The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us rethink our usual travel plans for the summer.  Many people are focussing their attention on their homes and backyards, as this will likely be the venue of many “staycations.”  I’m no exception.  I, too, am focussing on my backyard, with put-off decorating and repair projects, putting in flowers and attempting some vegetable planting.  However, my yard is full of the dreaded Creeping Bellflower.  This plant comes in two forms, a ground cover weed springing from tubers deep underground, and tall beautiful flowers of purple bells, containing thousands of seeds.  It has been my nemesis for many years now. 

But this plant is an example of what Mission should be – yes, really!  As an intrepid ground cover, it is always going into new territory, fearless and unafraid to show itself in new environments.  Cool or warm, wet or dry, sunny or shady, it makes itself at home.  And in its floral form, it reveals the glory of our God. 

Let us be like the Bellflower – ready to go where God calls us and to glorify Him in all we do.

This week we have celebrated the core doctrine of the Trinity. As I point out in my talk, the Trinity is the image of God into which we are made collectively as human beings. It is a magnificent image of love that we have seen revealed to us in the Trinity. 

I pray that we would be reminded of this revelation of love, which is the life of the Trinity into which we are called. May we allow ourselves once again to become channels of grace, peace, and real authentic love, as God would have us do.

Our Archbishop's services and events:

He has no planned services for June.

 - Diocesan Council meeting by Zoom, Saturday, June 13

Ordinations to the Priesthood:

We are pleased to announce that on Sunday, June 28, at 4:00 pm at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer, Archbishop Greg will be ordaining three Deacons to the order of Priests: Rev. Deacon Jacqui Durand of Meota Parish; Rev. Deacon John Chuol of St. Paul Dinka Congregation; and Rev. Deacon Seth Enriquez of St. Michael, Canmore and St. George-in-the-Pines, Banff.  This will be a closed service with only the participating clergy and invited guests in attendance.  Please pray for Jacqui, John and Seth as they prepare for their ordinations and their new ministries.

New Incumbent for St. James, Calgary:

We are pleased to announce that as of August 11, the new Incumbent for St. James, Calgary will be The Rev. Dr. Dane Neufeld, formerly Incumbent of All Saints, Fort MacMurray. A big thank you to The Rev. Tony Grainger for his ministry as Interim Priest-In-Charge, and the Wardens of St. James for their leadership and discernment.  We pray for Dane and the parish of St. James as they will go forward in faith together.

COVID 19 Restrictions:

Until further notice, 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. A Task Force of clergy and medical professionals is meeting to provide a plan to the Archbishop for re-opening of public worship.

Purpose of the Task Force:  To consider the guidelines and protocols, including timelines, provided by the Province of Alberta for Services of Worship, and advise the Archbishop on both timelines and protocols for the re-opening of public worship services for the Anglican Diocese of Calgary.

Members:
Chair:  The Very Rev’d Leighton Lee, Dean of Calgary

Dr. Chris Bockmuehl, Medical Doctor, Parishioner at St. James, Calgary

Dr. Sebastian David, Medical Doctor, Parishioner at Christ Church, Fort Macleod

Dr. Brenda Ireland, Medical Doctor, Parishioner at St. Augustine, Lethbridge

Linda Kamhuka, Infection Control Practitioner, Alberta Children's Hospital, Parishioner at St. Andrew, Calgary

The Venerable Noel Wygiera, Archdeacon Rocky Mountain and Incumbent at St. Luke, Red Deer

During this time of journeying through the COVID-19 pandemic, you may appreciate being able to speak with someone; to have a pastoral listening ear and someone to pray with.  A number of our diocesan clergy and Lay Ministers have agreed to be on-call daily to respond to this need.

If you would like prayer support, please call the number below.  Any information shared will be kept in the strictest confidence.

This ministry will be available daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm until further notice.  

587-320-1345 or 1-888-999-1551 ext 107 .

Recently the Diocese received the following information produced by our insurance provider, that provides you with some guidance in managing vacant and idle buildings which you may find of value. If you have any additional concerns, please feel free to contact the Synod Office.

Premises that are temporarily closed solely due to COVID-19: To ensure customers are not unduly penalized for temporary closures solely due to the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not exclude damage to buildings and contents at locations which have become silent. In addition, for locations which have been temporarily closed following the restrictions associated with COVID-19 there will be:

•            no reduction in the level of policy cover

•            no increase in deductibles. We will not mandate that premises be inspected as a policy condition because this could potentially go against the current advice of the authority having jurisdiction.  However, we will recommend that customers exercise the appropriate due diligence, which includes the expectation of a premises inspection if safe to do.

These oils will now be available at the Diocesan Office.  All Clergy in Calgary and surrounding area may make an appointment with the Executive Officer to pick up needed oils.  All Clergy out of Calgary please contact the Executive Officer and your oil will be shipped to you.  Contact pgateman@calgary.anglican.ca  with any questions.

All non-essential Diocesan meetings will be cancelled until further notice. Anything that is considered essential will be attempted as a video meeting.

All Saints Anglican Church in Cochrane is looking for a used bronze bell, weighing approximately 145 pounds, 18 inches across the bottom diameter, with the saddle and harness if possible for its bell tower. 

When the church was built in 1976 it had a bell but the original owners took the bell with them when they moved to a new location. 
 
Contact information:  Lynda Alderman at lynda363@shaw.ca

St. Stephen, Calgary: Incumbent, full time; Job Posting here, Parish Profile here

For more information on this position, please contact pgateman@calgary.anglican.ca

The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) has announced $260,000 in funding to support 60 new projects across Canada in its May cycle of awards. In addition to infrastructure and restoration disbursements of $104,000, AFC provided $25,000 for innovative ministry projects, $23,000 for theological education bursaries, and $46,000 towards ministry and education projects that benefit Indigenous people across Canada.

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.  

There are two groups currently meeting in Calgary.  Since March, they have been meeting using Zoom.  Come Fall, the hope is to return to mainly face-to-face meetings, knowing Zoom will work if needed.  In preparation for next year’s courses which will run from September 2020 to May/June 2021, a Zoom Open House has been planned.  For a Zoom invitation to the Evening Open House (Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 pm), please contact Jennifer Solem at efmststephens@shaw.ca. 

All Saints Retreat Centre is located in The Parish House, a beautiful space next door to All Saints Anglican Church in Cochrane set aside for programs and outreach.  There are rooms available for meeting on two levels, with both inside and outside areas to enjoy.  It would be a lovely spot to hold a Parish Council meeting, Small Group Retreat, or any other gathering.  For more information or a tour of the facility, please contact Elizabeth Short at (403) 660-5636 or email allsaintsretreatcentre@outlook.com

What's Happening Next Door at The Parish House?: 

Sacred Space CoWorking: We have opened an ecumenical sacred co-working space for those who need a professional work setting free of distractions that holds both productivity and spirituality as equally important. If you are interested or would like a tour of the facility, please contact Elizabeth Short at (403) 660-5636 or email allsaintsretreatcentre@outlook.com You can also click here for more detailed information, pictures and pricing.

Spiritual Direction: We are excited to introduce Karen Wold who is a Spiritual Director and part of the Ministry Team for All Saints Retreat Centre.  For more information on what she has to offer or to get her contact information, please click here.

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 Darcy;

- 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 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.