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A Missional MinuteMissional is Natural Conversation is natural. Friendships are natural. Sharing our story is natural. There are a lot of theories about how we might share our faith or how our faith might encourage others. A recent story I experienced involved a natural conversation that happened between neighbours. I was out walking our dog and my neighbour happened to be in her yard. As I walked by, we began to chat a bit as we often do. She mentioned that her son was about to attend a Christian university. This made her nervous and she asked if she could ask me a “religious” question. I said, “Sure.” She was concerned about what to teach him or what he should know before beginning classes in the institution. I probably could have given her a bible commentary or some books that explained the faith (apologetics). That would have been relatively easy to find and give her. Instead, I suggested that she do nothing. Well, not nothing exactly. I suggested that perhaps she should pay attention to the comments he made when he would return from class. See what questions he is asking. In my experience, most people are not really interested in being told what to think or how precisely they should believe something. Rather, it is their questions that show their curiosity and interest. I also added that if he had a question that she felt needed something more, that I would be happy to help or suggest someone that could. She gave a huge sigh of relief and thanked me. It had lifted a burden that she had to have all the answers he might need. How often have we looked at sharing our faith in this way? Do we have to have all the answers? Are we trying to anticipate other people’s questions? Maybe it’s about conversation and listening and simply sharing what they are asking about instead of filling the air with information they may not even be ready to hear! |
The time that is given us…A message from Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson We have experienced five months now of self-isolation and physical distancing to combat the COVID pandemic. For many people, those measures have understandably been accompanied by anxiousness and insecurity and fear. This experience is also an opportunity to be reminded that we need to hold in our hearts charity and compassion towards each other. Let us focus on a spirit of forgiveness, to give people the space to engage in their emotions. Let us respond in love, both in our words and in our actions. I pray that God will bless you with His Spirit as you grow into the fullness of His love towards those who you meet each day. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/news/the-time-that-is-given-us--138
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Online Missional WorkshopLiving out our apostolic calling in today's context - Saturday, September 19, 2020 Join us Pre-registration is required For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/events/online-missional-workshop/2020-09-19
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And Hope does not disappoint usA word for the Anglican Church of Canada A conversation with The Most Reverend Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and The Most Reverend Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop of Calgary and Metropolitan of Rupert's Land, moderated by The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman of Holy Cross Anglican Church Calgary. Questions discussed included: "Where is there hope in the Anglican Church?" "What challenges/lessons should we be listening for?" "What scriptures have been prominent for us in this time? For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/news/and-hope-does-not-disappoint-us--133
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78th Convention of SynodSaturday, October 24, 2020 Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson along with the Diocesan Council announces that the 78th Convention of Synod has been called for Saturday, October 24, 2020. Licensed Clergy and Elected Lay Delegates to Synod are to attend. Preparation will include the reading and being familiar with all materials sent out prior to Synod. Delegates, both Clergy and Lay, should consider putting their names forward for the following nominations: - Provincial Synod (required: 3 Clergy, 2 Lay, 1 Youth) - General Synod (required: 3 Clergy, 3 Lay, 1 Youth) - Diocesan Council (required: 1 Clergy and 1 Lay from each of the 5 Deaneries) During this time of physical distancing, Synod will be held via Zoom. In an effort to make good use of limited time, only the essentials of Synod, in accordance with the Canons, will be dealt with. No motions will be addressed at this event; we intend to hold a Special Synod in 2021 to respond to motions and other business. Any questions or concerns can be forwarded to Mrs. Kim Getty, Registrar of the Diocese (registrar@calgary.anglican.ca) or The Rev. Dr. Bob Mummery (calgarylr@gmail.com). For more infomation visit: https://www.calgary.anglican.ca/events/october-synod/2020-10-24
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Living with Uncertainty: Lessons from the Psalmshosted by The Wisdom Centre at Kingsfold Retreat Centre COVID has been a crash course in uncertainty that none of us signed up for. Come away with us for a weekend at Kingsfold Retreat Centre, September 18 to 20, when we will use the Psalms to look at the myriad of emotions all of us have been through and are going through on this journey. The weekend will include worship and presentations and will be co-led by Anglican priests The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee and The Rev. Christine Conkin and also Helen Barry. Cost is $480 for Single Room and $380 for Double Room per person. Registration is now underway; please phone Kelly at (403) 249-6184 (8:00 am to 11:00 am) or request her to call you at adminassist@stlaurence.ca. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/events/living-with-uncertainty-lessons-from-the-psalms/2020-09-18
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Tips on continuing online broadcasting of serviceswhen parishes can hold physical gatherings The big question for many parishes is how to continue serving an online audience when we return to physical gathering. Those of you who are involved with producing and managing online ministry may be looking at effective ways to include cameras and live streaming in the sanctuary that does not get in the way of the liturgy, clergy or participants during physical worship. Click the Read More link below for a summary of tips from the forum discussions we are having in the online Canadian Anglican Communicators Hub. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/news/tips-on-continuing-online-broadcasting-of-services
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Diocesan Announcements
Our Archbishop's services and events: Archbishop Greg is available to participate via Zoom in your parish vestry, council, and online services if requested. Even though he may not be able to gather in person with you, he welcomes the opportunity to share in worship or to meet groups of any and all ages, to listen to your stories and faith, and to engage in conversation about our experiences and learnings from this journey through the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Carol Tubman to schedule.
Retirement The Rev. Diane Beaman, formerly of the Highwood Parishes, and since 2018 Priest-in-Charge of St. Aidan, Pekisko, will be retiring as of September 1. We thank Diane for her ministry and wish her well in her future endeavours. God bless you, Diane! |
Job PostingIncumbent - St. Augustine, Lethbridge St. Augustine Anglican Church in Lethbridge, AB, invites appliations for our next Incumbent, to be the spiritual leader of our dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking parish. Information on this parish can be found here. Interested parties are invited to explore the St. Augustine's website at www.staug.org. A copy of the Parish Profile can be requested here. |
Diocesan Committee Meetings
All Diocesan essential meetings have moved to an online format.
For more infomation visit:
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Covid 19 Restrictions
Our diocese will continue only offering online services. No parish in the Diocese of Calgary will reopen physical gatherings without the Archbishop’s permission. At this point, we remain in the protocol of not allowing physical congregational services including weddings and funerals inside the church building. Re-opening for Worship: A Task Force of clergy and medical professionals has created a plan for re-opening of public worship. A Cover Letter, Checklist and Application Form were sent to the Corporation members of each parish. Applications to re-open for worship are requested to be submitted to the Diocese Office. We are pleased to say we have almost twenty applications submitted and approved, and look forward to those services in their new format. Any questions can be directed to the Executive Officer. |
The 2021 Canadian Church CalendarVolume discount The 2021 Canadian Church Calendar is available to order. $5.00 each for orders up to 24 copies. $3.75 for orders 25+ copies. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/news/the-2021-canadian-church-calendar
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Bishop Ford Memorial Garden and Columbarium
All Saints Anglican Church, Cochrane is developing the Bishop Ford Memorial Garden with the focal point being a 4-sided, 72-niche granite columbarium overlooking the mountains and the Town of Cochrane. We are now offering the exclusive right to the Anglican Diocese of Calgary to purchase a niche which holds the urns of your loved ones in a safe and secure location. The advance purchase of your niche will enable us to secure the funds necessary to begin construction this summer. For more information on location, pricing, pictures, inscriptions and contacts for questions, please visit our website page. If you wish to purchase a single or double niche, please send an email or phone (403) 932-6556 to select a niche and complete the paperwork. Niche sales will be offered to the general public starting in September. "May they rest in peace and rise in glory." |
Christian Foundations Resource Books
The Diocese Office has a supply of Christian Foundations resource books for parishes to purchase, for use in a discipleship program. The copies can be purchased for $20 each. The Christian Foundations small group resource offers an engaging introduction to the good news of the Gospel, the story of the Bible, church history, the creeds, and core practices of the faith. The material has been designed for people with no Christian background, and for those wanting to refresh their basic grounding. Nine modules focus on key questions that are explored through four learning segments. These include short narratives and interactive exercises: self-quizzes, reflection questions, group discussion, story-telling, timelines, maps and matching tasks. More information on these guides can be found here. Purchase requests can be sent to ctubman@calgary.anglican.ca. |
Prayer Requests
Please remember in your prayers: - our clergy and churches as we find our way forward in these strange days; - those who are sick, suffering, fearful or in need, remembering those suffering from the Coronavirus and their caregivers, those feeling isolated and those who are vulnerable; - for Michelle, Myrna and Paige; - those who have died and those who mourn; - the victims of the violence and natural disasters; - our Companion Diocese of the Windward Islands, and their Bishop Leopold Friday. Request a prayer: Send prayer requests to ctubman@calgary.anglican.ca to let us know how we can pray for you. We will only use first names which will be removed after two or three weeks. We will also pray for you during our regular Chapel services each week. Please ensure that you have permission from those whose names you are submitting for prayer, and that they understand their name will be made public to all who subscribe to the Newsletter. |
We'd Like to Hear from You
We are interested in what is happening in your parish and would love to highlight those events and news in our newsfeed. We look forward to your contributions - feel free to forward your event announcements, your parish news, your stories. Send in your details and pictures to communications@calgary.anglican.ca. |