• Those who are sick or suffering: Amy, Elsie, Stephanie, Donna, Hy, the Rev. Ronda, Adam, Robert, Leslie, Eliot, Aiden, Sophie, Sherri, Rick, Meagan, Ezra and Matthew.
• Those who have died and those who mourn.
• Our brothers and sisters in Christ from Treaty Six and Treaty Eight First Nations.
• Bishop Sixbert and the Diocese of Buyé (List of Twinned Parishes).
• Request a prayer Click here to email the Synod Office and let us know what you would like 'pray-ers' in the diocese to pray for. We will use first names only for personal prayer requests.

Pastor Rick Chapman and Oskapewis (Cree for helper) Michelle Nieviadomy, of Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM), led a Standing Stones service for the Emmanuel worship community on April 8. Created by Indigenous Ministries Archdeacon Travis Enright, Standing Stones blends traditional Indigenous spiritual practices (approximately 46% of the population of the inner city is of Indigenous heritage) with traditional Anglican liturgies. Part of the regular worship schedule at the Bissell Centre, Standing Stones is offered on the second Sunday of each month. It is also offered by other Christian worship communities such as the Anglican parishes of St. Faith and All Saints' Cathedral.

The service began with a smudge offered by ICPM Indigenous Helper Gord Holub, a practicum student from NorQuest College. Songs were sung from the Community of Emmanuel Book of Worship, accompanied by Farley Magee on guitar. Elder Dorothy Delorme read the gospel of John 20: 24-29 – the story of Jesus and Thomas.

“As human beings we have doubt and, at times, I have carried doubt,” said Nieviadomy in her homily. “But, we are blessed because we believe in God.” She spoke about attending the funeral of her dear friend Kokum Donna Enright (mother of Archdeacon Travis Enright). “We heard stories of a woman who endured the pain of residential school and, in spite of all she had gone through, had incredible faith. She made sure that the songs sung at her funeral honoured her maker,” she said. “In those moments that doubt seems to overcome our faith, our elders would say, ‘pray a little harder, dig a little deeper, we are blessed people.’”

As sunbeams streamed down from the rafters, the Rev. Rick Chapman lit a candle and asked the community to pray for the Humboldt SJHL hockey team, which was involved in a tragic bus accident two days before the service on April 6; and “those who are no longer with us, especially our friends from the street.”

See the diocesan website to read the rest of this story, and see the Indiginews section of the Synod Scene for information on "Living the 8th Fire," a continuation of the reconciliation dialogue led by Michelle Nieviadomy, along with ICPM and Moving Forward with Reconciliation.

Invited by the Canon Pastor for Rural Ministry, the Rev. Chelsy Bouwman, the Rev. Nick Trussell led a Rural Mission Day at St. Mary the Virgin, Vegreville. Following is an article by one participant, who made a two-hour drive to be there.

The Mission Day for Rural Ministry was held at St. Mary’s in Vegreville on April 14. It was the first time I had attended a Rural Ministry Day. I had no intention of going, as my husband and I had two other engagements this weekend. But God must have been speaking in my heart and mind urging me to go.

While there, I found the presenter and other participants affirmed the missional vision held by my own parish of St. Saviour’s Mission, Wabamun. We continue to serve our community in various ways, yet realize there is more to be done. For example, our community could possibly benefit from starting a Messy Church.

It was a very open time with lots of sharing and the presenter, the Rev. Nick Trussell, guided the participants to the realization that we, as members of the church, have the opportunity to be God’s disciples today.

When offered again, I would highly recommend this experience to other lay people. I was the only one in attendance. Should there be another opportunity to go to this session or others that bring rural parishes together, I think I would do my best to attend. I returned home with a reinforced and revitalized faith and vision of our church.

Wendy Wiles, Mission of St. Savour, Wabamun

Please join us at our monthly Ultreya, a gathering open to all seeking encouragement and inspiration for their Christian walk. Enjoy live music and healthy (ahem) treats. This month's speaker will be Michael Harvey of ‘Back to Church Sunday’. In 2004, Back to Church Sunday was birthed and Michael Harvey started to work using his own time and money with churches throughout the United Kingdom and eventually throughout the English speaking world. Michael has spoken to thousands of church leaders in his seminars and has to date seen 1 million Christians mobilised to invite, resulting in hundreds of thousands of accepted invitations. He is author of the book Unlocking the Growth and, as an itinerant speaker, has a ministry across 17 countries and 5 continents. He has created a 'culture of invitation' workshop which he is now touring around the world. We look forward to seeing Michael again and hearing what he has to share about inviting others into our faith. There will be thought-provoking conversation, laughter, song, fun and fellowship. We meet at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, 8420-145 street, Edmonton. Please contact our Fourth Day Chair at ted@iwonder.ca if you need more information or help with car-pooling.

Back to Church Sunday founder Michael Harvey will lead the multi-parish workshop "Being an Inviting Church" at St. Mary's Ponoka on Saturday, April 21, from 10 am-3 pm. The church is located at 5120-49 Avenue. All are invited to attend!

Whether she is visiting parishes, leading and educating the community, or providing pastoral support to the clergy, our Bishop is always on the move! Here are some of the events which Bishop Jane will be attending over the next few months:

Apr 17-19: International Committee of the Compass Rose Society Visiting Edmonton - Bishop Jane is a member of the board for the Canadian branch of the Society

Apr 18-23: Michael Harvey visiting the Diocese* revised dates

Apr 22: Confirmation at St. Paul's, Leduc

Apr 24: Jesus Shaped Life Conference in Kuala Lumpur

May 3-6: Provincial Synod 

Are you hoping Bishop Jane will attend your event or visit your parish? Fill out the Parish Visit Form or contact Jen at assistant@edmonton.anglican.ca

Bishop Jane encourages parishes to use this liturgy to mark Earth Day, April 22, which falls on a Sunday this year. The liturgy includes readings from Genesis, prayers that we might live in harmony with the earth, and tangible offerings for reflection on our world, created and redeemed by God.

Please also see this link to an article from the Commonwealth Faith Leaders calling for word on climate change to become actions - and the link below for the new website of the "Green Churches Network." 

The decision between paying the ever increasing rent or providing enough food for one's family is the dilemma facing too many hardworking families. - Fraser Williamson, CRIHI

This spring faith communities will be volunteering with Habitat for Humanity at the Carter Place and Fort Saskatchewan projects, changing people's lives by building 74 affordable homes. The project hopes to engage 500 volunteers!

How can people in your congregation get involved? Please see attached POSTER for details and check out the Recruiters' Package to sign up. It is that easy. No experience necessary. Volunteers are also needed to provide lunch for the crews. You decide which volunteer opportunity best suits your congregation. 

For more information, go to https://www.hfh.org/ or email volunteer@hfh.org or 780-451-3416, ext. 237. And here is a video (just under 2 minutes) that you can show at your place of worship: https://youtu.be/6lCmOZ3RpiA

Please share this Flyer in your church bulletins. 

Does your parish need more Books of Common Prayer? The Edmonton Branch of the Prayer Book Society of Canada can help to renew your BCP inventory. Thanks to a bequest, the Edmonton Branch of the PBSC will, for a limited time, be able to subsidize your purchase of new BCP's. The cost for a parish for 10 BCP’s is $85 (which includes GST and shipping). If you’re interested, please contact Fr. Armand Mercier at amercier@hfh.org.

All women in the diocese are invited to the ACW Annual Meeting.

A time of worship, fellowship and reflection on the call God has over the work and witness of the ACW centered on the theme “The Love of Jesus Calls Us,” will feature guest speaker the Ven. Richard King, Archdeacon for Mission and Discipleship. 

Invitations and registration forms are in the mail to each parish and to all Life Members. Watch for their arrival. Please share the info with others and return registrations before April 15. For more info, see attached LETTER

Base Camp heads north this summer from July 14-20 for a week of fun-filled adventure on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake... and we need some energetic, fun-loving volunteers to help make it happen!

Camp is looking for a lifeguard and counsellors, and for someone who is licensed and able to drive a school bus to get us there (have bus will travel?). Our trusty driver, Greg Rose, is retiring after about a decade of faithful service (thanks Greg!).

Please email the Synod Office if you're interested.

The Diocese of Edmonton will welcome 100 delegates and guests of the 49th Rupert's Land Provincial Synod, May 3-6, 2018. Members of the dioceses of Edmonton, Athabasca, the Arctic, Brandon, Calgary, Qu'Appelle, Rupert's Land, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh will gather on Treaty 6 land to learn from one another about “Living and Sharing a Jesus-Shaped Life.”

All are invited to attend the Opening Eucharist at All Saints' Anglican Cathedral on Thursday, May 3 at 7:00 pm. The service will be followed by a reception featuring ethnic dishes representative of our culturally diverse diocese. See the diocesan website for more information.

We invite all choir members and singers to come together to form a diocesan choir for the opening service of the 49th Provincial Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land. Participants will join Mr. Jeremy Spurgeon, Director of Music, for a rehearsal at 5:30 pm on Thursday, May 3, at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035-103 St, Edmonton. If interested, please provide your contact information to Ms. Jennifer Wirun, Assistant to the Bishop: assistant@edmonton.anglican.ca / 780-439-7344.

Two singers are needed to help lead music from Friday, May 4th to Sunday the 6th at the 49th Provincial Synod at MacEwan University. Musical styles will be eclectic; mostly blues/gospel arrangements of traditional hymns. If interested, please contact Evan at 780-717-6657.

Circle Sunday, May 13th, 2018 on your parish calendar to celebrate Jerusalem Sunday. New liturgical resources are available now online as are special offering envelopes through the Anglican Church of Canada Global Relations office.  Jerusalem Sunday 2018 provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of women in the story of Jesus, the work of mothers and others in the search for peace and justice today, and the image of Jerusalem in Galatians 4:26 – “Jerusalem above; she is free and she is our mother,” the new Jerusalem, the city from whose centre flows the waters of life."  The ministry of women is in the very heart and soul of the Diocese of Jerusalem’s many schools, hospitals, health care clinics and parishes.

How do we move from social service to Jesus Shaped, gospel based social justice? How do we graft the idea of social justice onto our social service initiatives?

The Diocese of Edmonton Social Justice Committee is planning a workshop to explore this issue. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the theology of social justice, enabling us all to become a more effective “change agent” in God’s world.

Lunch to follow - $10. Register by email at socialjustice@edmonton.anglican.ca  POSTER

Bishop Jane Alexander will help lead a Women of the Bible pilgrimage in Jerusalem, from June 5-14, 2018. The 10-day course, offered by St. George's College, tells the ancient stories of women in the Bible and their struggle, joy and tragedy. The itinerary will take participants from Jerusalem to Galilee, then back through the Jezreel valley and Samaria. See also St. George's new promotional video, which features a member of our diocese, Halcyon Clark of St. Andrew's, Camrose.

Click here to join Team Anglican. Our Partner ID is ANGL696986. To donate blood, call: 1-888-236-6283. There are many upcoming donor clinics in Edmonton and area. The Life Bus will transport donor groups (3-8 people) from any location in Edmonton. You can give blood at:

Edmonton Donor Clinic: 8249–114 Street, Monday – Saturday

Community Donor Clinics: dates and Locations for APRIL and MAY

The Missional Ministry Seminar offered by our diocese and Newman Theological College has been postponed until the fall of 2018. 

This course will explore how the Church is called to be present within particular 'communities' as a means of forming Christian 'communitas' in the Diocese of Edmonton. It will feature clergy from across the diocese on a range of topics such as urban and rural ministry, mission and evangelism, pastoral work, and organizational leadership both within and beyond the church. The primary instructors are the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman and the Rev. David Tiessen. For more info, contact the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman: scott.sharman@newman.edu 

Contact: 

The Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Indigenous Ministry: rev.enright@gmail.com / 780-477-5931

Fiona Brownlee, Aboriginal and Rural Communities Liaison: f.brownlee@edmonton.anglican.ca / 780-312-9070

Resources: Please see the Indigenous Ministries section of the diocesan website for leaflets, web links and other resources to help you pray and act for reconciliation. Please see the City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office to subscribe to their Community Bulletin.

You are invited to join members of the Immanuel, Wetaskiwin Reconciliation Team on Thursday, April 19 to go and see Indian Horse the Wetaskiwin movie theatre, 3840 - 56 Street. The movie starts at 6:50 pm. Indian Horse is based on the book of the same name by Richard Wagameese. It is about a boy, Saul Indian Horse, who is taken to Residential School and how he survives by learning to play hockey. We will be going for coffee after to talk about the movie.   See the trailer. The rating is PG.

 “In the seventh fire, the white race will be given a choice between two paths: one will lead to destruction, the other to the lighting of the Eighth and final fire, an Eternal Fire of Peace Love, and Brotherhood.” - Traditional Anishnabe prophecy as told in The Teachings of the Seven Fires and our Response Through our Song of Faith.  

In 2017, the Our Common Ground ecumenical committee hosted four community gatherings in response to the TRC’s Calls to Action. To keep the fire and dialogue going around reconciliation, the Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) and Moving Forward with Reconciliation invite you to "Living the 8th Fire."  

This 9-week small group gathering follows a curriculum designed from the CBC documentary series 8th Fire, which is hosted by CBC journalist Wab Kinew, from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in Northern Ontario. The curriculum is designed to help restore the 8th Fire vision in the hearts and minds of those who choose to participate in the learning. It is intended that participants, as vessels of hope, will seek out ways to get to know their neighbours.  

Living the 8th Fire will be held Saturday mornings, 10 am: May 5, June 2, October 6, November 3, December 1.

For more info, see the attached POSTER or email Michelle Nieviadomy, ICPM Oskapewis: michelle.iskwew@gmail.com   

All of us in the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — can be ambassadors for change and further reconciliation and healing by actively seeking opportunities to learn. By taking the #Next150 Challenge via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you can join others from across Canada in discovering new books, music, movies and art.

The following articles and ads are from parishes in the  Edmonton Diocese. 

On Sunday, April 15, Bishop Jane joined the congregation at St. John the Evangelist Cold Lake for a special Service of Confirmation. Bishop Jane had the pleasure to confirm Dorcas Alalade-Ayinla, who moved to Cold Lake earlier this year to be with her husband, Ayo. Ayo had previously moved to Canada from Nigeria, living in St. Paul for a short time before relocating to Cold Lake. Both are regular attenders at St. John’s, where Ayo is also the parish treasurer. 

After the service, Ayo passed on a message from his father, the Very Rev. Akin Ayo Alalade-Ayinla, who is Provost of the Cathedral (similar to a Dean) in Ibadan South Diocese, Nigeria. “My dad was so excited when I told him the Bishop came all the way from Edmonton because of Dorcas' confirmation. He's really grateful and sends his regards.”  

Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Donna Gauthier says, “It was a real blessing to have Bishop Jane to celebrate with us. People were just thrilled to see Dorcas’ commitment of faith. She and Ayo have really become part of our close-knit church family. It’s a wonderful celebration for our church and so refreshing to see their dedication to the Lord.”    

St. Augustine Parkland is looking for a Youth Minister and a Parish Administrator. 

Each one is part time at 10 hours per week. Take a look at the attached job descriptions and see if one of these positions might be for you!

This is the 8th 'season' of Come and Ask, back by popular demand! It's a time for any and all to come in to the Mission of St. Saviour office, sit down and hash out whatever questions you might have - about God, church, religion, etc. 

Dates: Mondays at 1:00 pm - April 16 and 23, May 7 and 14, June 4 and 11 POSTER

Parishioners from All Saints' Cathedral will volunteer with Habitat for Humanity as part of the Interfaith Works Project on Friday, April 20th. It's an all-day event happening at Carter Place (23 Avenue and 24 Street, Edmonton), though volunteers can join in as their schedules allow. There are a limited number of spaces! So if you'd like to come along, please register online with Habit for Humanity and let Barb Burrows know you're coming.

It's that time of year again... time to shop! The HTAC annual rummage sale is always a great place to pick up anything from vintage to small furniture to books, toys, treasures and collectibles. Something for everyone and admission is free! POSTER

The sale runs Friday, April 27 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 am – 2:00 pm.

Drop off donations from Sunday, April 22 to noon on Wednesday, April 25.

Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm: St Mark the Evangelist – Solemn Evensong

Monday, April 30 at 7 pm: St. Philip and St. James the Apostles – Solemn Evensong

"The Five Conversations of the Church: Waking Up to an Expansive View of the Fullness of the Gospel" will help chuch leaders discover how relationships with the world’s most vulnerable people at home and abroad can be catalytic in the transformation of your church.

Pastor Keith Stewart is experienced in mutual transformation ministry and is a powerful advocate for people ensnared by injustice. He is a veteran pastor of 28 years at Springcreek Church in suburban Dallas, Texas knows firsthand how such change is possible and within the reach of every congregation. 

This leadership forum will be packed with challenging teaching, practical examples, and resources to equip you as a leader in the transformation of your church for God’s kingdom purposes. POSTER

Cost is $25 / Register For more info, contact church representative Tim Schultz: tim_schultz@worldvision.ca

St. Thomas, Sherwood Park is happy to be supporting Fusion Canada in bringing Sallie Hammond from Australia to lead a two-day workshop on parenting / grandparenting. The Families Course is an initiative of Fusion Australia. In this short course, parents, grandparents, care providers and anyone who is interested, included those who are involved in social work and childcare, will learn practical, fun parenting tools and strategies that work. The workshop will be held in St. Albert (see attached POSTER for details). 

Sallie Hammond will also be joining the parish of St. Thomas on Sunday, April 29 to share her ministry story during the 10:00 am service. All welcome!

Please let us know if you’re interested! Contact Ruth Heine at 780-975-5946 or email ruth@heine.ca for more information. Register at fusioncanada.ca/families-course

All Saints', Drayton Valley is organizing a Jigg's Dinner for April 28th at 5:30pm. This is a traditional Newfoundland dinner, but anyone and everyone is welcome to come along. The event will be held at the 55+ club (5138 52 Avenue) in Drayton Valley and will include draws and comic entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at the church. Call 780-542-5048 or email emmavickery@mail.com. POSTER

ALPHA is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith. The talks are designed to be engaging and inspire conversation. Explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions like "Who is Jesus?" and "How can I have faith?” One of the most important parts of any Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas about the talk without being corrected or judged. There's no obligation to say anything; it's an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective.  

Please join us for the final instalment of our enlightening lecture-discussion series at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 10037-84 Ave, Edmonton. Saturday, May 12th, Mildred Thill will speak on: "Forgiveness in the Bible and What it Means to us Today." This is a 30-minute lecture followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Refreshments provided. 11am to 12pm in the Upper Hall.  

For more info: 780-433-5530 or church.office@holytrinity.ab.ca

Please join us for this evening of FUNdraising in support of St. Michael and All Angels and the Military Family Resource Centre! Location is 11201 95 Street, Edmonton. Doors open at 5:30 pm and supper is served at 6:00. Tickets are $30 each. POSTER

The following articles are from various organizations in and around Edmonton that promote activities related to the values of the diocese and may be of interest to parishioners.

Come to the Edmonton Prayer Breakfast. This 23rd annual event, held at the Shaw Conferece Centre, includes prayer for our leaders, amazing speakers, fabulous musicians, a delectable breakfast, and a networking opportunity with a chance to meet our civic leaders. Tickets are $50 or $450 for a table of 10. To purchase, visit edmontonprayerbreakfast.ca, email admin@edmontonprayerbreakfast.ca or call 780-328-7882. POSTER

Come celebrate seniors who make our community a better place! Nominations for 2018 awards are now closed, but tickets are still available for the 12th Annual SAGE Awards luncheon which will be held May 8. Email JoLynn Parenteau for tickets. POSTER

The spirituality of Teilhard de Chardin invites us to encounter reality from a holistic perspective, where mysticism is not an escape from the world but a deep dive into the nature of an emerging universe, where life itself, in all its complexity, becomes a prayer. Facilitator Sherry Dahl is an experienced spiritual director from the Providence Renewal Centre Roster. She holds a Master of Arts in Spirituality and Liturgy from St. Stephen’s College as well as training in a variety of self-awareness modalities. Join us Tuesday, May 8 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. $60.00 includes buffet lunch. Registration closes May 1.    POSTER

Canadian pop and jazz singer Coco Love Alcorn headlines this benefit concert, along with the St. Albert Catholic High School 'Pop-Up' Choir. The event is 7:30 pm on May 8 at the Arden Theatre, 5 St. Anne Street, St. Albert. General Admission is $35. For Tickets, call 780-459-5511 or email reception@starofthenorth.ca

All proceeds support the ongoing mission of Star of the North Retreat Centre to offer a sacred space of hospitality and healing.  POSTER

The Mustard Seed is inviting Edmonton churches to come together to develop practical solutions to ending poverty and homlessness in our city. They will host a gathering on the morning of May 8 at the Mustard Seed Neighbour Centre, 10050 81 Ave, Edmonton. Please RSVP to Megan Schuring as soon as possible.

Need some gardening tools this Spring? Don't Buy, Borrow them from the Edmonton Tool Library The Edmonton Tool Library is an independent, not-for-profit society dedicated to providing affordable access to an inventory of over 600 hand, power and garden tools. Standard memberships cost $50 per year for access to everything from angle grinders to wet tile saws. You can view and search the inventory on edmontontoollibrary.ca. Some Community League membership programs also provide free access to the ETL. Open Saturdays, from 1-5 pm, 7308-112 Ave NW For mmore info, email edmontontoollibrary@gmail.com