• Those who are sick or suffering: Amy, Elsie, Stephanie, Donna, Hy, Martin, Ashley, Ian, Sandy, Peter and Sandra, Fadimah.
• 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.

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 immediately before the event at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 3, at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035-103 St, Edmonton. Please wear a smart black outfit - no robes. If interested, please provide your contact information to Ms. Jennifer Wirun, Assistant to the Bishop: assistant@edmonton.anglican.ca / 780-439-7344.

Clergy conference will be held once again at the Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Avenue in St. Albert. It starts with registration at 11:30am on Tuesday, May 22 and ends after lunch at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 24. The topic this year is Making Disciples. The registration form has been sent out by email and is attached here as a pdf as well. Please register by Friday, May 11.

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:

May 3-6: Provincial Synod 

May 11: Consecration Anniversary

May 13: Confirmation Service, St. Faith, Edmonton

May 18: Consecration Anniversary Celebration Service, All Saints' Cathedral

May 22-24: Clergy Conference

May 26: Cursillo Teaching Day

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

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

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."

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. 

"Our itinerary will begin in Jerusalem and then take us to the Galilee, where we shall stay two nights in Nazareth, and then wind our way back to Jerusalem via the story settings in the Jezereel  valley and  Samaria. We will encounter Ruth as we look out at the hills of Moab in the distance from Bethlehem, the bravery of Rahab will be our encounter in Jericho, and the raising of Peter’s Mother in Law is remembered when we pray together on the Sea of Galilee at Capernaum.  A visit to the ancient port city of Jaffa will be the seaside setting for the raising of Dorcas."

While at the Jesus Shaped Life Conference in Kuala Lumpur last week, Bishop Jane came across some great ideas in evangelism and has asked that this link be sent out for everyone to have a look.

'Evangelism' is not a popular word in our culture, but sharing the love of Jesus Christ is at the core of Christian belief. Or as this website puts it: "...we seek, name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people - then invite everyone to more." Have a look! https://www.episcopalchurch.org/evangelism-toolkit

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

The Neighbourly is a monthly publication of the Capital Region Interfaith Housing Initiative, of which the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is a founding and active member.

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. 

Education for Ministry (EfM) is seeking students for the 2018-2019 course year. EfM is a four-year program of theological education for ministry, intended to help people become more grounded in their faith, and to discern their ministry in the church. Graduates of EfM may be found in many areas of diocesan ministry, both lay and ordained. A brief overview and registration information may be found in the attached brochure.  

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 MAY

First the good news: Base Camp has a bus driver! Thank you Dawson for volunteering your time and skills!

Camp is still looking for a life-guard and more counsellors for this year's fun-filled adventure July 14-20 on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake.

Please email the Synod Office if you're interested. Registration for volunteers and campers will be available by May 15.

Download the May, 2018 issue of The Messenger.

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.

Bannock, cranberries, wine, walking the four directions around the altar, Indigenous story and Gospel, children asking questions, smudging and learning. All of this and more made up worship at Immanuel, Wetaskiwin on Sunday, April 22nd. Archdeacon Travis Enright led the congregation through the Standing Stones Ceremony which has been developed for use in the Diocese of Edmonton. Standing Stones is meant to gather both Indigenous and settler peoples to worship Jesus in a way that is infused with Cree symbolism and meaning. 

“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.  

"Living the 8th Fire" is a 9-week small group gathering hosted by Inner City Pastoral Ministry (ICPM) and Moving Forward with Reconciliation.

The curriculum, based on the CBC documentary series 8th Fire, is designed to help restore vision in the hearts and minds of participants. Sessions start at 10 am on Saturday mornings: May 5, June 2, October 6, November 3, December 1. The location is Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19 Ave NW, Edmonton. The group started April 7. It is still possible to "drop-in," although each session builds upon the last and the intention is to develop community over the length of the course.

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, you can discover new books, music, movies, art and even make connections in your own community by joining others from all across the country in this journey. You can sign up for the challenge using Facebook, Twitter or Instagram here.

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 - May 7 and 14, June 4 and 11 POSTER

Wednesday, May 9 at 7 pm: Ascension Day – Evensong I with Devotions to the Blessed Sacrament

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.  

The last of this three part series on Engaged Creation Care will focus on Hope and Action. We'll explore the 'new city,' the restored creation promised in Revelation, reconciled and held together by Jesus (Colossians 1). With the Hope of the New City strengthening us, we will explore practical ways to 'work in the garden' now. Snacks and coffee will be on on. All we need now is your passionate conversation. A freewill donation will be requested.

You can read about Mark and Terri Polet's ministry and the first two Creation Care sessions on page 6 of the May issue of The Messenger.

Everything that makes for spring: Hanging baskets, planters, bedding plants, house plants, plus a bake table, crafts and used books. Come along to St. Augustine's Parkland Anglican Church, 131 Church Road, Spruce Grove on Saturday, May 12 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. We'll be serving pie, ice cream and beverage for $5. Children under 4 are free.
Treat yer Mum to pie, ice cream and flowers!

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 Saturday, May 26, 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

St. Matthias parish is organizing a bus trip from Edmonton to Drumheller for the Badlands Passion Play. Join us on a journey to hear this Epic Story of Faith, Hope, and Love. The bus wiil leave from Our Savior Lutheran Church, 18345-62B Ave, Edmonton, on Saturday, July 14 at 1:45 pm (performance is at 6 pm). Cost is: Adults (13-64) - $65.00; Seniors (65 plus) - $60.00; Youth (6-12) - $50.00.

For tickets and fore info, please contact Cindy Bouw nanab@ltelus.net or 780-883-2082. Payment will confirm your seat.

We are cookin' up some awesome ideas for our "Dare to be Different" summer camp, August 20-24. Camp runs 9 am - 3 pm (and overnight on Thursday!) for kids aged 6-14 and Leaders in Training aged 14-18. It's at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 15495 Castledowns Road, Edmonton. Registration is *open* at our website. Check it out! 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.

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.

Mothers with young adult daughters are invited from Friday, May 11 at 7:00 pm to Saturday, May 12 at 7:00 pm, to retreat together, to explore the adventure, challenge, and celebration of this sacred relationship. Facilitators, Joanne Friedt with daughters Cari and Breanne, will share honest reflections, enabling other mothers and daughters to explore their unique relationships shared with God and each other. Registration closes: May 4

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

Mayor Don Iveson call the Westmount development a '10 out of 10!' Come join with developers, community leaders, and faith representatives as we learn from one of the brightest examples of community consultation done well here in Edmonton: the process developed by both community leaders and the Right at Home Housing Society in North Glenora as part of the redevelopment of land owned by Westmount Presbyterian Church.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Venue: ARCA Banquet Facility; 14525 127 Street Northwest; Edmonton

• Doors open at 6:00pm with a light supper beginning at 6:30pm
• Keynote address; Q&A to follow
• We have space and food for fifty participants, so a timely RSVP through Eventbrite is encouraged

The Canterbury Foundation presents this screening of the Award Winning documentary ‘Genius of Marian’ on May 6 at the Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton. An afternoon reception starts at 1:00 PM, with the complimentary screening beginning at 2:00 PM in the Art Gallery’s Ledcor Theatre. This film is a "visually rich, emotionally complex story about one family’s struggle to come to terms with the changes Alzheimer’s disease brings. After Pam White is diagnosed at age 61 with early onset Alzheimer’s, life begins to change, slowly but irrevocably, for Pam and everyone around her." film website

The screening is free of charge, but we ask that you please reserve your spot on Eventbrite. For any further questions, please contact Katie Schneider at katies@canterburyfoundation.com or 780-930-5581.

Workshop Title: ESL in the Community – Basic Training  
Who can attend: Community-based ESL tutors, and those interested
Date: Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (lunch provided!)  
Location: Cultural Connection Institute-The Learning Exchange, at #428, 10621 -100 Avenue T5J 0B3

Program Brochure

Church response to the tragic Humboldt hockey team bus accident has brought new awareness to the vital role of faith communities in the life of the community as a whole. CiRCLe M is a Saskatoon-based network of persons who seek to better understand and advocate on behalf of rural ministry in Canada. CiRCLe M has developed a training component for professional and non-professional leaders in the local church. The “Church and Community Crises Response Training Webinar” is a resource for rural communities which may face a variety of face crises events. Visit http://www.circle-m.ca/ and scroll down.