In honour of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), this week's Synod Scene is hosted by the animals of the Diocese. Thank you to Martha, Shilly, Azalea, Sparky, Geo, Yuki, Fiji, Leo, Hazel, and Willow!

• Those who are sick, suffering, or in need: Deb, Wayne, Elaine, Naomi, Noreen, Josh, Floyd, Paul, Rhea, Mitchell, Jen, Bob, Charmaine, Frank
• 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 to include someone's name 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.
  
• Click here for the Diocese of Edmonton, Anglican Communion, and ecumenical prayer cycles.

Please pray for Bishop Stephen London 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, events, and services:

• Friday, October 3 - Innovative Stewardship Committee meeting
• Saturday, October 4 - St. Peter the Apostle, Edmonton
• Sunday, October 5 - Church of the Nativity, Frog Lake
• Sunday, October 5 - Evensong at All Saints' Cathedral, Edmonton

All Saints' Cathedral Choral Evensong - Oct. 5

The Widening of God's Mercy book study - begins Oct. 16

Christian Nationalism learning event - Oct. 18

The Strathcona County Ecumenical Mission - Oct. 19-22

All Saints' Cathedral 150th Anniversary - Nov. 1 & 2

The Church Admin Corner: Stewardship Campaigns

On the first Sunday of each month, Cathedral clergy and choir offer the Service of Evening Prayer set to music. There is no Eucharist at this service and only a brief meditation (rather than a full sermon). Those who attend are simply invited to a time of prayer and peace.

Choral Evensong combines the two older offices of Vespers and Compline. A work of art, as well as a service of prayer, it offers a reprieve from the noise and haste of day-to-day life and can be enjoyed by anyone who loves music and poetic language. Congregants may join in the singing of the hymns if they so desire. All are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Book Study: The Widening of God’s Mercy

This fall, The Rev. Mark Vigrass (Diocese of Edmonton) and Co-Facilitator of Proud Anglican Voices of Alberta will lead a virtual book study on The Widening of God’s Mercy: Sexuality Within the Biblical Story by Christopher B. Hays and Richard B. Hays.

This study will explore themes of sexuality and inclusion within the biblical narrative, inviting thoughtful reflection and open conversation.

To express interest or sign up, please contact Deacon Mark.

When: Thursday evenings, 7:00–8:30 PM
Dates: October 16 – November 27
Where: Online (Zoom link will be shared with participants)
Cost: Free and open to all

What is Christian Nationalism? How does it impact Canadians? How might we respond?

Join speakers Dr. Greg Carey, Professor of New Testament, and Dr. Marc Froesse, Professor of Political Science, for this timely conversation.

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We are delighted to invite you to the 34th Annual Ecumenical Mission of Strathcona County, taking place October 19–22, 2025.

This year’s theme is “Created for Community”, and we are honoured to welcome Archbishop Linda Nicholls, Retired Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, as our guest speaker. Join us for Bible study, afternoon teas, and evening services as we worship, learn, and grow together in Christ.

All events are open to the public, with a freewill offering supporting the Saffron Centre. For details and a full schedule of events, please visit ecumenicalmission.wordpress.com or our Facebook page.

All Saints' Cathedral is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Everyone is invited to join the celebration!

Saturday, November 1: Luncheon at noon (Register by October 18)

Sunday, November 2:

8:30 am BCP Holy Eucharist

10:30 am Choral Eucharist followed by coffee reception

7:00 pm All Saints' Choral Evensong

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Has your parish completed its annual stewardship campaign? Running annual/occasional stewardship campaigns or other volunteer recruitment events can be an important step in supporting the ongoing functions of a parish.

Financially, especially in the time of regular pre-authorized giving, it is easy for many parishioners to set a giving amount and then not reconsider that amount for several years. As inflation is a real concern for parishes across the Diocese, it is important for parishes to run occasional/annual stewardship campaigns or provide reminders for parishioners to consider the church as they approach their own financial planning.

Also, stewardship is more than just about financial gifts to the parish – it is also about giving of time and energy in serving the overall good of the parish. Rather than only asking parishioners for increases in giving, ask them about giving of time and talents for existing ministry areas. Ask where parishioners might be willing to serve where there is not a current ministry. The answers may surprise you and enable you to start a new and vibrant ministry in your parish.

We can do more together! Please make sure your parish knows about these important Diocese-wide events and initiatives by including them in your bulletin, announcements, calendars, and other channels.

For more information and promotional materials, click the bold, underlined text links.

Diocesan Youth Ministry - monthly events on October 11 and November 20. Registration information to come.

Apply for the Edmonton Anglican Cursillo Weekend - Nov. 7-9

This section contains events from parishes across the Diocese.

For more information on each event, click the bold, underlined text link.

Oct. 4 - Consecration of St. Peter the Apostle Anglican Church at St. Matthias, south Edmonton

Nov. 29 - Cursillo Welcome & Christmas Celebration. Click here for more Cursillo events.

Emily Whistance-Smith of De Kill Designs is hosting a Thrifted Clothing Sale at St. George's by the U of A to bring amazing deals on vintage and thrifted fashion to students and the wider University area.

De Kill Designs is a company that upcycles used clothing (currently sold at The Welded Hanger on Whyte Ave). While searching for pieces to upcyle, Emily finds many items in great condition that can be sold "as-is." Everyone is welcome to drop by and check out the amazing brands in sizes XXS to 3XL for low prices (most items $5-$15).

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Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and help the GANG  (Grandmothers of Alberta for a New Generation) fund community-based initiatives in 15 African countries.

Inspired by the Stephen Lewis Foundation, the GANG supports African grandmothers raising grandchildren and other children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Since their founding 15 years ago, the GANG has raised over $1.1 million for food, educational supplies, uniforms and school fees, medical care, home-based health care, HIV counselling and testing, adequate housing and bedding, counselling and support groups.

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There are many ways for you to get involved in regional discipleship-growing and community-building programs.

Follow the links (bold, underlined text) for more information and to register.

Diocesan Children's Choir - free music ensemble at Christ Church for kids in grade 2 and up led by Laura Hawley

Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: Uncover the Heart of Your Call - begins this month through St. Augustine, Edmonton

Centering Prayer begins Sept. 18 at St. Mary's, Edmonton

Christian Basics begins Sept. 23 at St. George's, Fort Saskatchewan

Heart Circle Grief Support begins Sept. 24 at St. George's, Devon

Traditional Approaches to Healing needs sustainable funding so it can increase its capacity in response to growing community needs. This life-giving healing circle is grounded in traditional Indigenous wisdom and supports emotional and psychological well-being. Led by Cree Elder Russell Auger at St. Faith's, Edmonton.

Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF) is seeking donations to bring solar-powered healthcare hubs to 49 rural clinics in Mozambique and Madagascar.

The Alongside Hope Christmas Cards are now available. Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF) is a ministry of the Anglican Church of Canada. It works towards a just and peaceful world through sustainable relief and development in Canada and around the world.

Your donation toward Alongside Hope Christmas cards spreads the word about Alongside Hope's good work and supports their ministry partners.

The Rt. Rev. John Watton, Bishop of Central Newfoundland, has created two new paintings for this year's cards.

Order cards online and download the attached poster for your church.

Find resources here to support your ministry and parish administration.

To access the links, click the bold, underlined text.

Messy Church Canada Zoom meeting: Join Messy Church Canada for tips and ideas to help you start or enrich your Messy Church. Thursday, October 16 at 12:00 pm on Zoom. Link for meeting

Retreat Centre programs: The Star of the North Retreat Centre offers a sacred space of hospitality, healing, and renewal in St. Albert. This fall, they are offering programs on forgiveness, spiritual resilience, and more. Click here for more information.

Grief and dementia support resource for congregations: Sarah Rudd, a Lutheran Diaconal Minister, is available for worship service support, dementia compassionate community presentations, or to share more about a peer support grief program. Please reach out to srudd@alzheimer.ab.ca if you’d like to connect or explore how these resources can bless your congregation’s ministry.

The October 2025 issue of The Messenger, includes a reflection on the Pride Parade by the Rev. Mark Vigrass, distributing medical cards in our partner Diocese of Buyé, and news from parish events and celebrations this summer.

Click here to receive a print copy of The Messenger or change your subscription address. The Messenger and the Anglican Journal are mailed to subscribers for a suggested $15/year donation.

Part of what unites us as a family of churches is the support we give one another and our ministries. We can do this by sharing our news and events (e.g., youth gatherings, parish fundraisers, worship services, community outreach, public lectures) here in the Synod Scene, the diocese's weekly e-newsletter. We have created a form to simplify this task. Click on the button below to upload a graphic or picture (horizontal / landscape orientation; 1500x784 px), and your brief news/event information. Submissions must be received by Tuesday at noon for inclusion in the current week's newsletter. Have questions? Email communications@edmonton.anglican.ca or call 780-439-7344