The worldwide wave of prayer, Thy Kingdom Come, is rooted in the practice and experience of the earliest church as they obeyed Jesus΄ command to wait for the outpouring of the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 1:14 tells us their mission planning was rooted in constant, ground-breaking prayer:

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.   

- Acts 1:14

At this time they were surely confused, uncertain, perhaps even fearful as they considered the enormity of the task, but also excited and on the edge of a whole new world as they knew themselves to be loved and forgiven because of their Lord’s death and resurrection.

Thy Kingdom Come's Novena for 2023 is focused on verses from St John’s First Letter. They express an excitement about the character of God and all He has done. The focus is on God’s dynamic action in creation and salvation. Here is a story of love, hope, challenge, and peace. Here is God’s powerful invitation to share His life and love: not only here and now but for all eternity. Thy Kingdom Come is an annual invitation and encouragement to Christians and Churches, not only in England but across the world, to seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we might live out and share the Kingdom of God.  This passion is the heartbeat of the life of the Church.  This presence is what transforms a human institution into the Body of Christ.

At the heart of Thy Kingdom Come is our focus to ‘Pray for five’. It is an invitation to bring five people before God – friends, family, neighbours or colleagues who are not yet following the Lord Jesus. It is an encouragement to pray that the Holy Spirit will open their hearts and minds to God’s love, forgiveness, and peace. 

Consider this opportunity to be missional by intentionally praying for five people to come to know Jesus.  For more information, see the link in the section below.

It's been a while since we've been able to gather for a Town Hall across the Diocese.  These gatherings are intended for Wardens, Treasurers, Parish clergy and Lay Ministers (and anyone else who would like to attend).

This year, the Diocesan Staff is going to gather with you in Red Deer, Okotoks and Lethbridge in order to share with you how they work to facilitate your ministry, and answer questions you may have for them.

Wednesday, May 3 - St. Luke, Red Deer - to receive a copy of the recorded meeting, please contact Dianne in the Diocesan Office

Wednesday, May 10 - St. Augustine, Lethbridge

Saturday, May 13 - St. Peter, Okotoks

For all three events, we will begin at 10:00 am and finish up around 2:00 pm.  Lunch will be served.

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us.

Ordinations:

Archbishop Greg is pleased to announce that, God willing, he will ordain to the Priesthood The Rev. Deacon John Willems of St. Barnabas, Medicine Hat.    The Service of Ordination will take place at St. Barnabas, Medicine Hat on Saturday, May 27 at 4:00 pm.  Please pray for John as he prepares for his new ministry.  Color is Red.

Archbishop Greg is pleased to announce that, God willing, he will ordain to the Priesthood The Rev. Deacon Daniel Joseph.  As well, God willing, he will ordain to the Diaconate Dr. Megan Roberts of St. Barnabas, Three Hills.    The Service of Ordination will take place at The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Calgary on Wednesday, June 21 at 7:00 pm.  Please pray for Daniel and Megan as they prepare for their new ministries.  Color is Red.

Installation:

Archbishop Greg would like to announce that, God willing, the Installation of The Rev. Chris Dowdeswell as the new Dean of Calgary will happen on Sunday, May 7, at 4:00 pm. The Service will take place at the Cathedral  (604 1st St SE). There will be a reception to follow in the parish hall, catered by nofixedaddress.ca. If you plan to attend the reception, please be in touch with Rev. Chris.  Please do pray for Rev. Chris as he enters this new ministry in service to the Diocese.  Color is white.

Appointment:

We are pleased to announce that Archbishop Greg has appointed The Rev. Canon Erin Phillips as the new Incumbent (part time) for the parish of  The Church of the Ascension, Coaldale.  Please pray for Erin and The Church of the Ascension as they journey together in faith.

May 7 - Bishop's Visit at St. Aldhelm, Vulcan along with the parish of Christ Church, Nanton

May 7 - Installation of Rev. Chris Dowdeswell as the new Dean of Calgary at The Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Calgary

May 10 - Town Hall at St. Augustine, Lethbridge

May 13 - Town Hall at St. Peter, Okotoks

May 14 - Bishop's Visit to Holy Trinity, Calgary

May 16 - BARDs Meeting at St. Barnabas, Medicine Hat

May 21 - Confirmation Service at The Church of the Epiphany, Rimbey

The Diocese of Calgary is hosting the National General Synod from June 27 to July 2. 

We are looking for a volunteer with a truck to transport an altar for the Worship Services from a parish to the University of Calgary and back again, on the dates of June 27 and July 3.  If you would be able to help with this, please contact Ven. Pilar.  

The Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Elbow Park is seeking a 3/4 Director of Music.  

More information can be found under the Job Posting on the Diocesan Website.

Deadline for applications is May 15, 2023.

Our Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) is searching for a part-time, contract settlement worker based in Calgary to support the settlement of our privately sponsored newcomers.

Please refer to the Job Description posted on our Website.  Being multilingual is a requirement, as well as the flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

A cover letter with resume and the names of two references should be sent by May 22 to refugee@calgary.anglican.ca

The Parish of St. Leonard-on-the-Hill, Red Deer is seeking an accomplished musician and experienced leader who will plan, lead, and grow our worship ministry, working closely with the minister to enhance worship and build Christian fellowship through music. 

The position is currently vacant and will be filled as soon as possible. This position is expected to require approximately 8 hours per week, concentrated between September and June. Please direct applications and inquiries to stleonardsanglicanchurch@gmail.com – subject line: Music and Director Position. 

Come join us for a great selection of gently used clothing, jewellry, household goods, white elephant items, books, tapes, records and more.

Friday, May 5 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 6 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.  Saturday is $3.00 "Bag Day."

Several of our parishes will be honoring the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Please find below a list of those who have let us know their events:

St. Benedict, High River - a Coronation Tea on May 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

St. Barnabas, Calgary - a Coronation Tea and Evensong on May 6 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Holy Cross, Calgary - a Coronation Celebration Potluck on May 6 beginning at 5:00 pm.

St. Peter, Okotoks - celebrating the Coronation of King Charles on May 7 at 10:00 am with Coronation Prayers and Eucharist. 

Christ Church, Nanton will be holding a Fundraiser on Saturday, May 13 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - a combined Bake, Plant and Garage Sale

GRAB some homemade baking and goodies.

SNATCH up a deal from the garden and household plants on sale.

TAKE home a bargain from our Garage Sale.

We are looking for donations for this fundraiser.  If you are able to donate baking, plants or household items for sale, they may be dropped off at the Parish Hall from 7:00 to 8:30 on the morning of Saturday, May 13.  If that time doesn't work or you need someone to come pick up your items, please contact Karen or call (403) 601-0361.  We appreciate knowing ahead of time if you will be donating or able to help us out on that day.  Please join us for this great event in support of Christ Church and our Lord.

Liturgical Public Speaking -  May 27 @ 1:00 pm Instructors: Rev. Canon James Robinson and Judith Robinson  Location: Diocesan Office (Chapel) and on Zoom.  Cost: $35 per person  

This Workshop is designed to help both lay and clergy people become adept in public speaking while leading and/or participating in public worship. Students will explore what is needed to speak and read effectively in public, but specifically within the context of worship and in the role of reading sacred scripture, and praying liturgical and sacramental text. The course will also cover practical matters, including instruction about appropriate use of vestments, the use of technology and give students opportunity to practice and develop their skills and confidence.  

Leading Morning & Evening Prayer, and Reserved Sacrament  June 3 @ 9:30am (MP/EP) and 1:00pm (RS) Instructors: Rev. Br. Jason Carroll & Ven Pilar Gateman (tentative) Cost: $35 per session, or $60 for the both.   

This workshop will give students a basic understanding of the theology, structure and purpose of the Daily Office and the Reserved Sacrament service, and train them to organize appropriate services from the Book of Alternative Services (BAS), the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), and locally developed service books approved by the Bishop. Students will be able to plan a service of worship effectively, taking into account the sacramental context and liturgical season, and selecting appropriate Propers, readings, hymns, prayers and collects. The course will also cover practical matters such as appropriate strategies to navigate unexpected events in worship and the use of appropriate postures for leading worship. Students will also consider the realities and requirements of providing reserved sacraments in public institutions such as hospitals and seniors homes (e.g., choking hazards, institutional protocols and procedures). 

To register for any of these courses, click here.

The April Newsletter for the Ecumenical Campus Ministry can be found here.

From the front page article:

"The end of January saw ECM hold the first Cade Community lecture series since before Covid and it was a big success.  Erin's talk on the first night began with the presentation of a Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work as chaplain supporting students during the pandemic."

We celebrate with our Rev. Canon Erin Phillips on this achievement.  Well done, Erin!

Join the global wave of prayer calling all Christians to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

May 18 - 28, 2023.  More information can be found here.

Join us on the Ambrose University campus or online for the Pastor's Conference on May 4, from 8:15 am to 4:00 pm.

Intersection: The Mission of God in an Intercultural World will feature thought leaders and pastors who will provide insights and practices into how we can cultivate, reach and preach to increasingly multi-ethnic church communities.  Keynote speakers will be The Rev. Daniel Im, Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, and Dr. Lisa Sung, Visiting Associate Professor in Theology at Regent College, Vancouver.

Cost is $65 per person, and $50 per additional person from the same group.  $50 for online streaming. 

May 10 - Praying with Nature

June 14 - Praying the Labyrinth

As we emerge from the pandemic, we find the world has changed - and is constantly changing.  So, where do we go from here?

The world is uncertain; the pandemic, economic strife, societal upheaval and challenges to faith keep us all in a state of constant change. Yet we are resilient.  

From May 5 to 7, Preaching Grace guest speaker Dr. Joni Sancken leads Christians, clergy and curious individuals through strategies that help build resilience, heal trauma, and find hope that nurtures compassion.

Ambrose University is hosting a two-day workshop for church leaders to engage their congregations in dialogue and action to address poverty. RSVP here.

With a new quarterly grants cycle, the AFC grants program is more accessible than ever. If you missed the April deadline, don’t worry: the grants portal is open, and the next deadline is July 1. For more information on all AFC grants visit the Grants Portal now.  

Please remember in your prayers:

- for peace within our country, and in the world, for victims of violence and natural disasters, and for areas of unrest and riots.  We ask for wise discernment in our leaders;

- for those who are sick, suffering, isolated or in need.  We ask for prayers for Monica, Howard, Terry, Janet, Victoria, Rick and Deb, Donna, Barbara and Elizabeth, Cathy, Vic, Fergus and Dre;

- for those who have died and those who mourn;

- for the poor, the homeless, and the needy in our communities;

- our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and their leaders in our diocese and country; 

- refugees, remembering those fleeing regimes around the world, and those fleeing war in the Ukraine.

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 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 ctubman@calgary.anglican.ca.