To experience and share Christ’s love in all circumstances and to all people so that the family of Christ, the kingdom of God, is further established.
The Diocese of Athabasca is seeking to transform Northern Alberta, sharing the love of Christ with each other and with all residents so they may experience shalom: health, wholeness, wellness, prosperity, peace, completeness, full relationship with each other and with God, creating communities filled with healthy and vibrant individuals following the Way of Christ. We are the church in action: empowered by the Holy Spirit, embracing all.
One of our parishes, St. Peter’s Ecumenical Church, a joint Anglican, Lutheran, United Church, and other Christians ecumenical parish, is seeking a full stipend priest to join them in this quest.
The congregation at St. Peters Ecumenical strives to adhere to the following:
- We identify ourselves as a community of faith formed through God’s word, Baptism and Holy Communion.
- We will grow God’s kingdom by lifting high the cross in our circle of influence.
- We are called into relationship with God; we gather faithfully in worship to pray, praise and give thanks to a gracious God.
- We look for meaning in life and purpose to live by; as we follow Jesus Christ, we believe God is with us as we demonstrate God’s purpose.
- We believe that in Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has begun the renewal of the world; we look for God’s transforming strength, seeking to be renewed in God’s image.
- We are committed to prayer for each other and for creation.
- We commit ourselves to sharing life’s hurts, bringing comfort and hope through our Christian fellowship.
- We bear the burdens of life with others; the least of these is my sister and my brother.
- We receive all things from a generous God; we exercise healthy stewardship practices through responsible management of life, relationships and environments as agents for God.
The following have been identified as priorities within the parish:
- Preaching: Proclaiming the gospel as it applies to the lives of people, and communicating an understanding of the bible, whilst understanding what it means to be Ecumenical. Congregation members value someone that can show them how to live a Christian life in a secular world, and how to include and educate people from an unchurched background.
- Visitation: Supporting and nurturing people by visiting them in their homes or hospitals. Meaningful engagement with indigenous populations, youth, young families, and immigrants will also be important in our community.
- Inclusivity: Our Ecumenical church is looking for someone who can demonstrate acceptance and respect for all people. We are unified in prayer as we work toward becoming the whole people of God and wish to attract the significant percentage of the population in our area that is not affiliated with a church.
- Transformation: We are seeking ways to bring new life to our congregation and are open to innovation and flexibility. We want to learn how we can participate in engaging youth and their families.
- Evangelism: Encouraging and connecting with the wider community to use and feel comfortable in our church throughout the week is essential to our outreach role and the sustainability of our church. A pastor will need to be approachable, friendly and welcoming, and active and visible in the community, either with minor sports or other organizations and volunteerism.
- Counselling, fellowship and music ministry are also important considerations for us.
Expressions of interest will be considered as they arrive. Please include:
- A Curriculum Vitae.
- A written statement of about 500 words outlining why you may be called to explore this opportunity.
- The names and contact information for three referees prepared to provide information on the cleric’s pastoral skills, interpersonal and communication skills, ability to build community, ministry experience, and sensitivity. If you are an Assistant Curate or graduating postulant for ordination, you should give your Rector/Incumbent, supervising priest/pastor or mentor as a reference.
Those from outside the diocese should confirm that they have their bishop’s permission to explore a possible appointment outside of their own synod/diocese.
The successful candidate will be required to provide a valid criminal record and vulnerable sector check.
For more information, please contact the Synod Office, Diocese of Athabasca, at [email protected]
