• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Paul: 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 starting a new school year this month.

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, services and events:

• Sunday, September 15: St. Augustine's-Parkland Building Consecration and 20th Anniversary Service, 10 am
• Thursday, September 19: Adaptive Change Workshop with the Rev. Clara King, 9:00 am
• Saturday, September 21: Pre-Synod Bible Study and Resolutions Overview, 10 am, Zoom
• Saturday, September 21: Youth Bowling Night, 6:30 pm
• Sunday, September 22: St. George's, Fort Saskatchewan, 10 am
• Thursday, September 26: Executive Council, 7 pm
• Saturday, September 28, Cursillo AGM, St. Timothy's, Edmonton, 6 pm

In anticipation of coming together for Synod on October 18 and 19, delegates are invited to 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. 

Following the bible study, Bishop Stephen London and the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman will introduce the legislative resolutions being presented to the Synod by the Legislative Committee. 

Anyone interested may use this LINK to register.

• Leader Study Guide
• Participant Study Guide

Season of Creation, "Act and Hope with 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.

How is your parish celebrating the Season of Creation? Send your stories and pictures to communications@edmonton.anglican.ca

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

St. Peter’s Filipino congregation held a Backpack Blessing this past Sunday, September 8, at St. Matthias Anglican Church in west Edmonton.

Around 14 kids (not all of them pictured) brought their backpacks to be blessed by Padi the Rev. Eric Kregel. “We encouraged everyone (kids and adults) to bring their bags, as many of our congregants bring their bags or backpacks to work with them,” he says.

The congregation asked for God’s protection as they endeavour to be good witnesses and grow in Christ throughout the school year. Padi Eric then blessed the bags for the Lord's use this school year. Submitted by Padi Eric Kregel

St. George's, Devon brought back a much-loved community-building gathering, by holding a "welcome back Sunday" pancake breakfast after their service on September 8. Men showed off their culinary skills at the griddle, folks decorated the tables earlier in the week, and everyone brought their favourite toppings and sides to share: fresh fruit (strawberries and saskatoons), whipping cream, fruit salad, sausages and more.

From the flowers picked and arranged that morning, to the tables wiped down with water transported from home to the generous offering of $500, to the home-baked goodies served after the service, good deeds were shared abundantly by an ecumenical congregation coming together for worship on Sunday, September 8.

Anglican and United church members from neighbouring communities gathered for a service in the tiny All Saints’ church. Once located in the center of the village of Lougheed, the former Anglican church is now part of the Iron Creek Museum, a historic collection of one-room schoolhouses, a log community hall, a doctor’s office and a blacksmith’s shop connected by a boardwalk. 

The September issue of In Touch, the newsletter of the Diocese of Edmonton ACW (Anglican Church Women), can be downloaded here

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

Join the Good Shepherd ACW ladies for their delightful High Tea event on September 14, from 2 to 4 pm! Indulge in a selection of exquisite teas and treats, including gluten-free options. Tickets, $20 each, are going quickly. Call Joyce at 780 238 5427 to secure your spot for this elegant and delicious experience! *Please note that Kathy is no longer the contact person for tickets.

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

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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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.

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

The diocesan Disability Justice Team hopes you can join them for a Neurodiverse Family Service on September 21, 2 pm, at St. Timothy's, 8420 145 St, NW, Edmonton. This accessible and inclusive family service is designed for Autistic, ADHD and Neurodivergent children, youth and adults and is open to all to share in holy, messy community. Bishop Jane Alexander is the Celebrant for this service. BULLETIN Graphic

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

All Saints' Cathedral, 10035 103 St, Edmonton, is hosting a Revive Retreat Day, on September 28, from 9 am to 4 pm. Enjoy a day of retreat and prayer as we ask God to renew and revive our hearts and minds.

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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All are welcome to join us at St. Thomas, 4A Raven Dr, Sherwood Park, on Saturday, September 28, 10:30 am to 12 pm, as we gather to sing together and learn about music and its importance in worship. Dr. Joy Berg will be sharing her expertise with us. Mark your calendars and feel free to come. No musical experience required! POSTER

St. Luke's and All Saints' invite you to Ceremony, dancing and bannock for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 29, at 3 pm, at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 8424 95 Ave, Edmonton. Knowledge Keeper Verna Fisher and Drummer Lloyd Cardinal will be leading us as we learn, heal and grow together. POSTER

St. Matthew's, St. Albert parishioner Susan Fredette has quilted two beautiful quilts for a parish fundraiser. The first quilt measures 69 x 82, and the second measures 56 x 73.5. Tickets, 1 for $10 or 3 for $20, can be purchased by emailing Susan directly at fredettes@telus.net. The winners will be drawn on Sunday, October 27 during the service and notified if they are not in attendance.

In a time of doubt and decline, God may be offering us new ways to share the Good News within the language of the secular world. Join the Rev. Dr. Harold Munn on October 2, 7 pm, at All Saints' Cathedral, for an evening of questions and conversation. Let us consider together how to speak about faith and God in this time when Christian beliefs are not a given. POSTER

Award-winning Christian music duo Infinitely More is bringing “The Oh-So-Grateful Tour” to St. Matthias Anglican Church, 6210 - 188 St NW Edmonton, on Thursday, October 3, at 7 pm. Celebrating 15 years of Infinitely More music and ministry, St. Catharines, ON husband and wife duo Allison Lynn and Gerald Flemming are bringing their signature vocal harmonies, prodigious finger-style guitar and infectious spirit to this new concert experience. Their original songs and CDs have been nominated for 15 national music awards and have won two Covenant Awards for Collaboration of the Year and Folk Album of the Year. Tickets: $15 in advance | $20 at the door. POSTER

All are invited to join All Saints' Anglican Cathedral on Sunday, October 6, at 7 pm, for a Choral Evensong with service of Thanksgiving and Blessing for the Renewal of the Cathedral.

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.

Community meals at Lodgepole Alberta Avenue (St. Faith's Anglican Church) resume on September 19. We are looking for volunteers to help cook and/or serve Thursday lunches, Friday dinners and Saturday breakfasts. We serve anywhere from 75-200 people depending on the day, and need more volunteers to join us in creating a space of welcome, belonging and good food! To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, please contact Sarah Nicolai-deKoning at prayerworks@lodgepolecommunitas.ca, phone/text 780-289-5730, or check out the Lodgepole website.

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 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

Choral Morphosis Arts Society, dedicated to bringing the joy of music and the arts to individuals 16 years and older with developmental or physical disabilities, is now accepting registrations for new and returning choristers. Join Us: Register Now! Our Saturday morning choir programs, starting September 14, are designed for individuals who love music and singing, regardless of their musical ability. Our rehearsals and performances, led by conductor, Mandy Maher, incorporate singing, movement, dance, instruments, and sign language, ensuring that all activities are accessible to all ability levels.

For more information on how to join, donate, or become involved with Choral Morphosis, please visit our website at www.choralmorphosis.com or contact us directly at admin@choralmorphosis.com.

Do you like to spend time with scriptures?  Perhaps you prefer a meditative walk in the woods.  Is your ideal time in prayer focused on recitation?  Does sitting in silence give you a sense of solace?  While there are as many ways to engage with the Divine as there are individuals, it is possible to identify towards one of four spiritual pathways. These pathways are the path of intellect, the path of devotion, the path of service, and the path of ascetism. 

Join us at Providence Renewal Centre on September 28, from 10 am to 3 pm, to explore the Four Spiritual Pathways. Relax at a day of reflection and self-care, gather to share a buffet lunch, walk the grounds, and join others in conversation.  Cost is: $45 (inc. buffet lunch) Register by September 23 POSTER

What does Scripture say about ecological issues, like biodiversity loss and climate change? Does God care? What do these concerns have to do with following Jesus? Is there hope to be had in such troubled times? From September 27 to 29, join A Rocha Canada education director Rick Faw to explore the story of creation and discern a way forward that is faithful to our human calling and the Spirit’s ongoing work at this moment in history. Full info and retreat cost at starofthenorth.ca/care