• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Andrea, Anne and Roger, Alan, Lorelei, Marie, Sue, Connie, Doreen, Eleanor, Joyce, Gail, Les, Kelly, Dakotah, Carol, Dan, Mitch, Rhea, Jen, Tom, Mildred.
• Those who have died: Sandy, Ruby, Sandra; and those who mourn: Sandra, Ashley, Ian and Peter; Rene and family.
• Those affected by natural disasters around the world.
• 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.
• 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 at the end of those two weeks.

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.

• October 8: Confirmation Service, Holy Trinity, Old Strathcona, Edmonton
• October 15: Confirmation Service, St. Matthew's, St. Albert
• October 15: Munther Isaac Ecumenical Gathering, Trinity Lutheran, Edmonton

The Diocese of Edmonton, like many corners of God’s Church, is going through a time of transition. Being the Church today and, more importantly, preparing to be the Church of tomorrow, is going to take each and every one of us. Your Diocese of Edmonton church family needs you. We cannot be what God calls us to be without you on board. To that end, Bishop Steve is asking everyone in Edmonton diocese to please take a few minutes of your time to fill out THIS SURVEY on various possible opportunities for service in our diocesan family.

More than 100 people gathered at the Diamond Jubilee Park in Wetaskiwin for the third annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday, September 30.

The morning started with a smudge, followed by a pipe ceremony for both men and women in separate tipis. Following the ceremony the community walked to the Wetaskiwin Peace Cairn. The children placed orange-painted rocks around the cenotaph as a memorial. We then returned to the park for a Round Dance, speakers, bannock and good conversation.

Immanuel, Wetaskiwin thanks the Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum and the City of Wetaskiwin for their ongoing partnership in this day. Please check out Immanuel's Facebook page for more pictures from the day. Submitted by Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and Rural Churches Liaison

Puppies, stuffies and lizards, oh my! On Wednesday, October 4, folks and their beloved pets gathered together at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Sherwood Park for a Blessing of Pets Service. The Rev. Chelsy Bouwman was delighted to welcome many of our community’s four-legged friends and to enjoy some holy chaos as all our pets got to know one another. One of the special pets receiving a blessing was Echo the Gecko who everyone was eager to pet and hold. Children also brought pictures of their pets and their favourite stuffies to be blessed! “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!”

Holy Trinity Anglican Church challenges all knitters to make a scarf,  hat, or a pair of mittens for the Christmas care packages they prepare for our unhoused and disenfranchised community members in partnership with the Neighbour Centre. Please contact the Rev. Danielle Key at danielle@holytrinity.ab.ca to donate. Together knitters of the Edmonton diocese can help our friends stay warm and avoid frostbite. Please consider helping with this very important ministry! 

What’s bugging you? Are there social issues that you wish you could do something about? The Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA) is a coalition of faith, community, and labour organizations dedicated to mobilizing people to act for the common good. The Diocese of Edmonton has been a member since 2015. GEA’s successes to date include preserving food production in northeast Edmonton, educating employers on the need to pay a living wage, and successfully lobbying the City of Edmonton to adopt standards for mental health in the workplace. To identify pressing issues that will shape its activities for the next two to three years, GEA invites your participation in a relational conversation on October 11, at 7 pm, on Zoom. This online gathering is an opportunity to share your stories, as well as concerns and dreams for your community in a safe, respectful environment. RSVP HERE

A memorial service for Ruby Faille will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11:00 am, at Grace Lutheran Church, 4218 56 Ave, Wetaskiwin. Please keep Rene and family in your prayers.

The Common Cup Company will be giving a concert at St. Thomas, 4 A Raven Drive, Sherwood Park, on Saturday, October 14, at 7 pm. Tickets are $20/person. Children under 10 are free. For tickets, call the church office: 780-467-5730, or purchase at the door. Please note, tickets will not be held without payment. 

Have you ever wondered about scripture, ethics, and the possibility of same-sex relationships? If so, you are invited to join a book study co-sponsored by Queerly Beloved and St. George’s, Edmonton using the book Scripture, Ethics, and the Possibility of Same-Sex Relationships by Karen R. Keen (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2018). The study will take place on Thursday evenings, via Zoom, from October 19 to November 30, 7 to 8:30 pm. Please arrange for a copy of the book through your favourite bookseller. To register (so that you can receive the Zoom link), or for more information, please contact the Rev. Mark Vigrass at stgebookstudy@gmail.com

Sandra Munn, long-time member of All Saints' Cathedral and a pillar of the Edmonton music community, died on Saturday, September 30, 2023. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 2 pm, at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035 103 St, Edmonton. Clergy are invited to vest. The color is white. The service will be live-streamed on the Cathedral's YouTube channel.

St. Augustine's-Parkland, 131 Church Road, Spruce Grove is holding a Fall Rummage Sale on October 21, from 9 am to 1 pm. Have items to sell? Simply sign up, bring your wares to the church that morning, grab a table in the hall, sell your treasures and make a donation to the church. All vendors are welcome! Call to reserve a table: 780-962-5131.

In honour of Canon (lay) David Jones, K.C. who retired last September as Chancellor of General Synod, the Anglican Foundation of Canada has established a new fund for "excellence in preaching." 
Jones, a member of Holy Trinity, Edmonton, served for many years as diocesan and provincial chancellor. To express our gratitude for his ministry and to support up-and-coming preachers, the Edmonton diocese is hosting a Preaching Marathon at All Saints' Cathedral, on November 25, 9 am to 7 pm.

The Ecumenical Mission is a group of churches that puts on an annual gathering to worship together, learn together, and grow together in Christ. This year Nicolas Jesson and the Rev. Amanda Currie, an interchurch couple, (Roman Catholic and Presbyterian) will share with us throughout the mission, October 22 to 25. St. Thomas Anglican Church, 4 A Raven Drive, Sherwood Park will host a service on Tuesday, October 24, at 7 pm. All are warmly invited and welcome. See the WEBSITE for more information POSTER / BROCHURE

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, corner of 101 St and 84 Ave, Edmonton, is hosting its Huge Fall Rummage Sale on October 27, 3 to 8:30 pm, and October 28, 10 am to 3 pm. Stop by the church hall to peruse the large assortment of books, household items, toys and treasures. Admission is free.

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

Great news: our Team Anglican blood donations are trending upward again. If you have considered joining this team, quietly giving behind the scenes in this important way, please don't hesitate. To book your lifesaving appointment, call 1-888-236-6283 or visit Canadian Blood Services. Check your eligibility, then click here and enter our Partner ID: ANGL696986 to join Team Anglican. You won't just make a difference. You can make all the difference.

The Anglican Church of Canada supports a number of chaplaincies, from the Military Ordinariate to Campus Ministry personnel and Anglican Health Care Chaplains; there are many more working in varied contexts across the country.

Especially during Spiritual Care Awareness Week, October 22 to 28, dioceses are encouraged to honour and to offer prayer for those who exercise ministries of spiritual care. 

Additional information about the Ministry of Spiritual Care can be found through the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC) 

The Studion School for Spiritual Direction is currently seeking volunteers to meet one-on-one with second-year students over the course of one year, to experience spiritual direction as part of a supervised practicum. We have students who are able to offer direction in Spanish or Chinese, as well as in English, and there are opportunities specifically for youth (junior high and high school age). If this interests you, please email thestudionschool@gmail.com to find out more.

Ways of the Heart: Boundaries as a Spiritual Practice Women’s Retreat – Take a weekend to explore the landscape of healthy boundary-making in your life. Join presenters Sandy Prather and Glenda Sartore, October 13-15, for a powerful weekend of ritual, reflection, and celebration. Only a few spots remaining. Cost: Commuter $345 / Live-In $395. Register at 780-459-5511 or at www.starofthenorth.ca/heart

The Western Intercultural Ministry Network of the United Church of Canada is holding the conference "Daring Justice: intercultural and decolonizing lenses on truth and reconciliation," October 19 to 21, at Star of the North Retreat Centre, St Albert. Ecumenical participation is welcome! The conference will feature song and worship, speakers, workshops, and lots of time for visiting and telling stories are all in the plans. Registration and Updates

The R.A.C.E. Inclusify Workshop is a free three-day event that is designed to help individuals learn and understand the impact of racism, as well as how we can work towards eliminating it. The workshop provides a platform for open, honest, and productive conversations about race and bias, where everyone is invited to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 

The workshop will be held on Friday, October 20, from 6-9 pm, Saturday, October 21, from 10 am-4pm, and a virtual session on Sunday, October 22, from 2-5 pm. The in-person event will occur at the Coast Hotel Downtown, a central and accessible location. 

By attending the R.A.C.E. Inclusify Workshop, individuals will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of racism and its impact on our society 
• Connect with like-minded individuals who are working towards inclusivity and equality
• Learn practical ways to combat racism and gain tools to make a positive impact on our community
• Take part in open and honest conversations where everyone is invited to share their perspective 

CeFIE believes that together, we can make a positive change in our community. Please RSVP to secure your seats at the R.A.C.E. Inclusify Workshop!

The Edmonton Grandmothers' Shakers and Makers Market will be held Saturday, October 21, 10 am to 3 pm, at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 - 19 Avenue NW Edmonton. You'll find hundreds of unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items!  A delicious array of home-baked goodies, jams, and preserves will also be available!  Definitely something for everyone! Check out the online, sealed bid auction running from October 10 to 16 on our Facebook page.  Admission is $2 (cash only), and includes a handmade bag for the first 200 customers!

Soup with a bun, coffee and home-baked goodies will be available to purchase. We accept cash, cheque, debit card or credit card. We are a mask-friendly environment.

All profits from the sale support the Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation 

Join Providence Renewal Centre on October 20-22, for our Fall Retreat as we explore the motto of the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilians), “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, & Knowledge,” which is based on Psalm 119:66. The Psalms, their spirituality, and the threefold vocation of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge are a compelling approach to Christian life and prayer, which extend beyond the foundational principles of the Basilians or religious life, to all Christians. Fr. Warren Schmidt, CSB will also be sharing how the Psalms, especially Psalm 119, extols God’s Law (Torah) and are conceived for communal and liturgical prayer. Register by October 16 

A Common Word – Alberta is hosting their annual Christian-Muslim Dialogue on Saturday, October 28, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. It will be held in the hall of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, 10821 96 Street, Edmonton. Building on last year’s theme of “Expanding the Circle”, the ACWAB planning committee is working with Indigenous elders and Knowledge Keepers to foster a dialogue that will allow us to learn, integrate and experience Treaty 6 Indigenous way, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Registration information is forthcoming. Inquiries can be made at acommonwordalberta@gmail.com. POSTER