• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Rhea, Mitch, Madison, Robert, and Jen.
• Archbishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (Updated list of 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.
• People who are trapped in places of conflict and persecution around the world. We pray especially for people in Sudan, Ukraine, Turkey and Syria.
• 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.

The Most. Rev. Colin Johnston, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Niagara, lecturer at Niagara School for Missional Leadership and personal mentor to Bishop Steve, has agreed to provide a day-long seminar on leading through challenging times - like the ones we are in right now!  Johnson will offer a overview to a particular practice of leadership that

• connects us to the core of our tradition to inform a way of leadership
• provides tools to identify the issues in our context accurately
• seeks to engage the resources already present in the community

so that we can respond creatively and faithfully to the challenges that face us today as we join in God's mission with confidence and hope.

Special invitation from the Bishop: all are welcome! Lunch will be provided. There is no charge, but registration is required.  Colin Johnson Biography

Please hold Bishop Stephen London in your prayers as he serves parishes throughout the diocese and connects with our partners and friends beyond the diocese.

• June 11: St. Mary Abbots, Barrhead
• June 17: Adaptive Leadership Seminar with Colin Johnson, hosted at Christ Church
• June 18: Service and Confirmations, Christ Church, Edmonton
• June 21: Observing National Indigenous Peoples Day

The Synod Office will be closed on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Wednesday, June 21. Bishop Steve encourages all members of Edmonton diocese to seek out activities in your area and make a point of marking the day in some way that is meaningful to you. Photo: Onion Lake Pow Wow, July 2017

Entwistle, Evansburg and Wildwood communities 40 kilometres north of Drayton Valley had been evacuated because of fires in late April. Emergency alarms had been sounding on TV and on cellphones from the Buck Creek fire 14 kilometres southeast of Drayton Valley on May 4. Citizens were advised to pack important documents, medications, clothing and food for three days. People were reassured the fire was east of the North Saskatchewan River; some were not so sure it would stay there. The inevitable happened. The fire jumped the river and headed west, mostly south of Highway 22. An evacuation order was given about 11pm on May 4...

Bishop Stephen London led a service of induction on Saturday, June 3, welcoming the Rev. Kevin Kraglund as the rector of St. Augustine Parkland. Kraglund offers his thanks to all who attended and participated in the service, saying that to him “this celebration of new ministry at St. Augustine Parkland was a most meaningful and worshipful occasion.”  

St. Augustine of Canterbury held a “wild” fundraising event on June 3, raising about $900 for their upcoming Re-Wilding Project. St. Augustine’s rector, the Rev. Jonathan Crane was grateful for beautiful weather on the day, the great music provided by Paul Fuelbrandt, the artistic face-painting skills of Theo Harasymiw, and the mocktails created by Mary McLean and Jennifer Stewart. In all, about 70 people came to enjoy the activities. Crane says the main goal of the event was accomplished, which was “to bring the community together on the land.”

In 2015 Immanuel, Wetaskiwin created its first Heart Garden. The garden was created as part of its reconciliation work. The garden is to honour the children who went to residential schools and those who died while at the schools. It was the first big event that the Reconciliation Team of Immanuel put together. On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the community gathered once again to create its 9th garden. The community was able to do its garden even during pandemic time. 

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Edmonton welcomed the warm weather and the beginning of summer with an outdoor service on Trinity Sunday, June 4, 2023. One count suggested around 150 people attended, enjoying either the cool shade or bright sun at Lendrum Community League.

Download the June-July 2023 edition of The Messenger or view it online as a flipbook.

Click here to receive a print subscription to The Messenger or to change your subscription address. The Messenger and Anglican Journal are mailed to subscribers for a suggested donation of $15/year.

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” (Anonymous)

In its inaugural season, The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton Children’s Choir, directed by conductor Laura Hawley, and supported by a 2021 Say Yes! To Kids grant from the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC), became a burgeoning music ministry for children and youth in grade 2 and up. This free, inclusive choir makes sure that all children can grow in faith and musicianship. 

"My seven-year-old Cora was so excited for choir each week. Choir helped cement existing friendships and create new ones -- when we visited another church in the diocese, she happily pointed out her "buddy" from choir! These kid-to-kid connections are so valuable to keeping her engaged with church." - Jamie Hurlburt

We invite you and your church community to give to the Say Yes! to Kids campaign and help make our diocesan children’s choir a sustainable part of our worship life in the Diocese of Edmonton. 

To help us spread the word, please include this link (https://www.canadahelps.org/s/nEGAvJ), the attached graphic and a brief description of the Say Yes! to Kids fundraising campaign for the Diocesan Children’s Choir in your church bulletins, and share on social media. Watch for FB, Twitter and Instagram posts by @DioEdm.

A national ecumenical conference featuring several prominent Indigenous and Métis leaders will be held at All Saints' Cathedral in Edmonton, with a special opening ceremony near the traditional First Nations’ meeting ground of ᐯᐦᐅᓇᐣ /Pêhonân, a gathering-waiting place in a bend of the North Saskatchewan River.

The 8th Canadian Forum on Inter-Church Dialogues (CFICD) will be presented June 8-10 by the Canadian Council of Churches, in partnership with the Prairie Centre for Ecumenism and the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism. The conference calls us into a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wisdom, gifts, and experiences that Indigenous followers of Jesus can offer the ecumenical movement. Too often, their voices have been absent from official Canadian ecumenical dialogues. 

Please join us for a fun-filled evening of music and poetry by performers of all ages from St. David’s, as well as some special guests. It's all happening this Saturday evening, June 10, starting at 7:00pm. St. David's is at 8345 79 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Suggested donation $25 per person or $35 per family. Donations $20 or more receive a tax receipt.

St. Mary's Anglican Church, 5120 49 Ave, Ponoka, invites you to its 8th Annual Steak and Lobster Fest on Saturday, June 10. Doors open at 5 pm. The following meal options are available:

• $55 for Lobster dinner 
• $30 for Steak dinner
• $75 for Steak & Lobster  OR
• $45 for a Lobster-To-Go (cooked or live)   

Dine-in meals include baked potato, coleslaw, dessert & beverages. Tickets must be ordered by June 6. Proceeds from this event will support Ponoka FCSS Cancer Fund. For tickets and info call: Deb @ 403-704-3152; Heather @ 403-704-4041. POSTER

Drop by Good Shepherd Anglican Church (15494 Castle Downs Road NW Edmonton) at 7pm on Wednesday, June 14 for an evening filled with fellowship and music. A hymnsing is a fun night out for friends and families. Our music team will play and sing some of our favourite hymns, and we'd love to hear your voice singing along with us. 

Comedian Kevin Stobo grew up in Spruce Grove and is coming back to his hometown, making an appearance on June 23 at St. Augustine Parkland. Join us for a good laugh, live music, cash bar and raffles! Pre-show entertainment by The Ray Haddock Band from Stony Plain. Doors open at 7pm. Advance tickets are $25, up to $30 after June 18 and at the door. To reserve email staugustinesparkland@gmail.com or call 780-962-5131. POSTER

Church of the Nativity, Frog Lake invites you to "Walking Together in Faith: HEALING. RESTORATION. HOPE", a joint service with neighboring Anglican parishes on Sunday, June 18, 11 am, in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples' Day and in celebration of the Summer Solstice. The service will be followed by a pipe ceremony and a feast at the Morningsky Health and Wellness facility. For more information, email Fred Matthews, lay reader-in-charge, at froglake.anglican@gmail.com  Please share the POSTER with your community.

You can now Register Online for the Diocese of Edmonton and Friends Family Retreat. Single folks and families of all shapes and sizes are welcome! 

This weekend will be held the weekend of July 7 (Friday at 2 pm ) to July 9 (Sunday at 1 pm), at Camp Van Es, located a half-hour southeast of Edmonton.

Join Susan Oliver, Archdeacon for Children, Family and Youth Ministries, for time away from your everyday routine, enjoying the outdoors. Swim in the pool under the supervision of a lifeguard, walk the trails, find a quiet place to read, or a not-so-quiet place to chat. There will be games, too!

Weaving teacher Jamie (Ali) Hurlburt, a lay evangelist of the Edmonton diocese, is teaming up with longtime Sorrento Centre leader David Taylor to offer a course combining spiritual reflection and hands-on crafting, from July 23 to 29. A range of beginner crafty activities will be offered, and absolutely no experience is required. POSTER

Compassion Camp is a five day summer camp program for children ages 5 and up. Each day has its own theme, music, crafts, and activities all centered around small simple acts of compassion. Children over 14 will get to participate in camp as a Leader-In-Training, gaining both the benefits of the daily lessons and an opportunity to share their strengths as they assist our younger campers during crafts and games. 

Registration is open. Save your child a spot with a $25 deposit!

There are just a few spots left for the 2023-24 school term for affordable community living for Christian students close to downtown Edmonton. 

Christ Church Mosaic (120th St and 102 Ave) is a house next door to Christ Church parish,  where six young adults from various parts of the country live out their faith and their lives together.

Attending a variety of schools and programs, these young people form an intentional Christian Community during the school year. Living as housemates, these residents work together to decide the “rule of life” that will shape their common experience over the course of the year. Supported by Christ Church Parish in their spiritual journey, Mosaic residents gather twice a month with parish volunteers to engage in Bible study and discussion.

Apply to be a resident for the 2023-24 term by completing this FORM. 

Let us help you promote your upcoming event in Synod Scene, our weekly e-newsletter to clergy, parishes and subscribers. Please click the link to the form below to tell us about your event (ie. youth gathering, parish fundraiser, worship service, community outreach, public lecture). Upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your event poster. Events must be submitted by Tuesday at noon for inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have Questions? Send us an email: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca

If you haven't done it before, now is the perfect chance! Join Team Anglican for National Blood Donor Week and help us reach our goal of 130 donated units of blood or plasma in 2023. To book your lifesaving appointment, call 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services. Check your eligibility, then click here to enter our Partner ID: ANGL696986. Make your life-saving donation today!

The Bishop of Edmonton invites applications for the position of the incumbent of the parish of St. Peter’s, Edmonton. This is a half-time position. The goals of the parish are to grow in Christ by building up relationships with the local community and engaging in ministries of service to one another and to their neighbours. Please click below to see a full description of the type of person St. Peter's is looking for. Closing date is July 5, 2023

St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, 12603 Ellerslie Road, Edmonton, is looking for a pianist to play for our services for the months of July, August and September.

Our instrument is a digital piano (Roland HP330). Through the summer we will hold one service each Sunday from 10 to 11:15 am. We sing four hymns or songs, and the pianist usually plays music before and after the service, as well as during communion. Hymns would be chosen in consultation with the rector, from our hymn book Hymns Old and New: Complete Anglican Edition, and our parish songbook.

An honorarium of $75 per service would be paid. We will require a commitment to play every Sunday through the three months, except, of course, in case of emergencies.

If you are interested, please contact the rector’s warden, Melanie Eriksen, at melanie.eriksen@telus.net.

Edmonton diocese is currently considering changes in its approach to summer camp. But while that is happening, there are very good camps in our area that the diocese is happy to recommend. We support Hastings Lake Bible Camp (Lutheran) and Camp Van Es (Moravian), both within a 30-45 minute drive southeast of Edmonton. Please click on the website links for more information about this summer's programming. Financial support may be available for those who need it.

Westwood Unitarian, 11135 65 Avenue, Edmonton, invites you to the Beyond Land Acknowledgements Reconciliation Speaker Series on Cultivating (re)Connection, on June 11, from 3 to 4:30 pm. Together with guest speaker Miranda Jimmy, a community connector committed to the spirit and intent of the Treaty relationship, let's explore what connecting to the Land as an act of reconciliation means in a modern, capitalist, urban environment. POSTER

The Territory of the People will hold an Episcopal Election in Kamloops, BC on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The call for nominations is now open. The nomination form, timeline and process are on the Territory of the People website. Nomination forms, completed by the appropriate designate as named in the information online, must be received by email (territoryelection@gmail.com) by the Electoral Committee on or before midnight PDT on Friday, June 16, 2023. Inquiries and questions can be directed to Melissa Green, Chair of the Electoral Committee at territoryelection@gmail.com or at 250-682-4866.

World Refugee Day: A Journey Into Exile Join an online simulation exercise that allows participants to experience what a refugee goes through when they must flee their country. Throughout the exercise, participants will become aware of the challenges and dangers that refugees face by making hard decisions similar to those of refugee make every day. Join us on World Refugee Day, Tuesday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Cost: $20.   

Register at 780-459-5511 or click below.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day for all Canadians to recognise and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and, Métis peoples. This year the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta invites the public to two virtual sessions with Governor General's Literary Award-winning author David A. Robertson on June 21 at 10:30 am or 1 pm.  The cost is free. Register HERE

In the words of the great Canadian writer, Richard Wagamese, “…those clouds are Creator’s handwriting. That wolf track in the mud is Creator’s touch. Those birds singing in the trees are Creator’s voices. A drum beating or your heartbeat is Creator’s Morse code. Children and elders and life itself are Creator’s exclamation marks”. As we transition from the season of spring into summer, Providence Renewal Center invites you to a day to become “Closer to the Creator”. Friday, June 23 (10:00 am – 3:00 pm) $65 (incl. buffet lunch) 

Online registration is now open for Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth CLAY 2023: Ashes & Embers, to be held August 10-13 in Waterloo, Ontario. Please spread the word to youth and leaders in your parishes!