Communications Director Departing in August

Margaret Glidden, who has worked at the Synod Office since 2008, will be leaving her position as Director of Communications as of August 29.

Originally starting as the receptionist/events secretary, Margaret evolved the role to focus on all things related to communications, including chairing the Creativity Exchange, redesigning the website, and developing the diocesan style guide. For five years, she has been the President of the Anglican Editors Association. She has focused on designing and editing content for The Messenger and the Synod Scene but has also contributed to a variety of other areas. She has fostered connections across the diocese and put into words many of our stories. As a reporter, she attended many of our key events to tell those stories. Her work on the Diocesan Workplan and the launch of A Way Through the Wilderness are critical to their success. We are grateful for her time with the diocese, and we wish her every blessing as she follows where God is leading her.

“I am grateful to Bishop Steve for these kind words and his encouragement, and to the amazing people I have worked with in the Synod Office and come to know in parishes throughout the diocese. For the last 17 years, many of you have helped me grow stronger as a person and stronger in faith through your examples of faith, hope, love, joy and peace. 

“Years ago, when my mum, spying an ad in Synod Scene, mentioned the Synod Office was looking for help, it was impossible to predict how our lives would change. With a certain degree of naivete, we loaded our belongings into our Chrysler Intrepid excited for the journey west from our farm in Manitoba to my new career and our new home in Edmonton. Nearing the Alberta border, and the final leg of our drive, I took over the wheel as my late husband Don closed his eyes for a nap and Abbey played her DS in the backseat. A few minutes later, a moose stepped up out of the ditch and into our path. There was another car in the lane beside us, so my only option was to apply the brakes and pray God would keep us safe. He did. With the help of a mechanic in Lloydminster and a ride from my brother James the rest of the way to mum's, we, and eventually our car and belongings dusted with moose hair, made it to Edmonton in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

“All these years later, as Abbey continues her studies in Australia and Roy and I prepare to be empty-nesters, I am once again applying the brakes, trusting God will lead us through the wilderness to the next transformative destination on this unpredictable journey of life. Thank you for accompanying us to this point. Thanks be to God.”