2019 Priorities

1. Aboriginal Reconciliation - As a follow up to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing event held in Edmonton in March 2014, we are increasing our efforts to be involved with the members from the indigenous communities that reside in the inner city.  We have a special Standing Stones worship service that we conduct with the community once a month as part of our regular Sunday worship services.  We have a part-time staff position focused on ministry and relationships with indigenous residents of the inner city.  Michelle Nieviadomy, a Cree woman living in Edmonton, has been hired to staff this position as an Oskapewis (Cree for “helper”).  We are looking forward to discovering new opportunities to build relationships with the indigenous communities in our ministry area. We have also started a new partnership working with the Moving Forward With Reconciliation Group of the United Church to continue to build on reconciliation initiatives in the inner city and among the faith communities in the City of Edmonton and area.  We are looking to build on this partnership in the year ahead.
2. Pastoral Ministry for Men’s and Women’s Small Groups - We are continuing to work to develop our small group ministry programs for both men and women.  We have a men’s group that meets twice a month for Bible study and reflection, with an annual retreat at the Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert.  We also have a Women’s Spiritual Wellness Group that meets on a weekly basis, with time spent on spiritual reflections, crafts, films and conversation.  The Group also has an annual retreat at the Star of the North Retreat Centre.  These groups provide an invaluable opportunity for members of our community to build friendships and trust with other members of the inner city, and to share experiences with the others who participate in the groups.