• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Jordan; Bjorn, Grayson, Kenzie, Megan and Paul; Curtis,  Floyd, Terry.
• Jasper residents and members of St. Mary's and St. George's church displaced by wildfire from their homes and church.
• 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.
• Students and educators beginning the new school year.

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. God-willing, Bishop Stephen will attend the following public meetings and events:

• Wednesday, September 4: 69th Synod Bible Study Planning Meeting, Synod Office
• Thursday, September 5: Listening in Spirit Diocesan Engagement Session, Synod Office
• Friday, September 6: Consecration and Installation of the Rev. Richard Reed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Saskatchewan
• Saturday, September 7: Retired Anglican Clergy Priests and Spouses (RAPS) Luncheon
• Sunday, September 15: St. Augustine's-Parkland Building Consecration and 20th Anniversary Service, 10 am

Bishop Stephen London is pleased to appoint the Rev. Aaron Parsall-Myler as Rector of St.Margaret's Anglican Church, Edmonton, effective October 1, 2024.

A priest in the Edmonton diocese is speaking out about the need for comprehensive care and support for families affected by mental illness, addictions and homelessness. 

“My hope in agreeing to this article: Edmonton Journal, “'Our society is not stepping up': Mom of daughter struggling with homelessness speaks out,”  is to raise awareness of the need for legislation change, and options for involuntary hospitalisation for families in complex situations with children under 18,” says the Rev. Lisa Wojna, who is rector of St. George’s Anglican Church in Devon.

Lisa, a spiritual health practitioner in Alberta hospitals, is sharing her journey of raising her daughter Jada, 19, her biological granddaughter, and Jada's daughter Autumn, 4. When Jada was around the age of 11, Lisa says she began exhibiting signs of psychiatric problems. The family sought treatment, but Jada did not like the side effects of her prescribed medication and she began self-medicating. She soon had a drug addiction.

A warm reminder to Synod delegates that the deadline for Nominations for positions on Executive Council, delegates to General Synod, delegates to Provincial Synod, the Court of the Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton, and Clerical and Lay Recorders for the 70th Synod are due by September 1.

If you are interested in a position, please email the Rev. Clare Stewart, chair of the Nominations Committee: clare@sttimothy-edm.ca 

A description of Elected Positions, the Guidelines for Nominations and a link to the online Nomination Form are posted below. 

The Rev. Clare Stewart is Chair of the Nominating Committee

• Synod Elected Positions Descriptions
• Nomination Form

Since The Messenger was last published in the spring, a lot has happened in the Dioceses of Athabasca and Edmonton. There has been much joy around ordinations, anniversaries and a visit among companion dioceses, but there has also been great loss and grief from the Jasper wildfire. You can read about it all in the September 2024 issue of The Messenger.

The Messenger welcomes story ideas, opinions (Letters to Editor) and photo submissions relating to news and events of the Athabasca and Edmonton dioceses. Written content should be limited to 500 words. Pictures must be high resolution, at least 1 MB (300 dpi), and include the photographer's name and a brief description of the subject matter. Please send submissions for the October 2024 edition to anglicanmessenger@gmail.com by September 1.

The Rev. Dr. Scott Sharman, Canon to the Ordinary, represented the Diocese of Edmonton at the ordination service for the Rt. Rev. Patricia Schmermund. Bishop Trish was ordained Bishop of the ELCiC Synod of Alberta and the Territories on August 24, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Edmonton. In a Facebook post, he said: "I know I speak for your siblings in the Anglican Diocese Edmonton when I say that we are standing side by side with you as a Synod family as we seek to live out our common call to be the Church together for the mending of the world." 

Season of Creation, "Act and Hope with Creation,” takes place from September 1 to October 4. Season of Creation is an annual month-long season when Christian communities pray and act to protect creation. We celebrate our faith in God Creator and act in unity to care for our 
common home. 

Find out more and download the Season of Creation Celebration Guide for ideas on how to get involved. POSTER 

Spiritual directors Pat Jameson and the Rev. Jonathan Crane, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Edmonton, will be facilitating a Spiritual Exercises Retreat in Daily Life for small groups, from September 2024 to May 2025. 

The exercises have been described as:  “a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God.”

Space is limited.  Please fill out the attached application form to apply.  You will be contacted for a simple one-on-one conversation preceding our entry into the exercises.

Since 2018, people in our diocese have raised funds through an autumn coffee-hour appeal inviting people to give $5 to make a difference in the lives of many of our brothers and sisters living in Burundi.

Last year, $1,210 was raised to purchase medical cards, enabling each cardholder to save  80% of the cost of medical care for a full year. Sadly, this coverage is out of reach for most people living in the Diocese of Buyé. The medical cards were purchased by the Buye diocese and distributed by the Mothers' Union, with the assistance of Bishop Stephen and the Rev. Stephanie London during their visit to Buye diocese in July.

Parishes in the Diocese of Edmonton are invited to observe September 15 as PWRDF Sunday! Jeffrey Hanger, PWRDF Diocesan Representative, has prepared resources, including a sample Order of Service and Sermon for parishes to use if they so choose. Please View and Download the Resources HERE. Donation envelopes and additional resources will be provided via the Synod Office.

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PWRDF Sunday Service - WORD

PWRDF Sunday Service - PDF

The Diocese of Edmonton Children's Choir (DECC), directed by Laura Hawley, is gearing up for its third season! The children's choir is comprised of enthusiastic singers from across the diocese. The choir provides opportunities for children and youth in grade 2 and up to learn music to offer at church services, care facilities and special liturgical events throughout the diocese.

Running from September to April, the choir will meet on Wednesdays, from 5 to 6 pm, at Christ Church, 12116 - 102 Ave, Edmonton.

Choir conductor Laura Hawley has extensive experience leading children's choirs in the Anglican faith tradition and choral conducting. The choir's accompanist Tammy-Jo Mortensen has over 30 years of experience in sacred music, pedagogy and accompanying.

For more information: decchoiryeg@gmail.com

There is no cost to join! Register online HERE

The Good Shepherd ACW invites you to an afternoon of gourmet sandwiches, sweets and tea! High Tea will be held on September 14, from 2 to 4 pm, at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castle Downs Rd, Edmonton. Gluten-free options will be available. Don't miss this elegant and delicious experience! For tickets ($20), call Cathy Lake at 780-497-1802. POSTER

St. Augustine's-Parkland, 131 Church Rd, Spruce Grove invites you to join in a 20th-anniversary celebration and consecration of the church building on September 15, 10 am. A reception will follow the service. RSVP by September 5 to staugustinesparkland@gmail.com

Have you lost a loved one to: Death? Divorce? Estrangement? Addiction? Have you experienced: Financial losses? Job losses? Health losses? Are you looking for a safe space to make peace with your broken pieces?

This autumn, St. George’s Anglican Church in Devon will be hosting "A Sorrow Shared: Grieving Together Through Life’s Challenges," beginning Tuesday evening, September 17, from 7 to 9 pm. This holistic, 6-week program is designed to provide:

• A safe and welcoming space for all.
• A support opportunity that examines life after loss.
• Freedom to explore a variety of tools for self-discovery and personal growth.

There is life before the loss—and life after the loss. How can we make sense of our new reality?

To register for this free program, please email the Rev. Lisa Wojna, ldwojna@gmail.com, or phone 780-860-0313.

Led by the Rev. Clara King (ClaraKing.com), this one-day in-person workshop on Thursday, September 19 at All Saints' Cathedral, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, will help clergy explore the adaptive challenges facing the church, and equip them with new leadership skills to address these challenges. All active clergy in the Diocese of Edmonton are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend; lunch and snacks will be provided. 

The workshop is offered as part of a doctoral research study across Canada in 2024 and 2025, testing a new way to teach adaptive leadership to clergy. There are very minimal risks to participating in this study, however, this workshop may pose an elevated risk to clergy who are experiencing a high level of burnout. All participants must sign a letter of informed consent. 

To learn more about the workshop, the research study, the risks, and the letter of informed consent, all are welcome to join a short, optional Zoom meeting with Clara on Tuesday, September 10, at 1:00 pm, by clicking HERE.

In celebration of 100 Years of the United Church of Canada, All Saints' Anglican and Living Spirit United churches are presenting Vancouver Island musicians Saskia Delaronde and Nathan Tinkham in concert on September 19, at All Saints', 5212 47 Ave in Drayton Valley, at 7 pm. Tickets, $20/Person, are available at Value Drug Mart and at the door. For more info, call 780.898.1457, or email livingspirituniteddv@gmail.com

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St. Thomas Anglican Church in Sherwood Park, 4A Raven Drive, will host the first session of its Education for Living series on Saturday, September 21, at 10 am. Local RCMP members have been invited to speak about Cyber Security: safeguarding our digital lives and protecting assets and personal information. All are invited and welcome to attend the session. Please RSVP to the church office at sttomsherwoodpark@gmail.com Coffee and snacks will be provided. Childcare is also available.  POSTER

In anticipation of coming together for Synod in October, join the Synod Planning Committee on Saturday, September 21, from 10 am to 11:30 am, for an online bible study on our theme: "Hearts Burning Within Us," and the Emmaus Road scripture (Luke 24:32); and, from 10:30 am to 1 pm, for a presentation of the Synod resolutions followed by an opportunity for questions.

The ladies of St. Augustine's Parkland invite all women of the Edmonton Diocese to a day of visiting and fun on Saturday, September 21.

The day will begin at 9:30 am with coffee and muffins, please bring your favorite mug and a bagged lunch. Beverages will be provided.

All youth of the Edmonton diocese and their friends are invited to a Youth Bowling Night on Saturday, September 21, 6:30 to 9 pm, at Bonnie Doon Bowling Lanes, 8330 82 Ave NW, Edmonton. RSVP ASAP to the Rev. Danielle Key so she can reserve the bowling lanes. Hope to see you in September! Please share on social! POSTER

The Cursillo AGM will be held on September 28, at St. Timothy's, 8420 145 St. NW, Edmonton, at 5:30 pm. There will be a light supper at 5:45, followed by the AGM at 6:30 pm. RSVP to cursilloedmonton@gmail.com

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The Social Justice Committee of the Edmonton diocese is holding a Youth Day Social Justice Day on November 16 at St. John the Evangelist, 11111 57 Ave NW, Edmonton, from noon to 6 pm. This is a day for young people of every faith and those seeking to learn more about how our Christian faith compels us to transform the unjust structures of society. 

Young people, ages 13 to 30, will have the opportunity to engage with first-voice advocates and leaders in communities forging the way towards racial justice, queer justice, economic justice, environmental justice, prison justice and disability justice. And we will explore how these concerns overlap and intersect, finding commonalities and shared inspiration for change. 

We are happy to share news and pictures, or help promote upcoming events (ie. youth gathering, parish fundraiser, worship service, community outreach, public lecture) 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 news and event . Upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your event poster (if you have one). Submissions must be received by Tuesday at noon to guarantee their inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have questions? Email Margaret Glidden, communications@edmonton.anglican.ca; or call 780-439-7344

The Bishop of Edmonton invites applications for the position of Incumbent of Dayspring Ministries – this is a full-time position that supports the ministry of three rural parishes in the Diocese of Edmonton.

Dayspring Ministries is a shared ministry of St. Saviour’s, Vermilion, St. Thomas’, Wainwright and St. Mary’s, Edgerton led by one full-time priest and several lay leaders from the three parishes. The origin of Dayspring is rooted in the need to ensure the continuation of ministry in rural areas.

According to CBS, donations tend to lag over the summer months and drop significantly over long weekends. If you are not going away over the Labour Day Weekend, please consider giving blood or plasma. CBS will be open and same-day appointments are available.

To book a life-giving 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.

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.

Join Star of the North on Saturday, September 7, from 10 am to 2 pm, for presentations about the history and current state of the Sturgeon watershed and a luncheon, followed by a riverwalk, activities and ceremony.  Beginning on September 1,  the Season of Creation is a time of grace that churches in ecumenical dialogue, offer to humanity to renew our relationship with the Creator and creation, through celebration and commitment together. Registration fee is $30 by September 1|$40. Full info at starofthenorth.ca/water

The ELCiC ABT Synod invites clergy and lay leaders to a Retreat of our Own 2024, September 13 to 15, at Camp Kuriakos.

Guest Speaker The Rev. Clara King, an Anglican Priest, Researcher, and Revitalist from Calgary, will explore how, as Christians, we are called to be faithful disciples in following Christ. But what does faithful following mean when we find ourselves in leadership, particularly as lay people? Join us for a highly engaging, funny, humble, and inspiring weekend with leadership researcher and lay leadership advocate Clara King. As we explore the dynamic tension between leadership and discipleship, you will discover new insights in the pages of Scripture, reflect on your church context in new ways, and hear God’s invitation to you with a new heart. Whether you think of yourself as a leader, or as a follower, all are welcome.

To find out more information about the retreat go to https://www.retreatofourown.ca. When you go to register it will transfer you to the Kuriakos registration site; OR you are welcome to call Kuriakos at 403-746-2702 to register over the phone. BROCHURE