Edmonton Anglican Church Family Launches A Way Through the Wilderness

More than 50 people (a capacity crowd) from several urban and rural parishes celebrated the launch of the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton's strategic initiative called A Way Through the Wilderness, on May 15, at the Wildroots Community Centre, a ministry of St. Augustine's, Edmonton.

The 18-month workplan has been months, actually years, in the making and will help guide us down the next stretch of the road in our journey of faithful transformation as a community of disciples in the Way of Jesus. Rooted in six key areas, A Way Through the Wilderness is designed to lead us into an inspired, renewed and more sustainable future as a family of churches.

"...We are going to seize this moment to answer the call of Jesus Christ. 

"We are going to be faithful. 

"We are going to be leaders in the Anglican Church of Canada. 

"We are going to do the work to prepare for a good future for the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton...," said Bishop Stephen London at the workplan celebration. (Read Bishop Stephen's Full Remarks)

The workplan's title, A Way Through the Wilderness, was inspired by Isaiah 43:18-19 and God's promise to “do a new thing,” and "make a way" for God's people by bringing forth unexpected blessings and new possibilities even in the uncertainty and challenge of a wilderness time.

"Much as those hearing the prophecies of Isaiah the first time, our church, too, can feel like we are walking along a path that is heading towards a dead end.," says the Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman who, in addition to his roles as Executive Officer and Canon to the Ordinary, has been named as animator of the Diocesan Workplan. "But we are undeterred, knowing that if we keep walking beside Jesus, God will meet us on this wilderness road, too, and will surprise us with the promise that our story is not yet done."

You can view updates and resources for A Way Through the Wilderness at https://edmonton.anglican.ca/pages/strategic-planning.