based organisations in favour of heart-based truths that promote generosity, fair play, justice for the ‘other,’ and openness to the mystery of creation and its Creator. We hope you can join us in person* or by livestream on our Facebook page.

*Please note that Holy Trinity Anglican Church is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program for all programming outside of Worship services. You will be required to show proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test to participate in this event in person.    

Interestingly, we commemorate World Food Day on October 16, near our annual celebration of Thanksgiving. This season, the Edmonton diocese’s Social Justice Committee is offering resources via this interactive PDF document, to be used in parishes, or personally, to help us remember those who are not as fortunate as we are and learn specifically about the positive impact international development can have on improving food security around the world. We hope you will find them helpful.

All are invited to a unique opportunity for Planetary Prayer, October 16 at St. Matthias' Anglican Church. The event will be led by Janet Kwantes and Scott McDonald of St. Thomas' in Sherwood Park, who explain it this way: We are all moving through Covid, navigating the challenges of changing social isolation requirements, on a path of reconciliation, dealing with personal challenges while also witnessing national and global unrest. Here is an opportunity to join with others in a circle of walking prayer for healing and resiliency.

Confirmation with Kokum will be led together by the Rev. Nick and Elisa Hillier. It is open to any baptised person seeking confirmation aged 10+. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and explore the faith of our baptism through the Creeds and Scripture, as well as through Elisa’s teachings about the Four Directions and Seven Sacred teachings which have shaped her faith as an Indigenous follower of Jesus.

Gatherings for teachings will be in person at St. Luke’s, October 17, 24, and Nov 7, 14, at 1 pm. Masking and distancing are required for youth; vaccinations are required for those 12 and over.

Bishop Stephen London will be visiting St. Luke’s to celebrate the confirmations on November 21. Email Rev. Nick (n.trussell@edmonton.anglican.ca) to sign up for the classes or for more information.

The Ven. Jordan Ware, diocesan archbishop for social justice and community connection, is excited to announce the return of the Edmonton Diocese Anti-Racism Book Club.

This year the book club will begin to grow in two directions. There will be a Foundations group which will meet and discuss four incredible books chosen to increase awareness of the experiences of BIPOC individuals (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) and challenge readers to view the world through a new lens. A second group, Building on Foundations, will take a deeper dive into the impacts of racism in everyday life and build on the ideas and tools discovered in the Foundations group.

Good Shepherd Anglican Church invites you to join our online bible study. The Ven. Jordan Ware is exploring the book of Acts, celebrating how all can be made new with God. Bible study will be meeting on Zoom every Wednesday at 7:00pm. We are very hopeful that hosting this bible study online will allow more people to attend and deepen their connection with the bible. Email rector@goodshepanglican.org for the Zoom link.   

What if ONE weekend had the potential to bring you and your spouse closer… or help you connect at a level you maybe didn’t think was even possible? Would you consider investing the time?

The Marriage Encounter in-person weekend experience is back! Though now we're including the option of staying at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton where the sessions will be held, or going home or to a hotel at the end of Friday and Saturday evening. Here's what participants are saying:

This experience is a MUST for all couples. It definitely brought the romance & joy back into our marriage.

The best thing you can do for your children is to love your spouse… We took the plunge and tried out the retreat and we’re so happy we did!

POSTER

The final episode of season 1 of The Land Wants Us to Live Differently Here was recorded throughout the growing season of 2021. The Rev. Jonathan Crane speaks with Rick Dobush, a grain farmer near Warwick AB. Rick grew up on the land he farms, and through his parents, remembers how much farming has changed in the last century. They talk about the realities of being in the modern grain business, the changes in his community, and Rick’s reflections on living on this land. Listen to the podcast series on Anchor.fm

• See also these Season of Creation Resources for you and your parish to use.

As a Partner for Life with Canadian Blood Services, the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton has pledged to donate 100 units of blood in 2021. With 12 weeks to go, we need 28 units to hit our target. That's just over 2 per week, and right now 10 people have appointments to give! Do you know anyone who might like to join the team? It's a simple but powerful way to give back to the community.

Click here to join Team Anglican. Our Partner ID is ANGL696986.  To donate blood, call: 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services.

St. Timothy's in Edmonton has an opening for one or more persons who can organise and oversee all aspects of music ministry, consistent with the values, vision, and mission of St. Timothy’s in order to support the wider ministry of the parish. The Music Director will contribute to a leadership team seeking to equip, encourage and empower members of St. Timothy’s congregation to connect with God, with each other and with the community. See the Job Description for qualifications and details on how to apply.

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.

Calling all grandmothers, grandfathers, and seniors in general! Here is a chance to become better acquainted with Indigenous teachings. St. Faith's Anglican Church and Creating Hope Society in Edmonton are hosting a weekly series called Teachings of the Drum. All Kokums and Mosums (Cree for Grandmother and Grandfather) are invited to join weekly teaching, conversation and events focusing on drum teachings. Sessions run Thursdays, from 6-8 pm, at St. Faith's Anglican Church, 11725 93 Street NW, Edmonton. Contact Cynthia at 587-596-9805 or email programs@creatinghopesociety.ca for more information. UPDATED POSTER

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. You can make a secure online donation through the diocesan website.

Anglican and Lutheran ministry leaders are invited to an online networking opportunity for those interested or involved in joint Anglican-Lutheran congregations and other full communion initiatives, also known as “Waterloo Ministries.” On October 18, from 11:00 am-1:30 pm MST, we will listen to stories from some people who have been involved in shared ministries for a long time about insights and advice they have to offer; we will talk about Waterloo ministries that happen outside of the congregational setting; we will hear about Anglican-Lutheran ministries in intersection with Indigenous communities. 

Watch videos of the Edmonton mayoral election forum hosted by the Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA), and the written responses of candidates.

On the 1st Monday of the month from October 2021-June 2022, join us on Zoom as we use our eyes of faith to see inspiration in the writings of a variety of authors. Meetings are held on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Cost to join is $45.00 and members are responsible for acquiring their own books (most are available through public libraries and on e-readers).  Click here to register for Event #14343.

Did you know that in one province in Canada more people died of opioid overdoses in 2020 than of COVID-19? This timely workshop, based on Sylvain’s popular book used by support groups internationally, provides hope for recovery from addictions through the wisdom of the 12 Step program, with a special focus on Steps 6 & 7. A blend of keynote presentations, music, ritual, humor and fellowship will make this on-line and in-person workshop an experience of personal growth and healing. It runs Friday evening to Sunday noon, October 15-17, 2021. The cost is $50 virtual; $150 commuter and $250 in-residence. This is open to all fellowships or anyone wanting to learn more about addiction and recovery. What is impossible for us can happen to us! 

All are welcome to join the Taize ecumenical community on Sunday, October 24, 7 pm, on Facebook for Thanksgiving prayer with scripture, silence and songs of Taize. POSTER

A roundtable discussion will be held October, 28, 6 pm, in light of the 50th anniversary of Canada’s adoption of multiculturalism with Canadian Muslim scholars and activists. The panel will bring together different perspectives on the politics of multiculturalism and pluralism in Canadian society as they relate to religion, race/ethnicity, gender, and indigeneity amidst a climate of Islamophobia. This webinar is co-Sponsored by CRC and I-RSS.

We invite you and interested community members to join us this year in our annual A Common Word Christian/Muslim Dialogue on October 30, 2021, 9:30am-1:00 pm. The venue for the in-person component will be the Al Rashid Mosque. There is a zoom option to join. Either way, participants will be welcomed and given an opportunity to interact on the topic of “Does Faith Matter?” We will hear from four (younger) individuals from both faith traditions, followed by facilitated table discussions on this topic. POSTER

Sandy Crozier with the Free Methodist Church in Canada is offering four webinars on Grant Writing for Churches and Christian Ministries in Canada. All four courses run from 7-8:30 pm EST. Anyone can sign up at www.fmcic.ca/grantwriting  Cost is $45/course or $150 for all four. POSTER

• An Introduction to Grant Writing – Oct 7
• How to Write a Grant Proposal Without Selling Your Soul – Oct 21
• Tips for the Grant Writing Journey – Nov 4
• How to Manage a Grant if Approved – Nov 18    

Covenant Health is looking to fill a casual ministry position in Bonnyville. For more info, see Job Profile The closing date is this Friday, Oct 8.