The Diocese Office will be moving to the church building of the former parish of St. Edmund, King & Martyr in the community of Bowness.  Renovations are well underway, and we anticipate the physical move to occur in the last week of  April.

The new address will be: 8336 - 34 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 1R2.  Email addresses and phone numbers will remain the same.  Please take a moment to add this in your contacts or mail out lists.

We ask that the Diocese be patient during the moving week as we may have computers and phones down for a few days.  Also we would appreciate your prayers for a smooth transition for all involved as the move date draws closer.

There is still a sense in some parishes that if we put together a slick strategic plan, with grand mission and vision statements, our parishes will thrive. Of course, many of us know this doesn’t work. Why not? There are numerous reasons, but a large factor is, these strategies don’t change hearts.

Jesus was God’s mission to his beloved. Jesus, the word made flesh, came to live among us in human form. His ministry lasted only three years, but what he accomplished has lasted over 2,000. So, what did Jesus, our model for mission, do? What was his strategic plan? As we read the Gospel, we learn that Jesus was an itinerant preacher, and I am sure he wore out a few pairs of sandals with all his walking.  We know he invited a group of people, his disciples, to travel with and learn from him. We know he took time to pray. He taught, healed and performed miracles. But how did he actually carry out mission?

As I said, Jesus travelled all over and we don’t know what plans he had as he went from one place to another. But one thing we do know is that his missional mindset meant that he saw opportunities everywhere. Many of the stories of miracles and evangelism occur while he was on the way from one place to another. He was constantly interrupted in his plans for the day.

Here are some examples, and I am sure you can think of many others. One time Jesus was on the way from Jerusalem to Galilee with his disciples. They stopped in Samaria. It was here that, against social norms, he spoke to a woman who had come by herself in the heat of the day to draw water. His conversation led to speaking to her of living water and sharing that he was the messiah. It led to him showing her that he saw her and knew her and, in the end, this woman went back to her town and invited others to come and see. Her response to Jesus was missional!

Another story is the one of the woman with the hemorrhages reaching out to touch Jesus' robe. At this time, Jesus had already been diverted from his original plan to go to the home of Jairus, a leader of the Jews, to heal his daughter – important business. Jesus feels this touch and we are told he turns and faces her. He acknowledges her by calling her “Daughter” and heals her. Don’t you think her healing would have gone beyond physical?

Finally, look at the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, calling out to Jesus from the side of the road. At this point Jesus is leaving Jerricho and heading on his way to his next destination.  People admonish Bartimaeus, telling him not to bother the busy, important Jesus. But once again, Jesus stops. This situation, like the one with the woman at the well and the woman who touched his robe, becomes the object of his full focus. Jesus has Bartimaeus called to come to him and he heals him. We are told that his response is to follow Jesus on his way.

These were all missional moments that weren’t planned. Or were they? Jesus’ plan was to go after the lost sheep, to recognize them wherever he went. His plan was to notice, to pay attention, to listen and to act, sharing the power of God’s love and grace as he went. These were not interruptions to his ministry; this was his ministry. It required spontaneity. We are called, like Jesus, to notice and be ready to stop and listen and possibly invite the people we encounter in our day-to-day interactions.

This certainly requires intentionality and perhaps a change in heart and mindset. One way to aid in being more missional is through ACORN, developed by Michael Harvey. At the core of ACORN is to daily pray a simple prayer, “Lord, today, is there someone you want me to connect with outside the church?”  and then the plan is to let God do the rest of the planning. In this newsletter, you will find an invitation to gather through Lent, by Zoom on Thursday evenings to learn more about ACORN. Perhaps this is a good “plan” for Lent?

This month's Missional Minute contribution comes from The Rev. Dcn. Elizabeth Short.

Annual Returns:

If your parish has not done so already, Annual Returns should now be being prepared for submission to the Diocese Office.  The forms can be found on the Website, under Resources/Documents for Parish Life/Annual Return Forms and scroll to the bottom of the page.  Please ensure that all seven forms are submitted.  The deadline for submissions is March 14.

If you have any questions regarding the process of holding AMPs or submitting Annual Returns, please let us know, and we will be happy to answer all your questions.

March 5 - Ash Wednesday Evening Service at All Saints, Cochrane

March 8 - Diocese of Saskatoon Election of Bishop

March 9 to 14 - Study Week

March 15 - St. James, Calgary Men's Ministry Retreat - FCJ Centre

March 18 - Archdeacon's Meeting (10:00 am)

March 18 - Calgary School of Discipleship Board Meeting (2:00 pm)

Please hold Archbishop Greg in your prayers as he serves as our Bishop and Metropolitan.

Start Date: May 1, 2025 (negotiable)

Christ Church is seeking a passionate and dynamic individual to oversee our Children, Youth & Family Ministries.  This half-time position offers an exciting opportunity to lead a group of invested volunteers, and play a key role in nurturing the spiritual formation of the next generation.

Part-time (20 hours a week)

Flexibility in hours, including some evenings and weekends for ministry events.

Competitive salary and benefits (commensurate with experience).

For the full job description, please click here.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Rev. Brandon Witwer, by March 28,2025.

Please join us on Friday, March 15 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for our Lenten Retreat, The Other Side of Darkness: The Spirituality of Darkness.

This day-long retreat will provide a light lunch as we get ready for this Lenten season.

For more details, please click here.

The upcoming Cursillo Weekend will run from the evening of Friday, April 4 through to the afternoon of Sunday, April 6 at the Entheos Retreat Centre near Bragg Creek.  This co-ed Weekend features a series of informative and inspiring talks from laypeople and clergy, small group discussions, worship, and fellowship.  Both men and women may attend; however, this is not a "couples weekend."  

For more information, please visit the Cursillo website at www.cursillo.ab.ca

This three-day silent retreat will have the theme, this year, of Celebrate Sacred Space - Pilgrims of Hope.

Rooms will be ready by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 25.  The retreat starts with a Welcome and Orientation at 6:50 followed by dinner at 7:00 pm, after which the silence begins.

On Sunday, April 27, the retreat concludes with a Eucharist Service at 11:00 am, followed by lunch at noon.  The silence ends after the Eucharist Service.  

Cost is $230.00.  Please let John or Patti know if cost is an issue.

To register or for more information, please contact the Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre at (403) 932-2012, or use their contact form on their website. 

Did you know that the Diocesan Refugee Support Group ….

• has been formally supporting refugees since the 1980s in response to the Vietnamese “boat people” crisis?
• housed and supported more than 80 women at risk and their children through Project Daybreak between 1996 and 2008?
• has welcomed newcomers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Vietnam, Iran, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, Sudan, Chechnya, Iraq, Uganda, Eritrea, Liberia, Nepal, Myanmar, and Syria?
• has facilitated the settlement of more than 1045 newcomers in southern Alberta to date?
• is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)? This legal arrangement allows us to work with community members to sponsor and settle refugees in Southern Alberta.
• is allocated a certain number of spaces each year for sponsored refugee applicants?
• currently employs one paid full-time staff (SAH Coordinator) who works with a dedicated committee to invite, review, submit, and support applications for refugee sponsorship from interested parishes, community members, and groups?
• supports and encourages community sponsors to undergo training that enhances their capacity to welcome and settle newcomers?
• since December 2024, in conjunction with the parish of St. James’ Calgary, has welcomed and is actively sponsoring a family of 5 from Sudan?
• has worked with the Parish of Holy Nativity, Calgary which kindly supported a newcomer family by donating furniture and household goods and generously supplied gift cards to several families at Christmas?
• has benefited from the kind donations by individuals and families for the settlement of our newcomers?

The Anglican Diocese of Calgary Refugee Support Group has, for many years, been quietly serving the complex needs of newcomers as they leave behind some of the most desperate conditions imaginable. Compassionate, supportive, and welcoming communities are critical to the wellbeing and success of these families.  If this is a mission that calls you, please reach out to us at refugee@calgary.anglican.ca to find out more about what we do and different ways you or your parish can be involved in this worthwhile ministry!

Next Month: a Newcomer’s story;  Who is a Refugee?

As your new diocesan rep, I have been learning about Alongside Hope (PWRDF) and the great work it does locally and internationally.  I have been meeting the Parish Reps and learning about the great work that they do in their own churches to support Relief and Development in the world.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to be part of an Alongside Hope delegation to Kenya.  Tessa Muirhead, a youth delegate from Lethbridge, attended as well.

I was able to see firsthand the difference Alongside Hope is making to mitigate the effects of drought in Kenya. I hope to share the stories and the good work of our proudly Anglican organization; and I look forward to an invitation to speak at your church.   The following article is from the Alongside Hope website and explains exactly where I was and what is happening there:

This drought is the worst in 40 years in the region, leading to extreme food insecurity. The issue has been made worse by increasing food prices due to low-crop yields. Resource scarcity is also leading to conflicts, creating an increasingly unstable situation for millions of people.

This project will provide for the most food insecure among the affected communities in Laisamis and North Horr Sub Counties in Kenya.  Communities are selected in consultation with advisory committees and relevant community groups to avoid duplication of similar efforts.

In addition to women-led families, other groups which will be prioritized in this project are the elderly, people with disabilities, families with children under two, families with pregnant or lactating mothers and other households severely affected by drought and with limited livelihood options.

In February of this year, I (the author) had the opportunity to visit Marsabit, Kenya. From there, we and partners from Nairobi drove north towards the Kenya-Ethiopia border where we visited the project and local partners. Good things are happening.  People are able to feed their children. People are able to save their livestock. People are coming to the point of sustaining their livelihood. All thanks to the support of Alongside Hope.

Please know that your donations are making a big difference!    

Thank you, Lois Reid - Diocesan Rep

Lent calls us to practice almsgiving. It invites us to examine ourselves honestly on how subtly we have accepted society’s addiction to possessions, to affluence. Through the days of Lent, we are encouraged to focus our eyes on Jesus who gave his whole life in faithfulness to God, giving his life totally out of love for all. As we keep that clear focus, we join our life in the loving intention of Jesus to give himself for all (Anglican Fellowship of Prayer, Keeping a Holy Lent: www.anglicanprayer.org)

We invite you to join us in making the Bishop Nathaniel Garang Training Centre a reality in South Sudan. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to build four classrooms, a computer laboratory, a Library, a Principal’s Office, Washrooms and a Cafeteria by the end of 2025/2026.

WHY IS THIS CENTRE IMPORTANT?

TRAINING: We will facilitate the preparation, development and teaching of the South Sudanese clergy, and lay church and community leaders, laying the foundation for spiritual transformation and empowerment, and institutional accountability through mentorship and theological formation.

EMPOWERMENT: We will provide access for quality education, leadership and theological training, leading to the acquisition of knowledge and skills that enable South Sudanese church and community leaders to become competitive for employment within and outside the church and to alleviate the inequalities of access to education and leadership in the local community.

EXPERIENCE: We will enable the exchange of knowledge between the Bishop Nathaniel Garang Training Centre and colleges and dioceses in Canada, whereby the students from Canadian Anglican theological colleges and dioceses may visit South Sudan to live and share the practical experience with the students at the centre and other believers from different cultural backgrounds.

Click here to watch Rev. Nathaniel Athian Deng Mayen speak about the construction project and the role of the partners: Lenten appeal video

Donate through your respective Diocese of Qu’Appelle or the Diocese of Calgary websites, OR:

• SEND a cheque payable to Southdove Training Services Inc, OR
• SEND an e-transfer to southdove22@gmail.com  
• Mark your donation “Bishop Nathaniel Training Centre”

Taste and See...

Anglican Renewal Ministries is dedicated to bringing the life and power of the Holy Spirit to all Christians.   This year, 2025, ARM gives thanks to God for having served the Anglican Church of Canada for 40 years! In addition to workshops on the person and gifts of the Holy Spirit, we also offer a quarterly magazine called “Taste and See…” with articles to uplift and encourage you in your walk with Christ.   We hope this magazine will be a source of encouragement to all.  Sample articles and a free copy of the magazine are available on our website. 

Registration for the Anglican Foundation of Canada's (AFC) 5th annual Say Yes! to Kids (SYTK) campaign is now open.  The 2025 campaign will launch on Tuesday, April 22 and close on Monday, June 30.  All parishes, dioceses, and organizations seeking to partner with AFC are asked to register by April 1.

Participation will be limited to 30 teams, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Teams will be asked to articulate a campaign goal and project focus at the point of registration.  Most costs associated with youth projects and programs, including staffing, are eligible.

SYTK is an annual fundraising appeal sponsored by AFC.  Launched in 2021 to encourage church-led pandemic recovery programs and initiatives, the SYTK movement has now provided $755,000 in funding to more than 150 beneficiaries and fundraising partners for youth-focused ministry and outreach across the Anglican Church of Canada.

To register, visit the Anglican Foundation of Canada's website.

For more information, contact Michelle Hauser, Development & Communications Officer at AFC.

Please remember in your prayers:

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

- for the Anglican Communion, for the selection of a new Archbishop of Canterbury, and for healing and direction moving forward;

- for the upcoming General Synod in June.  Please pray for all who are organizing, and all delegates and volunteers, especially the delegates attending from our Diocese;

- for the Windward Islands recovering from Hurricane Beryl;

- for those who are sick, suffering, isolated or in need.  We ask for prayers for Barbara, Maureen, Ruth and James, Kate, Rosemary, Patricia, John, Rob, Alan, Gloria, Joan, James, Jason and Danielle;

- for those who have died and those who mourn;

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

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

- for refugees, remembering those fleeing regimes around the world;

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.

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