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A Missional MinuteThoughts from a Facebook Executive When I examine the life of Jesus, I notice he didn’t make the twelve apostles stand at crossroads and ask people to come listen to him preach in the temple on the weekends. He didn’t turn his followers into a “street marketing team” that would hang scrolls around town telling about his next sermon series. He didn’t deploy flocks of doves to airdrop invitations to his next baptism. Instead, he was out among the people, making connections and having conversations. All day, every day. Jesus didn’t reserve his best blessings, healings, prayers, and teachings for the temple. He met people where they were and ended up unleashing a global movement after only three years of public ministry. This is why I believe if Jesus were on social media today I believe he would be calling the Church to move beyond simply sharing content to making disciples. I believe Jesus would be calling us to move from social media to social ministry. And this requires a radical paradigm shift in how we do ministry today. Social media is about marketing. Social ministry is about disciples. Relationships are the foundation for discipleship. The goal of social ministry is to leverage social media tools to build God’s kingdom, whether in-person or online. I believe you will find that a strong digital ministry lends itself to the reward of driving online connections offline eventually. This is why discipleship requires conversation. In my years of pastoring, I’ve seen people come and go, and I’ve come to discover that the answer to one question determines whether someone will stay. The question is this: ‘ Are you connected to your church community? ’ Most people equate being a member of a church with attending events at a church building. But your church is not this building. This building is simply the place where your church gathers; your church is the community of people who are connected to a spiritual purpose . . . and to each other. A social media plan focuses on getting people to the building for a couple of hours every weekend, whereas a social ministry strategy focuses on how to help them grow in their faith through social technology throughout the week. You need both, and if you focus only on a social media plan, you will build an audience while stopping short of building disciples. — Nona Jones, Head of Faith-based Partnerships at Facebook, from her book: "From Social Media to Social Ministry".
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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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Service of Induction
The Rev. Dr. Dane Neufeld was inducted as Incumbent of the Parish of St. James in Calgary on 30 August 2020. For more infomation visit:
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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. During this time of physical distancing, Synod will be held via Zoom. Because of this electronic format, paper ballots are being sent to all Clergy and Lay Delegates. Please follow the enclosed instructions and return them as soon as possible. In an effort to make good use of limited time of our meeting, 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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A Window In My Basement (Music Video)by The Rev. Doug Rawling Listen to an original song composed and sung by The Rev. Doug Rawling, the incumbent at St. Aidan & St. Chad, Cowley and St. John the Evangelist, Pincher Creek. Rev. Doug wrote this song a few years back when his Dad was dying from cancer. For Rev. Doug's birthday this year, his daughter Shelly arranged for him to make this music video, and she wanted it for this song. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/news/a-window-in-my-basement-music-video
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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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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.
Ordinations: We are pleased to announce that Archbishop Greg will ordain Joan Carson of St. George, Calgary, Tracey Stagg of St. Benedict, High River, and Marcus Herrel of St. Barnabas, Calgary to the Order of Deacons on Sunday, September 27, at Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Calgary at 4:30 pm. Please pray for Joan, Tracey and Marcus as they begin these new ministries.
Retirement: The Ven. Ken Wells, Incumbent of St. Alban, Brooks and Archdeacon of Macleod, will be retiring as of September 30. We thank Ken for his ministry, wisdom and service, and wish him well in his future endeavours. |
Tips on continuing online broadcasting of serviceswhen parishes can hold onsite gatherings The big question for many parishes is how to continue serving an online audience when we return to onsite 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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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
— Diocesan Council (via Zoom) on Tuesday, September 8.
All Diocesan essential meetings have moved to an online format.
For more infomation visit:
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New Climate Justice Toolkitempowers churches to work with children and youth for climate justice Here are some resources on Climate Justice forwarded through the Primate from Archbishop Mark Macdonald. The World Council of Churches (WCC) today releases a collection of curated resources to support churches, church-run schools, Sunday schools and summer camps in their ongoing efforts to promote care for children and youth through intergenerational climate- and environmental justice. The toolkit supports the Churches’ Commitments to Children, in which climate initiatives for and with children is an important pillar. For more infomation visit:
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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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A request for healing testimoniesfrom St. Luke's Calgary The Healing Conference planned for October this year was cancelled because of the pandemic. The folks at St. Luke’s Calgary are working hard to produce a FREE eBook containing testimonies of Divine Healing and inspiring stories of God’s provision and goodness that will bless many during this time of uncertainty. With all the pandemic restrictions being imposed and the need to reassure those who are struggling with fear... others who are feeling isolated... and many who are anxious about the future... the eBook will be a well-spring of encouragement! And can you imagine the joy of those who will hear for the first time that Jesus still heals today! Would you consider sharing your testimony to bless someone? You are invited to send your testimony now. You will also be invited in October to download the eBook and share with others. We are also asking for volunteers to transcribe written testimonies and to help with the formatting of the document. Deacon Keith Bird St. Luke's
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St. Edmund's Annual Garage Sale - COVID editionFriday, September 11, 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Saturday, September 12, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Masks and social distancing are required and have been accounted for in our new layout for our annual sale. Donations of small household items are gratefully accepted including dishes, pots, pans, toys, art, knick-knacks, collectibles, camping gear and outdoor gear such as lawn ornaments, gardening items and tools. We are not accepting furniture or any large items this year - thank you. Donations may be dropped off during Food Bank hours - Monday and Thursday morning 9:00 to 11:30 (at the overhead door only, to allow for distancing from Food Bank clients) or by appointment - please call Marilyn (403) 288-6330. Thank you for your support! The funds raised during our annual Garage Sale goes to support our Mission Hall which houses our outreach programs. |
Vancouver School of TheologyVirtual Open House - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 The Vancouver School of Theology will be having a virtual Open House on September 30th. It’s only an hour-long and inquirers will be able to hear from the principal, some faculty and students. For more infomation visit: http://calgary.anglican.ca/events/vancouver-school-of-theology/2020-09-30
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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. |
Covid 19 Restrictions
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. |
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, remembering the families of Jerry Lonsbury and Aileen Gladstone; - 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. |