• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Tracy Lee; Joanne; Bob, Rhea, Mitchell, Jen, Megan; Tracy; Jordan; Karen, Lynn; Paul.
• 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 events, meetings and services:

• October 18 and 19: 69th Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton
• October 21 to 25: House of Bishops
• October 26: Common Word Alberta Christian-Muslim Dialogue, Al Rashid Mosque
• October 26: Ultreya, St. Timothy's, Edmonton, 5 pm

Bishop Stephen London is pleased to appoint the Rev. Regula Brandle as interim priest-in-charge of the parish of St. George's, Fort Saskatchewan effective November 1, 2024.

This week, diocesan office staff members are preparing to welcome more than 170 people: elected representatives from the 46 parishes of the diocese: Bishop's appointees, ecumenical partners and guests, synod officers and staff, to All Saints' Cathedral for the 69th Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton Opening Eucharist and meeting on Friday evening. We will move over to the west end of Edmonton on Saturday, to St. Matthias Anglican Church, for our discussions around the findings of the Listening in Spirit | Shaping Our Future Together Phase 1 Report, resolutions and other important business guiding us to a good future together. Please keep the 69th Synod in your prayers.

O God our Creator, from ancient times you have always sent your peoples in every age to head out in faith along unfamiliar paths. Each time you have shown us that it is in these journeys into the unexpected where you meet us afresh and anew. Draw near to us, your pilgrim church, once again, as we draw near to one another in synod. Walk closely with us as we prepare to travel the next stretch of a shifting and uncertain road; speak to us of your Good News for the strivings and longings of this time and place; and cause our hearts to burn within as we remember our call to become the story we tell. Through Christ, in the Spirit, for the life of the world. Amen.

Last weekend, Bishop Stephen London led a prayer service of remembrance with members of St. Mary’s and St. George’s parish and the Jasper community on the grounds of the church (outside the safety fence), which, along with the Jasper United Church and more than 350 homes and businesses, was destroyed by the July 24th wildfire.

“…The service was outside and cold, and 50 people showed up. Parishioners, close ecumenical friends from the United Church, friends, family, other Jasperites and random tourists who just happed to be walking by. In the hardness there was a deep beautiful energy and a connection. This was definitely one of my favourite prayer services of my whole life. A blessing…”

“…There is so much to do over the next five years. But they are going to do it, and I am so glad that we will be a part of it. God walks with you Jasper. Blessings.” Read more and see more pictures on Bishop Stephen’s Facebook page.

Bishop Stephen London had “the great experience” of inducting the Rev. Christian Gordon as the rector of St Patrick's, Edmonton, on October 8.

“St. Patrick's has been a resilient parish in that they have had some ups and downs over the last few years, but they are doing well and get to have called Christian to be a shepherd and share with them the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Mill Woods region of Edmonton….”

Read more and see more pictures on Bishop Stephen’s Facebook page.

The last week of September was a time to pause, breathe, remember, laugh, pray, smudge, share stories, listen and learn. 

I started the week leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with the dear folks at the assisted living of Canterbury Foundation. We started with a smudge, and I shared some stories of reconciliation. I am always deeply touched when elders wearing orange shirts tell me they want our country to be fairer and more just. 

The parishes of St. Columba, Beaumont and St. Andrew’s, Camrose recently celebrated the service and dedication of four members by inducting them as ACW Life Members.

Maida Kellgren and Kathy McCrae were presented with ACW Life Member pins and certificates at St. Columba, Beaumont's 41st Anniversary Service on September 22.

Dianne Severs received her Life Member pin and certificate at the East Regional ACW meeting on October 5. Shelia Fairless, also a member of St. Andrew's, is another recent Life Member inductee.

Since we featured the Rev. Eric Kregel's book A Town for All Seasons in the July 24th edition of the Synod Scene, people have asked about ordering a copy. We are happy to let you that a box of books is on its way to the Synod Office. Copies can be reserved by contacting RJ Chambers at: churched@edmonton.anglican.ca or (780) 439-7344. The books will be available for pick-up during office hours. A cash payment of $30 per book will be accepted on-site. If you would like to pay by cheque or e-transfer, please get in touch with RJ and he will provide the payee information.

The 33rd Ecumenical Mission Of Strathcona County, Taking Flight: the Holy Spirit and the Christian Life, will take place from October 20 to 23. Join guest presenter Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell, an ordained minister of The United Church of Canada and Associate Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, NS, at various Christian churches. St. Thomas Anglican Church, 4A Raven Dr, Sherwood Park, will host the ecumenical mission on Tuesday, October 2, at 7 pm. POSTER

If you have not experienced the Huge Fall Rummage at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (corner of 101 St and 84 Ave NW, Edmonton), a tradition in Old Strathcona for more than 50 years, here is your chance. The two-day Fall Sale will be held Friday, October 25, from 3 to 8:30 pm, and Saturday, October 26, from 10 am to 3 pm. You are guaranteed bargains, refreshments and free admission!  POSTER

*Donations will be accepted from Sunday, October 20 until Wednesday, October 23, at noon. Thank you!

Organist Jeremy Spurgeon in Concert, Saturday, October 26, 3:00 pm. Please join All Saints' Cathedral, 10035 103 St NW, Edmonton, for an afternoon of organ music with Edmonton’s own Jeremy Spurgeon. Free admission. All are welcome to attend.

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

POSTER

George Brant (Father Harry), a retired Anglican priest who for the last several years made his home at Canterbury Foundation in Edmonton, has died at 103 years old. The memorial service for Harry Brant will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10 am.

You can read about Fr. Harry’s ministry career, spanning the countries of Canada, the U.S., Mexico, El Salvador, Poland, China and Cuba, in the Summer 2021 Messenger.

Holy Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church, Edson is holding a Christmas Bazaar at the Galloway Museum on Saturday, November 2, from 11 am until 3 pm. The bazaar will feature baking, crafts, white elephants and a silent auction. Come to shop and stay for lunch! POSTER

Following a strikingly successful bowling night (from Bishop Stephen London's perspective), the Rev. Danielle Key invites all young people of the Edmonton diocese and their friends to Games Night on November 2, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church (corner of 101 St and 84 Ave, Edmonton). Send a quick email to Danielle@holytrinity.ab.ca to let us know you are coming. Bring your favourite games and we will provide the hospitality! Feel free to share the image and invite your friends!

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. 

Amorim Rufino Studio presents Back to Bach on November 16, 5 pm, at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 10127 145 St. NW, Edmonton. Details to come! POSTER

St. Matthew’s Anglican Church presents Christmas Then, Christmas Now, a poignant reflection on what Christmas "used to be" and what it has become. This production, a poem written by the late Margaret Lumley and set to music. features a Canadian rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and Kenny Rogers’ "Til the Season Comes Round Again." It is sure to put you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit on the eve of Advent 1, November 30, at 7 pm. Tickets, $10/person, can be purchased/reserved by emailing stmattscommunication@gmail.com. POSTER

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.

POSTER

The PrayerWorks community meal program is looking for 4 to 6 volunteers on the following Fridays to prepare a meal for 150 people: October 18, November 8, and December 13. Meal preparation takes place from 12 to 4 pm at Lodgepole Alberta Avenue (St. Faith's Anglican). To volunteer or to make a donation, please get in touch with Sarah Nicolai-deKoning at prayerworks@lodgepolecommunitas.ca; phone/text to 780-289-5730, or check out the Lodgepole website.

Members of Team Anglican continue to give and we are only 8 blood and plasma donations away from 150. 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.

Level 1 of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program, for children ages 3 to 5, is being offered this fall at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 125 Larose Drive, St. Albert.

This program gives kids an opportunity to learn about the Good Shepherd’s personal and unconditional love for each of us. It provides a foundation while continuing to guide children as they get older through the Good News of the New Testament by following the life of Jesus through a selection of parables.

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 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

How does it feel to be listened to? What does it mean to listen with the ears of the heart? Learn about the art of holy listening and the ministry of spiritual direction -– a relationship that encourages listening for the direction of the spirit in one’s life. Curious? Join us at Providence Renewal Centre on Tuesday, October 29, from 7 – 8:30 pm, for an evening of exploration and informal discussion. View list of Spiritual Directors rostered at Providence Renewal Centre There is no cost for this event, however, registration is required. 

The Star of the North Retreat House in St. Albert seeks to hire two part-time housekeepers:  a Lead Housekeeper for 24 to 30 hours weekly; and a Housekeeper for 16 hours weekly.  To apply, email your application, indicating in the subject heading which of the two housekeeping positions you are applying for, Lead Housekeeper or Housekeeper, to director@starofthenorth.ca We appreciate your interest but only those who are short-listed will be contacted. Job Profile