St. A's newsletter for Sunday March 19th 2023
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Community News, Updates and Events

St. Augustine's Anglican Church
St. A's newsletter for Sunday March 19th 2023
Fourth Sunday of Lent - 19th March 2023

Fourth Sunday of Lent - 19th March 2023

Jesus heals a man born blind

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm 23

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41

Wednesday 22nd February - Saturday April 8th 2023

Wednesday 22nd February - Saturday April 8th 2023

Lent 2023 in our parish

Lent 2023 in our parish

What is prayer? How do we pray?

LENT 2023 St. A's theme - Prayer

What to expect the 5 Sundays of Lent

  • Feb 26th – Intercession
  • March 5th – Bishop Steve (Lectio)
  • March 12th – Holy Imagination
  • March 19th – Prayer in Stillness
  • March 26th – Liturgy Undone

Other Moments to note

  • Shrove Tuesday Pancakes, 5-7pm, $
  • Ash Wednesday (/w Grace United)
  • Music & Prayer night March 18th
  • Quiet Saturday, March 25th
  • Social Justice Wednesdays with Bishop Stephen on Zoom (poster attached)
  • Diocesan Easter Vigil – In Holy Week this year we will participate in the first ever common Easter Vigil at All Saints Cathedral

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/news/lent-2023

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Easter Food traditions

Easter Food traditions

Simnel Cake

Symbolises: The eleven who went to heaven. Simnel cake is usually topped with 11 balls of marzipan, to represent the twelve apostles, minus Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

History:  In the 17th Century it became traditional for girls in service to give a simnel cake to their mothers on the fourth Sunday of Lent (also known as Laetare Sunday, the Refreshment Sunday of Lent when the 40-day fast would be relaxed), - which later became know as mothering Sunday - as proof of their cooking skills.  This was also a time of year when food stocks were low, and the high-calorie simnel cake was useful nutrition.[16] 

This return to visit one's own mother on mothering Sunday represents an adaptation of an earlier tradition of visiting one's mother church (where you were baptised) on that day. 

Simnel cake is a light fruitcake, generally made from these ingredients: white flour, sugar, butter, eggs, fragrant spices, dried fruits, zest and candied peel. Sometimes orange flower water or brandy is used, either in the cake batter or to flavour the almond paste. In most modern versions marzipan or almond paste is used as a filling for the cake, with a layer laid in the middle of the mix before the cake is cooked, and it is also used as decoration on the top.[12] 

 

Are you free to help out during Holy Week?

Are you free to help out during Holy Week?

A variety of positions are needing to be filled - a sign up sheet is on the whiteboard in the Narthex

This Holy Week there are a number of events taking place which require volunteer assistance.

Palm Sunday

a)  Palm reading (done in the Narthex)

b)  Passion reading (3 readers required - one filled)

Maundy Thursday (6pm service)

a)  Help to set up a simple meal, beverages and to order charcuterie from the Italian Centre (2 people required)

b)  Help with washing of the feet (two people required to shift basins of waters, provide and change towels)

Good Friday Stations of the Cross (1pm service)

This is a shared service participated in by all who attend so please come ready to help read and be involved throughout the service.

There will also be an Easter Vigil on Saturday at 8pm at All Saints Catherdral - details to follow next week.

 

What's happening in our Parish

What's happening in our Parish

Saturday, March 18th - Sunday March 26th 2023

An Evening of Prayer & Worship for Lent

An Evening of Prayer & Worship for Lent

Saturday March 18th 2023 at 6.30pm

We have so many wonderful expressions of prayer in our church. 

With this in mind we are hoping many will be excited to participate in this evening, a lenten journey, which will combine a variety of prayers/worship with musical accompaniment which will make for a unique St A's experience.

Retreat Day

Retreat Day

Saturday March 25th, 9:30-3:00pm

Join Pat Jameson and Rev. Jonathan for a Lenten retreat day.

Lunch will be provided so please rsvp to rector@staugustinesedmonton.com as soon as possible.

The day will include gathering prayers, guided meditation, and space to pray and reflect.  We usually close the day with Eucharist.

We hope to see you there. 

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/events/retreat-day/2023-03-25

Read More

Special Meeting Notice: A new Anglican Congolese congregation at St. Augustine's?

OFFICIAL NOTICE: Special Meeting of Parishioners March 26th after the 10am service to discuss the following.

Dear Parish,

I want to bring you up to speed on a conversation that came to light this week.

Some of you will know Rev. Jean who was with us most Sundays in the year after his 2018 arrival to Canada.  He, his wife Charlotte, and their 8 children arrived as refugees to Canada and were housed in Gold Bar community for their first year.

Jean, originally from the Congo, served as an Anglican Priest there and in Rwanda before becoming refugees in Kenya.

Now, after becoming more stable in Edmonton, and having more families follow them from the Congo, Jean has been exploring with Bishop Stephen the possibility of becoming licensed as an Anglican Priest in this Diocese and beginning a Congolese-language Anglican community.

Still feeling very much at home at St. A's, Jean and Charlotte are asking if St. A's would have space for them to meet with their community Sunday afternoons in the Sanctuary, from 3-5pm and space for their choir to meet most Saturdays (perhaps in the Annex).

I told them I would ask for congrgational support for this, and, instead of just asking the Vision Group, I think it makes sense to ask the whole Parish together for support.

Jean would become an official honorary of St. Augustine's and the congolese congregation would become a ministry of this parish.  Any offerings would flow into our financial system (perhaps we could suggest Tithe.ly only for givings since it is all automatic?)  I do not know yet if bishop Steve had talked about a stipend with Jean.  They said there are around 9 families who they are expecting to be involved.  Their practice is to celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month (Altar Guild, we would need yet to sort out what they want and need from us).

I am asking for your consideration of how this could be a smooth transition for us both.  What would we need in place space-wise?  What community activities would be helpful for us to meet one another?  What would the parish of St. A's need to feel comfortable with this arrangement?  Is there any way you would like to help?  They empasized that we would be more than welcome to visit the service whenever we like.

Would you please respond to this email with any questions or thoughts you might have?

Jonathan+

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/news/special-meeting-notice-a-new-anglican-congolese-congregation-at-st-augustines

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Kid's Church - Fourth Sunday of Lent

Kid's Church - Fourth Sunday of Lent

Jesus is betrayed

Having recently celebrated Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the children will now be going on a journey with Jesus for the next few Sundays leading up to Holy Week.

The first Sunday of Lent, the children joined the upstairs service which was adapted for all participants. It was nice for everyone to have the opportunity of worshipping together. 

The second Sunday of Lent we looked at the miracle of Jesus walking on water.

The third Sunday of Lent we learn about/discuss the events surrounding Jesus washing his disciples feet.

This is the fourth Sunday of Lent .. although a bit early, we explore the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Escariot.

Thank you to Giselle who will be joining us this week and to assist with our activities.

If you are interested in volunteering as an adult helper or would like to learn more please contact Faith at kids@staugustinesedmonton.com

For more infomation visit:

https://www.staugustinesedmonton.com/programs/kids-time

More kid's church info
Coffee Time This Sunday after the 10am service

Coffee Time This Sunday after the 10am service

Coffee, tea, juice and goodies are served downstairs after the 10 am service. We look forward to seeing you there .. if you see someone sitting near you during the service, who you have never seen at our coffee hour, please encourage them to attend. 

A big thank you to our volunteers who prepare and serve the coffee each Sunday as well as providing the snacks.

A copy of the roster for those serving coffee each week is posted on the bulletin board by the kitchen. 

Please contact Loretta Howard if you are interesting in being included on the roster.
lmhoward@shaw.ca
780-466-9510

The week in retrospect

Vision Group March 2023 notes

Vision Group March 2023 notes

- Thursday, March 16, 2023

St.    Augustine    Vision    Meeting    Minutes
Date: 11    March    2023
Location:    Foyer
In    attendance:
Rev.    Jonathan    Crane
Megan    Crane
Mikaela    Hanley
June    Miller    (virtual)
Pat    Jameson
Cheryl    Arbury
Faith    Carnegie
Simone    Klann    (minutes)
Val    McCormack
Rita    Yeo
Bob    Peel
Paul    Fuellbrandt
Aaron    Parker    (and    Aubrey    and    Delia    Parker)
Jacqui    Chesterton
June    Grieg
1.    Parish    Life    Reports    and    Updates    
Activity:    review    and    share    favorite    themes    to    begin    a    new    Vision    Group    Year
(using    survey    completed    by    congregation)
What    Group/Activity/System/Happening/Pattern    has    been    helpful    for    you? What    
are    you    celebrating?    Where    have    you    seen    God    at    work?    “Looking    back    to    see    where    
God    has    been…”
Responses    shared    by    groups    of    two:
- Kids’    program
- Different    modes    of    worship    (Lectio    &    Indigenous)
- Memorial    garden
- Sunshine    garden
- Epiphany    Women’s    Retreat
- Welcoming    community
- Broader    expression/becoming    a    presence    in    the    surrounding    neighbourhood
- Forest    School    in    the    annex
- Music
- New    younger    families    –    more    kids
Other    comments:
- God    sent    us    so    many    new    people    of    all    ages    and    they    are    now    contributing    so    
much    to    our    services.    
- Prayer    survey:    nature    and    connection    through    music    were    highest    on    the    list    
of    activities    shared    by    congregation.    Question:    how    are    we    meeting    that    need    
in    our    community?    How    do    we    make    room    in    the    church    for    this?

a.    Key    questions:
1.    Congregation    of    2040    –    what    would    they    thank    us    for?
2.    Where    are    we    going?
3.    Where    do    we    see    God?
- Vision    group    had    a “floundering”    final    meeting    last    term…    Why?    Highlighted    
a    need    for    a    more    coherent    vision,    post-pandemic.    This    will    take    some    time    
for    us    to    discover.
b.    Group    dynamics    that    can    help    us    facilitate    our    focus    (shared    by    all):
- commitment    to    disagreeing    out    loud    
- diversity    as    strength
- honor    this    as    a    safe    space
- trust    your    feelings
- invite    others    to    share    reservations
- respect    others’    feelings
- address    the    idea    rather    than    the    person
- make    a    point    of    getting    food    before    the    meeting    starts!
- commit    to    getting    to    know    each    other    on    a    personal    level
- connect    with    each    other    (*see    below)
- have    an    opening    question:    start    each    meeting    with    a    question    to    get    everyone    
talking    and    sharing
- remind    the    group    at    the    start    of    the    meeting    re:    commitment    to    safe    space
- Use    time    boxing at    the    start    of    the    meeting    (e.g.,    “we    will    take    10    minutes    to    
discuss    this    item,”    and    then    allowing    for    some    comments    at    the    end    of    each    
segment).    
- appoint    a    timekeeper
- it’s    everyone’s    responsibility    to    notice    if    someone    has    not    said    anything    –
invite    that    person    to    contribute
- use    a    timer    and    have    a    method    to    allow    for    additional    sharing    or    questions
- “introvert    moment”    – e.g.,    “Is    anyone    holding    onto    something    they    haven’t    
said    yet?”
- WAIT:    Why    am    I    talking?    Or    Why    aren’t    I    talking?
- opening    ritual    and    closing    ritual    or    practice
- confirm    your    understanding    when    someone    has    spoken    if    you    don’t    fully    
understand –    clarify    and    confirm
o what    would    that    look    like?
o do    you    mean…?
*    This    was    broadened    to    sharing    about    ourselves    by    speaking,    writing    something    
about    ourselves    in    a    newsletter    –    lots    of    excitement    about    this!    Could    be    synched    
with    the    people    on    the    prayer    list.    This    should    be    opt-in    versus    opt-out.    Not    on    
the    website    but    only    in    the    newsletter.    Cheryl    is    happy    to    do    this    with    Jacqui’s    
help.    Need    to    be    submitted    early    enough    to    get    into    the    newsletter.

c.    How    will    we    make    decisions?
- Consensus,    which    would    require    talking    things    out    until    we    find    agreement
- May    want    to    revisit    this    in    the    future
3.    Business    Items
Lower    Hall    &    Annex
- some    people    have    met    to    talk    about    how    lower    hall    space    could    be    used    if    we    
were    to    do    a    renovation.
- Is    it    a    rentable    space?
- Youth    group,    Sunday    School    space,    storage    issues
- Lindsay,    Sheri    and    Rita    will    meet    on    Tues    Mar    14    to    brainstorm    some    ideas    
such    as    electric    fireplace,    painting    kitchen    and    youth    room,    updating    flooring,    
ceiling    spray,    creating    a    focal    point,    installing    acoustic    panels,    maintenance,    
washrooms.    Some    things    could    be    completed    by    volunteers,    other    items    will    
require    contractors.
- Bob,    Randy    and    Jonathan    did    a    walk-through    and    talk-through    re:    what    big    
ticket    items    will    need    to    be    addressed    in    the    upcoming    10    years;    for    example,    
furnaces
- Acoustics    in    the    lower    hall    are    not    appropriate    for    music,    very    challenging    re:    
noise
- Would    it    make    sense    to    install    a    sound    system    at    this    time?    Maybe    more    
versatile    to    have    moveable    equipment.
- Jordan    has    put    together    material    list    for    acoustic    panels
- St.    Thomas    just    got    a    grant    for    updates,    and    Jonathan    is    connecting    re:    how    to    
apply    for    grants    for    needed    renovations
- Coffee    shop    dreams?
ASK:    Is    Vision    Group    in    agreement    that    we    should    continue    with    refresh    plan    and    
securing    funds    to    move    in    this    direction,    now    (assuming    grant    money)?    Yes,    
unanimous    agreement
NEXT    ACTIONS:    
1.    VG    needs    an    agreed-upon    priority    list    –    wants    and    needs
2.    VG    to    read    over    list    of    items    and    provide    feedback    to    Jonathan    (by    what    date?).    
Perhaps    send    a    reminder    with    a    deadline.
4.    Other    items:
Roof    is    paid    off    –    celebration    planning    needs    to    happen    and    Bob    now    needs    prayer.    
How    about    a    blue    ice    cream    social?
Youth    focus    –    table    this    for    next    meeting.    Group    in    the    parish    that    gets    the    least    
attention    is    the    youth    (Megan    and    Tim    have    been    doing    some    work    but    more    
support    is    needed)

Confirmation    Class    –    Leader    will    be    needed    for    12-18    year    olds
Final    thoughts    contributed    by    Aubrey    and    Delia:    We    like    kids    time    and    goofing    off    
with    friends.    And    being    loud.

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/blog/vision-group-march-2023-notes

Read More
Later this month and next ...

Later this month and next ...

Flowers for Easter

Flowers for Easter

From the Alter Guild

It is always so nice to see our church decorated for the celebration of Easter.  If anyone is able to donate to help us provide floral arrangements to adorn the church during this time it would be most appreciated. 

Donations can be made via Tithe.ly or by cash/cheque.  The latter two methods can be handed in at the church office, posted or given to a member of the Alter Guild. 

Many thanks in advance for helping to beautify our place of worship this Easter.

Strength to Strength 2.0

Strength to Strength 2.0

Save the Date

Please "save the weekend" for our St. A's whole-parish visioning celebration on May 26, 27, 28, 2023. (Friday Evening, Saturday Day, Sunday Day.)

The weekend will center around where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.  Our last event like this was in 2014.  A parallel kid's program will be in place.

*Note - this date has changed since the event was first announced at the AGM.  Some world conflicts came to light that forced the shift.  However, we've landed actually on our patronal event - the feast day of St. Augustine of Canterbury. Perhaps not a coincidence at all.  More details to come.

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/news/strength-to-strength-2-0

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Weekly Happenings

GATHERING AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE

GATHERING AROUND THE KITCHEN TABLE

Taking a break over the Easter period

Thank you to everyone who has been participating in our weekly gathering.  

We are taking a short break over the Lent/Easter period and will resume shortly after.  Keep an eye out for our start up date.

 

 

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/events/gathering-around-the-kitchen-table/2022-10-06

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ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL CHANGES

ADDRESS, PHONE, EMAIL CHANGES

Please email the office with any changes or corrections with your address, phone numbers, or email addresses.  We do are best to keep this information updated but realize that sometimes we are missing updated information.

 office@staugustinesedmonton.com

For more infomation visit:

http://staugustinesedmonton.com/news/address-phone-email-changes

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~ Anglican Diocese and Beyond ~

~ Ways to Connect ~

~ Ways to Connect ~

Administration, address updates, etc: Cheryl at office@staugustinesedmonton.com, 780-466-5532

Financial and giving: Cheryl at treasurer@staugustinesedmonton.com

Pastoral, worship, spiritual: Rev. Jonathan at rector@staugustinesedmonton.com or text/call 780-619-3170

Children's ministry: Faith at kids@staugustinesedmonton.com

Music & youth: Megan at megl_miller@yahoo.com

*Lots more church info online at: www.staugustinesedmonton.com

*Social media: www.facebook.com/staugustinesedmonton

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6110 Fulton Road
Edmonton, AB
Canada T6A 3T3

780.466.5532

office@staugustinesedmonton.com