• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Josh, John, Joanne; Penny, Les, Dan; Floyd, Debbie, Blair; Gail, Wendy, Rhea, Mitch, Sandie, Jen, Grayson, Lorelei, Marie, Sue, Cathryn, Doreen, Cheveyo, Jean, Anne and Roger, Les.
• Those who have died; and those who mourn.
• Those affected by conflict or 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.

Bishop Stephen London began December by attending, on December 1, a retirement banquet hosted by the Parish of St. Margaret’s, Edmonton for their long-time rector the Rev Tim Chesterton. ”...Several parishioners came and spoke about Tim's long journey in ministry through the Church Army, the Diocese of the Arctic, and parishes in Saskatchewan and Northern Alberta. And he has now been the priest at St. Margaret's for over 20 years...”

Bishop Steve then lunched with the Retired Anglican Priests and Spouses (RAPS) at Holy Trinity, Edmonton. "…This is a group that is back up and running after covid… A great group with lots of laughter.”

Bishop Steve returned to Holy Trinity, Edmonton, on Sunday, December 3, for  Choral Evensong and a celebration of new ministry for the Rev. Rob Key, deacon of the parish.

Read more and see more pictures on Bishop Steve's Facebook page.

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.

• Dec 7: ACW Eucharist at All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton
• Dec 10: St. Patrick’s, Edmonton
• Dec 14: Clergy Day, St. Timothy’s, Edmonton
• Dec 17: St. Margaret’s, Edmonton
• Dec 24:  Christmas Eve Service, All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton

A husband-and-wife leadership team at Holy Trinity Anglican Church is breaking new ground by demonstrating how drawing from Anglican, Moravian and Lutheran faith traditions can lead to rich, engaging worship experiences.

During a celebration of new ministry on Sunday, December 3, the Rev. Rob Key was welcomed as deacon at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Edmonton by Bishop Stephen London, the Rev. Danielle Key, rector of Holy Trinity, the Rev. Erin Thomas, pastor of Trinity Lutheran, Edmonton, and other members of the clergy and lay communities.

The Sunday before the Keys, married since February 22, 2022, led a lovefeast service at Holy Trinity.

Originating from the Moravian faith tradition, a lovefeast is a service that begins with a prayer and is followed by music and the distribution of a simple meal. People are then encouraged to engage in spiritual conversations.

“This was the first lovefeast we’ve heard of being done in an Anglican church. Certainly, the first one at Holy Trinity and likely the first one in Canada,” says Rob.

The Ladies Club (TLC) of St. George’s, Fort Saskatchewan offered an impressive selection of hand-knit, sewn, quilted and crocheted items for sale, on November 18, in plenty of time for the Christmas season.

Members of the TLC meet in the church hall every Wednesday, from 9 am to 3:30 pm, to make items for their annual sale in support of 16 local charities. Earlier this year they also donated 30 quilts to the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, and $1,000 from a previous sale to the Furniture Bank, an organization helping refugees and people fleeing domestic violence, for the purchase of bedding.

“We are happy to receive donated cotton fabric, wool, batting or sewing notions,” says Sharon Taylor. “We also welcome new members to join us at anytime.”

Pictured above: St. George’s TLC members present Kassandra Garner, Executive Director of the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, with a donation from the November 18 Christmas Handcraft Sale.

St. David's, 8345 79 Ave NW, Edmonton, invites you to a christmas Carol Sing-Along, on November 6, from 7 to 8 pm. There will be fabulous home-made mince pies served with hot apple cider, as we break into song with everyone’s favourite Christmas Carols! There is no admission for this event, and everyone is welcome.

All are invited to join All Saints' Cathedral and ACW members on the first Thursday of Advent, December 7, at noon, for a sung, mid-day communion service with the Very Rev. Alex Meek presiding. Bishop Stephen London will bring greetings from the diocese. If you wish, please bring a bag lunch to enjoy together following the service, along with coffee, tea and dessert provided by the ACW.

The Ven. Rachael Parker, Archdeacon for Rural Ministry (and now also Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Brandon) will be leading an Advent Quiet Day on Saturday, December 9, from 10 am to 2:30 pm, at St. Mary the Virgin, 5042 48 Ave, Vegreville. (Coffee, tea and a continental breakfast will be available at 9:30 am.) There will be a mid-day Eucharist included. A light lunch will be provided (donations welcome to help offset the costs).

Come and join us at St. Matthew's, 125 Larose Dr, St. Albert, on Sunday, December 10, from 3 to 4 pm, as we sing the Advent and Christmas hymns to put us all in the frame of mind for the season! Particularly in this winter without snow :) All are welcome! 

The next Clergy Day will be held Thursday, December 14, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, at St. Timothy's, 8420-145 Street NW, Edmonton. The morning session will be focussed on the Queerly Beloved diocesan working group. The afternoon session will feature guest speaker the Rev. Michael Coren, author of The Rebel Christ.

The Rev. Michael Coren, assistant curate at St. Luke's, Burlington in Niagara diocese, author of 18 books and a contributing columnist for the Toronto Star, will share his "radical gospel message" with members of the Edmonton diocese on December 14. Michael will lead a clergy day at St. Timothy's, 8420-145 Street NW, Edmonton, addressing LGBTQ2S+ equality in the church. In the evening, he will discuss his latest book, The Rebel Christ, at a public event, from 7 to 8:30 pm. Coren argues that not only is Christianity relevant to the modern world, it is vital and revolutionary. "What did Jesus actually say and teach, and how can we authentically follow him"? The Rebel Christ is available in stores and online.

Join Holy Trinity, 10037 84 Ave NW, Edmonton, on Saturday, December 16, 7:30 pm, for The Annotated Christmas Song Book, a fundraiser for arts programming at Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Behind every song is a story. The songs of Christmas are linked to a world of fascinating legends, ideas and history. The Annotated Christmas Song Book is a musical revue including much-loved holiday classics, such as "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Children Go Where I Send Thee" and "Silent Night," as well as contemporary hits, like "Christmas Must Be Tonight," "Winter Song" or "One More Sleep Til Christmas." Every song has its own story.

Tickets: $20 Adults; $15 Students and Seniors (with ID); 12 and under admitted free, may be purchased at the door or through the Edmonton Arts Council Store @ 780 420-1757.  POSTER

All are invited to a Christmas Lessons and Carols Service featuring the Christ Church Choir and the Diocesan Children's Choir, on Sunday, December 17, 4 pm, at Christ Church, 12116-102 Avenue NW, Edmonton. Please enjoy refreshments and fellowship after the service. POSTER

Clergy of the Diocese of Edmonton and their families (if you don't have a spouse or children, bring the person or people you consider family) are invited to a potluck dinner in celebration of Epiphany, on Saturday, January 6, at 5 pm, at Christ Church, Edmonton. Please RSVP to sue@christchurchedm.ca. 

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? Email Margaret Glidden, communications@edmonton.anglican.ca; or call 780-439-7344

We are nearing the end of 2023 and we need blood donations. Come on Team Anglican. We can do it! Blood is critical for everyday medical care, including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing diseases and disorders. Yet, at any given time, the need for blood outpaces the number of donations. 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.

For nearly 25 years, the Edmonton & District Council of Churches (EDCC) has led a cross-denominational holiday campaign to raise money for housing and housing improvements for those in need. Churches and Christian communities are encouraged to support the annual No Room in the Inn fundraising project starting on the first Sunday in Advent, December 3.

The 2023 campaign is in support of A Safe Place residential facility in Sherwood Park for those who are escaping intimate or family violence.  The facility requires major roof repairs or a roof replacement. Please share the attached graphic and poster on your community web pages, social media platforms and in your parish bulletins. BROCHURE

Camp Kuriakos, a vibrant Christian outdoor ministry located on the shores of beautiful Sylvan Lake, is seeking a qualified individual for the full-time position of Executive Director. 

As the successful candidate, you will be a Christian (ordained or lay) and enthusiastic about serving Camp Kuriakos as a Lutheran Ministry in Alberta. You will possess an undergraduate degree in a related field of study or an equivalent combination of education and experience. You will have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills combined with at least five years of supervisory and leadership experience preferably in a camp ministry, church, or non-profit environment.  

The Mustard Seed needs volunteers for its Coffee Connect program in the basement of Strathcona Baptist Church, 8318 104 St NW, Edmonton. We need people to simply hang out and have a cup of coffee with folks who are experiencing poverty or homelessness. This program offering emergency food/clothing, chaplaincy, and addictions support, runs most Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 2 pm. Anyone who is interested must complete Safe Church screening before volunteering. You will also be trained/supported by Mustard Seed staff. For more information, please contact Chaplain Eric at ericjkregel@gmail.com.     

The Anglican Church of Canada has announced the 2024 Canadian Church Calendars will be available to order December 8. Please note: the synod office no longer places bulk orders. The calendars can be purchased online or by calling the toll free number: 1-800-795-6661

The ACC apologises for the delay with this resource and aims to have calendars ready by September of the preceding year, going forward.

Cold and flu season is upon us, and COVID persists in all its variations. As we spend more time indoors, it is becoming more difficult to contain germs and protect vulnerable members of our communities. Please remember that a minor infection for one person can develop into a major sickness for someone else. If you are feeling unwell (ie. have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, chest congestion, fever...), please stay home.

The Revive program curriculum and videos are now available for parishes and ministry groups in the Edmonton diocese. Revive is a discipleship program offered in gratitude to active church members to help them grow in confidence as spiritual leaders.

Revive is one of many tools the Edmonton diocese will use as we Find Our Way forward together as Gospel people in the 21st century. Revive reflects our belief that all who are baptised are called to share in the mission of God through their unique ministries. A Calling for All, the second of the Edmonton diocese's Five Primary Principles, sees an empowered laity serving as equals alongside a collaborative and team-oriented clergy.

The Diocese of Edmonton will be leading the Revive Discipleship Program both in-person and online, beginning on January 13, 2024. Please watch this space for registration details.

To learn how your parish group can begin using these materials now, contact the Synod Office: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca; 780-439-7344.

Korora's Wintersong, an annual celebration of seasonal song, fellowship, and good cheer, will be held on Saturday, December 16, at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7:30 pm, at McDougall United Church, 10025 101 Street, Edmonton. At the various concerts, the seven Korora (formerly Kokopelli) choirs—featuring hundreds of singers of all ages—take the stage to present seasonal music from around the world, with a particular nod to the Celtic tradition. All three shows feature mass choir pieces along with plenty of Korora’s trademark joy and energy. Edmonton ensemble Celtara will be on hand to lend their instrumental magic to several pieces at each concert.

Tickets are $25 ($20 students, $15 children) and are available at kororachoirs.ca/performances.

On Sunday, December 17, 2:30 pm, at Good Shepherd, 15495 Castle Downs RD NW Edmonton, the Voces Alegres Choir and Ensemble will present an enjoyable afternoon of music filled with incredible instruments and voices, including flute, guitar, cello, percussion, violin, harp and more. For more info, see the Facebook page. There is no admission fee.