• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Brian; Karen, Lynn; 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.

Bishop Stephen London is pleased to appoint the Rev. Christa Eisbrenner as rector of the shared ministry of St. Andrew's, Camrose and St. Mary's, Ponoka effective October 1, 2024.

Diocesan youth from at least four different parishes in the Edmonton diocese took over three bowling lanes at the Bonnie Doon Bowling Alley on Saturday evening. Though he prefers 10-pin bowling, Bishop Stephen was happy to join the Rev. Danielle Key and pre-teen and teen members of the Diocese of Edmonton for a fun and only slightly competitive evening.

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 events, meetings and services:

• Thursday, September 26: Executive Council, Cathedral Lounge, 7 pm
• Saturday, September 28: Cursillo AGM, St. Timothy's, Edmonton, 6 pm
• Sunday, September 29: Every Child Matters Ceremony, St. Luke's, Edmonton, 3 pm
• October 4: ACPO Eucharist, 10:30 am
• October 6, Evensong and Cathedral Renewal Blessing, All Saints', 7 pm
• October 9, Induction of the Rev. Christian Gordon, St. Patrick's, Edmonton, 7 pm

We continue our journey in reconciliation and healing towards justice and right relationship with the Indigenous Peoples of this land, by observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. This weekend, several churches are hosting or participating in events leading up to September 30 which falls on a Monday. Please wear an orange shirt in support of reconciliation and commit to the enduring truth that Every Child Matters. 

2024 Every Child Matters design by Aliyah Bautista, a grade 11 student from Ponoka, AB

The Diocese of Edmonton hosted a Diocesan Youth Bowling event on Saturday, October 21 at Boonie Doon Bowling Lanes and it was a striking success!

There were 13 youth in attendance, ranging from grade 6 through grade 10, from three different parishes within our Diocese: St. David’s Anglican Church and the Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Edmonton, and St. Augustine’s Parkland Anglican Church in Spruce Grove. We took over three lanes and the youth got to spend some time with Bishop Steve London, the Rev. Kevin Kraglund, and the Rev. Rob Key – who all played alongside the youth. A great time was had by all!

In our busy, overscheduled culture, few of us would say we get enough rest. And, yet, rest is a commandment; not a recommendation, for Christians and Jews. God’s commandment to rest is a direct response to the slavery the Israelites experienced in Egypt, and it is important to find ways to remember that life is more than labour. 

I have recently returned from a three-month sabbatical designed to do just that. I spent some time learning and building up my skills so that upon my return to work I would have more strategies to work smarter; not harder.

The 2025 Canadian Church Calendar is available to order online from the Anglican Church of Canada eStore. This year, the theme of the calendar is Pathways. As has been the custom, the calendar includes a range of photos featuring our beloved churches across the country.

*Note: the Synod Office has not placed a bulk order for several years, as parishes can conveniently order online.

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.

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 

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

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 Movement is alive and thriving in our Diocese. After a great weekend, welcome Ultreya and ice cream social, it is time to get down to a bit of business - the Annual General Meeting. Please join us on  Saturday, September 28, at 5:30 pm, at St. Timothy's Anglican Church. We will be serving a light supper of soup, buns, desserts, coffee and tea. The AGM will be quick; Bishop Stephen London will join us to introduce our new Spiritual Director and appoint our new Lay Director and Servant Chair. And, of course, there will be singing and music led by Rev. Barry. Please RVSP to communications chair Janie Seguin at seguinjp@telus.net if you will be attending - we would hate to run out of food!

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

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to continue forward on our journey to reconciliation, All Saints’ Anglican Church, 5212 47 Ave, Drayton Valley, invites you to a time for prayer and reflection led by Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and Rural Communities Liaison, Anglican Diocese of Edmonton, on September 29, 1 to 2:30 pm.  POSTER

• Living Spirit United Church (LSUC) will display resource materials suitable for all ages. on the theme of Truth and Reconciliation
• There will also be a presentation on the Metis sash by Lannae Hoskins, (LSUC)
• Followed by a time of fellowship featuring Fair Trade coffee and tea.

For more information, call 780-542-5048 or email rstagman@gmail.com.

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

Join the Immanuel Reconciliation Team on September 30 from 2 to 5 pm for Orange Shirt Day. Every year, in partnership with the Wetaskiwin community, Immanuel organises this event to remember the children who did not return home from residential schools. Gather at the Heritage Museum for a community smudge, followed by a walk to the Peace Cairn in Jubilee Park for a round dance and a bannock feast. All are invited!

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. You can purchase a ticket by paying in the following ways:

• Cash
• E-transfer to: treasurer@stmatthiasedmonton.ca
• Debit payment at church (no added fee)
• Credit card payment at church (add $0.50 service fee per ticket, to a max of $2.00 per transaction)

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There will be a Celebration Concert In Memory of Professor Alexandra Munn (1934-2023), presented by her students, colleagues and dear friends on Saturday, October 5, 7:pm, at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 ST NW, Edmonton. Admission is by donation with all proceeds going to the Alexandra M. Munn Scholarship Fund for young musicians. POSTER

St. George's Anglican Church, 11733 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, invites you to "This Land" - a Concert to Celebrate Stewardship, on Saturday, October 5, at 7 pm. Featured musicians include: Andrew Bortz (Bass & Pianist); John 8rough {Teno, & Pianist); Marek Orszulik (Classical Gultarist); Nola Shantz (Soprano & Pianist). This is a benefit concert for the parish. Admission is by donation. 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.

All are invited to the induction of the Rev. Christian Gordon as the Rector of St. Patrick’s,  on Wednesday, October 9, at 7 pm.

Are you searching for God's (Allah's) presence in the challenges of today's world? Join A Common Word Alberta for a meaningful Christian-Muslim dialogue, drawing lessons from the story of Prophet Jonah (Younis).

Come together on October 26, 2024, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, at the Al Rashid Mosque, for an inspiring discussion and spiritual insights.
For more information, contact the Rev. Rob Key @ rob@holytrinity.ab.ca

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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.

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.

Inner City Pastoral Ministries (ICPM) is helping people living outdoors access warm footwear this winter. Boot Up for Winter is an opportunity for you and your congregation to show care and kindness to our community members needing a helping hand.

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Are you a small group of four to six people that enjoys spending time together, and wants to contribute to your community? Community meals at Lodgepole Alberta Avenue (St. Faith's Anglican) resume on September 19. Beginning in October, we need volunteers to prepare Friday meals once a month, from 12 to 4 pm, to be served by others later in the evening. Join Lodgepole in creating a space of welcome, belonging and good food! To volunteer 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.

This all-day workshop on September 28, from 8:45 am to 4 pm, at the Cabrini Centre Gymnasium, 16811 88 Avenue, Edmonton consists of four sessions aimed at helping us “make sense” of the preschoolers we live with or care for. Dr. Deborah MacNamara will speak about connecting with these little ones through food, bridging separation and nurturing deep relationships. She will address the challenges of sleep and the wisdom of lullabies, as well touch on loving guidance. By tapping into a child’s inherent desire to be good for those who care for them, parents and caregivers will see ways to reduce the natural resistance and coercion that come with budding independence.here is no charge to attend. Lunch and free childcare (ages 1-6) are provided by JPFRC. There will also be a quiet play area in the auditorium for very young children who would prefer to be with their parents. There is no charge to attend. Lunch and childcare are provided. For information, contact:  jpfrnhub@jasperplace-crfc.com or see the attached 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

The Edson Friendship Centre is planning a Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, Orange Shirt Day. There will be a BBQ at 5 pm, followed by drumming and opening prayers at 5:30 pm in Kinsmen Park. Elders will be available for one-on-one conversations, from 6 to 8 pm. There will be a film screening at 8. Bring a lawn chair and blanket. POSTER

The Edmonton Seniors for Climate Action are hosting a “Later is Too Late!” Climate Change Panel Discussion on October 1, 5 to 8 pm, Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre, 11113 113 St NW, Edmonton. Panelists will address climate change, focusing on the transition to renewable energy. Small and large group discussions will be facilitated to encourage constructive and hopeful conversations and inspire individual and collective action. GRAPHIC

The Edmonton Grandmothers and Eastside Grannies present the Shakers and Makers Market, on Saturday, October 19, from 9:30 am to 3 pm, at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19 Ave, Edmonton. There will be refreshments available for purchase. Admission is $2. POSTER