Are you part of a coconut church or a peach church? 

During a recent course I attended, on “Reimaging Church," this question came up as part of our exploration of ways to look at church from a different perspective. The idea of a “mindset shift” is one that we often discuss in our Missional Workshops. It is one we use to find ways for improvement by changing how we look at our current practices. This question fit that mindset shift method rather well. 

The question is a result of the quote:
“These [growing] churches … are like a peach: really easy to get into. They’re playing contemporary music, it’s family friendly, the pastor dresses in casual clothes, but there’s a hard core at the centre,” Prof Haskell said. “The declining churches were more like a coconut. From the outside hard to access, and then once you were in, there really wasn’t anything in the middle. This is the impression we got from the criticisms of the people who had left.”
Joe Friesen, “Attendance increasing at theologically conservative churches” in The Globe and Mail, Saturday November 19, 2016.

Now you might be thinking that all you need to do is start playing contemporary music, dress your pastor in casual clothes and so forth, but that is not the real intent of this quote. Some alternative “mindset shift” questions might be: 
•    Are you part of a church that others find easy to connect and start new relationships with? 
•    Are you a church with a clear gospel message at the center of all you are doing? 
A key point to understand is that there are no quick fixes and we need to be wary of ideas that are focused on getting “bums in pews."  Good ideas for becoming more like a peach church assume:
•    Prayer is central
•    Patience is active
•    The focus is on being a healthy church that is excited about the Gospel
•    We are listening for God
•    We have a willingness to be flexible for the sake of outsiders
•    We know how to follow up newcomers

I challenge each of you to take a few moments each day this month to consider these thoughts and how you can be more like a peach. What are some ways your parish can be more like a peach and less like a coconut? 

Missional Workshops are one way that provides opportunities to discuss and discover ways that a parish can become more like a peach church and less like a coconut church. Missional Coaches can support your “peachy” growth. Send us a note at missionalcoaches@calgary.anglican.ca. 

This month's Missional Minute contribution comes from David Stagg, St. Luke, Red Deer

Retirement:

After forty years of ordained ministry, seven years of serving as Incumbent at Holy Nativity, and almost three years serving as Archdeacon of Bow Valley, The Ven. Brian Vickers will be retiring from full time ministry at the end of June, with his last service at Holy Nativity being June 28.  Please pray for Brian and his family as he enters retirement, and the parish of Holy Nativity as they discern their way forward.

New Clergy:

Archbishop Greg has extended a Letter of Permission to The Rev. Ryan Andersen to support the parish of St. Stephen, Calgary.  Many will know Ryan from his work with the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good.  We look forward to working alongside Ryan, and ask for your prayers as he serves St. Stephen's going forward.

Website Updates:

With summer coming, we can expect visitors to our parishes.  Please check the information on our website for your parish to ensure that we are displaying the correct service times and liturgy for those services.  Any updates can be sent to the Diocese Office.

June 4 - BARDs Meeting, St. Edmund's House, 10:00 am

June 6 - Anglican Church Women Conference, St. Francis, Airdrie, 10:00 am

June 7 - St. Barnabas, Calgary, 8:30 am Bishop's Visit and 10:15 am Confirmation Service

June 10 - Property Committee Meeting, St. Edmund's House, 10:00 am

June 10 - Admin & Finance Committee Meeting, St. Edmund's House, 1:00 pm

June 10 - Legislative Committee Meeting, via Zoom, 3:00 pm

June 14 - Bishop's Visit, St. Stephen, Calgary, 8:00 and 10:30 am

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

On Tuesday, June 2, Archbishop Greg inducted The Rev. Brandon Witwer as Incumbent for the Parish of All Saints, Cochrane.

Please pray for Rev. Brandon and the Parish of All Saints as they journey together in faith.

Parish Members of Diocesan Synod, both Clergy and Lay, may be called upon to put their name forward for the following nominations:

Provincial Synod Delegate: We may send three Clergy and three Lay Persons - one of whom is a youth (a person between the ages of 16 and 25 inclusive as of the first day of May of the year of the regular session of the Synod for which the delegate is chosen.)

General Synod Delegate: We may send two Clergy (apart from the Archbishop), two Lay Persons and one Youth.

Diocesan Council: From each of our five Deaneries, we elect one Clergy and one Lay Person, and one Youth.

If you are nominated or wish to stand for these elections, we will need a biography to be shared in the Convening Circular, submitted prior to the middle of August.  Nominees are invited to submit a paragraph of no more than 60 words outlining their experience in the Church, and intention to serve as a representative.  Biographies are to be sent to the Chair of the Nominating Committee, The Rev. Kersi Bird.

Members of Synod are invited to submit notices of motions to Synod, in care of the Diocese Office. Notices should be submitted as early as possible but must be received by September 9, 2026

Ministry leaders will be asked to write up a report of their committee or ministry work which will be included in the Convening Circular and must be submitted to the Synod Office by August 20, 2026. Please submit reports electronically to the Diocese Office. Written reports will be received as a single motion at Synod.

Parishes in the Diocese are reminded that, under the Income Tax Act, every registered charity (parish) must file a Registered Charity Information Return (T3010) each year, and it must be filed no later than six months after the end of the charity's fiscal period.  For example, for a charity with a fiscal period ending on December 31, the return is due by June 30.  Failure to submit a Registered Charity Return may result in your Parish losing its Registered Charity status, leaving your parish unable to issue tax receipts or apply for GST rebates for the period that it is without a Registered Charity number.

The process of re-applying for Charitable status is long and arduous, so please submit your Registered Charity Information Return on time.

The Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Calgary (Elbow Park) is seeking a faithful, mission-minded Rector to lead a welcoming, well-resourced, and growing parish. Located in a residential neighbourhood and drawing parishioners from far and wide, Christ Church is a destination parish with approximately 260 households on the parish list, and an average Sunday attendance of about 225.  We are experiencing a season of generational rejuvenation, with many young families joining and engaging in parish life.

For more information on this opportunity, or to request a parish profile, please contact the Diocese Office.

Clergy will be required to submit a current resume as well as several written responses.

Clergy from other dioceses are required to have the permission of their own diocesan bishop before applying.

Who We Are:

Holy Cross Anglican Church is a welcoming Christian family parish in Northwest Calgary.  Our community is made up of longstanding members and newcomers, with a variety of ages and cultural backgrounds.

We seek a part-time contract Organist and Music Director to join us in the fall of 2026.

Working under the direction of our Rector, you will plan and lead a growing music ministry.

We have a vocal choir of between 8 and 10 members, an ALLEN Renaissance Quantum Organ and a Kawai Grand Piano.  As well, we have a set of handbells and tone chimes with a group of enthusiastic volunteers, and an extensive music library.

Application Requirements:

A Cover Letter and Resume, to be sent to office@holycrosscalgary.org, prior to June 30, 2026.

We will review applications on a rolling basis in July and August, until the position is filled.  If you are selected for an interview and audition, we will be in touch with more information.

The successful candidate will be required to submit a background check and take the Diocesan SafeFaith Training Course.

Position Details:

- 30 hours per week 

- Combines parish administration with coordination of Banff Food & Friends

- Compensation: $20.00 per hour

- Based in Banff, Alberta

The Ministry Development team offers time for lay ministers from around the diocese (new and locally ordained too!)  to gather each week to discuss and reflect upon the readings for the week in preparation for preaching. Academic resources (commentaries, etc) will be made available for participants, and it will be a great opportunity to share ideas and resources for lay ministers who are preaching in their local services.  

Time: Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Location: on Zoom

Please contact Br. Jason Carroll to sign up or for more information. 

The Ministry Development team offers time for lay ministers from around the diocese to gather once a month for discussion and conversation around the opportunities, challenges and needs of lay ministry. It is also a great opportunity to create connections and fellowship with other lay ministers in the diocese. 

Each month, we will be producing a podcast with a different guest and topic for discussion. The Round Table will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month on Zoom in the afternoons, where the podcast and any other issues are on the table for discussion! 

This month's conversation is with Michael Harvey and his ACORN method of sharing our faith .  Tune in to the Podcast here.

To find previous Podcasts, click here.

Please contact Br. Jason Carroll for more information (jcarroll@calgary.anglican.ca)

These workshops will give students a basic understanding of the theology, structure and purpose of the Daily Office, the Eucharist and the associated rite of the Reserved Sacrament.  Students will be trained 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.

St. Francis of Assisi, Airdrie announces that we are spearheading our third annual "Praise in the Park 2026" on Sunday, June 7, from 1:00 to 6:00ish at Nose Creek Regional Park.  Worship bands from several local churches will join us to proclaim Christ's message through song. 

Praise in the Park is dedicated to creating a family-friendly atmosphere by fostering community spirit through music and worship.  Our mission is to create a welcoming environment for all to experience the joy of faith and fellowship.

Often there are some great ideas within parishes relating to how a church might reach out beyond the church walls; however, sometimes funding those ideas is more difficult. A few years ago, as a way of assisting parishes, the Diocesan Council formed a Mission Funding Board (MFB) to receive grant applications for mission initiatives so that some of those great ideas could be brought to fruition. It was the hope of the Diocesan Council that the diocese might partner with parishes as they reached out in mission to those outside their church walls.

The next deadline for MFB submissions is September 30^th, and it is our hope that some parishes, especially our RURAL PARISHES that haven’t previously accessed funds through the MFB might consider making an application as you listen to God’s call to mission. Further information relating to some of the parameters of the grants and the grant application itself can be found on the diocesan website by clicking here.

A Service of Morning Prayer for AFP members will be held via Zoom on Saturday, June 20.

Also, please mark your calendars for the Blue Christmas Service to be held on Saturday, December 5, at St. Peter Anglican Church, Calgary.

Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser:

Our Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Proceeds from the Garage Sale are used for the day-to-day operation of the Foodbank.

We welcome the donation of clean and working order household items, small appliances, bedding, towels, shoes and purses.  

Donations can be dropped off on Mondays or Thursdays between 9:00 am and 11:45 am.  We are unable to accept larger items until Friday, June 26.  Please contact us at (403) 288-6330 if you have any questions.

The Refugee Committee is glad to share that our Expression of Interest (intake period for prospective refugee sponsorship 2026-2027) is open until June 15.

In a world where we are experiencing growing challenges in welcoming our brothers and sisters in need, we are glad to confirm our commitment to being Christ's hands in this world and protecting refugees who are more vulnerable than ever.

We invite our parishes and parishioners who have identified refugee cases to apply by completing and Expression of Interest Form (click below).

If you are a parishioner or part of a ministry, are curious about sponsoring a refugee or feel that you might be called to this ministry, we would love to hear from you.

For experienced parishes or sponsors as well as anyone who is looking for more information, we offer:

- Guidance throughout every and all stages of sponsorship

- Support with IRCC applications

- Liaison with IRCC

- Training for parishes and individual co-sponsors

We work closely with sponsors during application and settlement periods so that this is an experience that enriches refugees, parishes and our community at large.

We have been sponsoring refugees for over 40 years, and we continue to see God's presence in welcoming refugees.

For more information, please contact the Refugee Committee.

Looking for a way to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith and enhance the connection between what you believe and how you live your daily life?  The Education for Ministry (EfM) program combines independent study and weekly small group discussions to provide a basic grounding in theology to Christian laypeople. The EfM curriculum explores the content and origins of Scripture, follows Church history from its earliest days, and examines issues in Christian theology. Group members engage in individual and group theological reflection throughout their studies to bring our different life experiences and perspectives into conversation with our faith, helping to discern God’s call to each of us. EfM is an extension program of an Episcopal theological school; there is a lot to read (including the whole Bible) but there are no exams. Students commit to one year at a time and those completing all four years of the program receive a certificate of completion.   

For more information on registration or this program, please contact Jennifer Solem at efmcalgary@outlook.com. 

Taste and see...

Anglican Renewal Ministries is dedicated to bringing the life and power of the Holy Spirit to all Christians.  We give thanks to God that ARM has been serving the Anglican Church of Canada for over 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. 

The Diocese of Islands and Inlets looks forward to hosting a national event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women in Canada on November 24 and 25 in Victoria, BC.  Programming and a celebratory Eucharist will be held on these days.

Registration is now open.

The registration fee is $210.00.  Participants are expected to make their own travel and hotel arrangements. 

Nineteen parish reps and interested persons from three dioceses gathered at the Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert, Alberta for three days of sharing, learning, laughter, and relationship building, in support of our Alongside Hope charity.

Via Zoom, we were able to hear from experts on Land, Livestock and Agriculture Management and Food Security in Zimbabwe.  These Alongside Hope partners shared success stories of sustainable land management, clean water access and nature-based livelihoods such as growing mushrooms, beekeeping, fish farms, and sunflower oil pressing, taking place in seven villages.

Lois Reid, the Diocesan Rep for the Diocese of Calgary, spoke of her experience travelling to Kenya, where the overwhelming response from the people she met was gratitude.  In Makveni County, youth are encouraged to remain in the villages by learning about poultry production, where they can become engaged and take pride in their work.  The Alongside Hope World of Gifts campaigns help these villages acquire goats and chickens, along with other needed supplies, to support humanitarian efforts, agriculture projects and empowerment of youth and women.

Rev. Terry Francis of the Diocese of Athabasca spoke on the need to fundraise, and how we can do this effectively.

Kim Umbach, Volunteer Coordinator for Alongside Hope, walked parish reps through the AH Website, highlighting the volunteer orientation video, the sections on news of ongoing projects, and information for donating and where the donations are being used.  We were encouraged to get involved - resources are available, including printed materials and webinars, to direct us in how to take part and be more proactive.

Jeff Hanger of the Diocese of Edmonton spoke on the importance of clean water and locations around the world where Alongside Hope is working with partners for sustainable water projects, sanitation, and hygiene.  

Parish reps came away with renewed enthusiasm, deeper knowledge, and hope.  This was an essential time of meeting, sharing, building relationships and creating connections.  It was a means of offering support for isolated Parish reps throughout the three dioceses, as well as sharing ideas and information.  Thank you to the organizers and presenters.  Well done!

Light for St. Luke’s: Every watt counts

We’d like to tell you about St. Luke’s Hospital in Nablus (the West Bank). Unreliable and costly power sources make health care a challenge during the best of times, or a crisis during the worst of times. 

That’s where solar power comes in. Solar energy helps keep the lights on, keeps medical equipment working, and helps doctors care for patients safely.

Alongside Hope is partnering with the Diocese of Jerusalem to purchase and install solar panels for the roof of the hospital. Learn about the many ways to support and donate to this campaign at alongsidehope.org/light-for-st-lukes.  Together, we will keep the light shining.

Let us pray. 
God of light and life, 
we give thanks for caregivers who bring healing in difficult places. 
Bless the work of St. Luke’s Hospital, 
strengthen all who serve there, 
and let your steady light shine where it is most needed. 
Help our small movements here 
become lasting hope for others. 
Amen 

Please remember in your prayers:

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

- for the Anglican Communion, and our Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally;

- for the work of the General Synod, and for our Primate, The Most Rev. Shane Parker;

- for our Companion Diocese of the Windward Islands;

- for those who are sick, suffering, isolated or in need.  We ask for prayers for Barbara, Maureen, Karen, Ruth and James, Kate, Rosemary, Patricia, Rob, Joan, James, Beth, Janis, Faten, John and Lucille, Ronalynn and Chris, John and Sandra;

- for those who have died and those who mourn, remembering the Warnock family;

- 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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