"The Mission of the Resurrection" (later to be named "The Church of the Resurrection") had its beginnings as a house church in the mid-1970's as a result of the need for a traditional Anglican church in the City of Edmonton, which would continue the catholic faith as once delivered to the saints, in an Anglican way. It became the second church in Canada as a continuing Anglican church, the first being Saint Athanasius, Victoria, BC. (later to become the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Evangelist) In 1976 we began with lay-led Morning Prayer meetings in peoples homes on Sunday mornings.
At one of those house meetings, it was decided to name our parish “The Mission of the Resurrection” as we deemed it to be a proper name, as we prayed to keep the faith and receive Christ's promise of our Resurrection in Him. We met in various homes each Sunday, saying Morning Prayer or receiving Holy Communion when a priest was available to travel to Edmonton to minister to us. These clergy were (in no particular order): Fr. Philip Sargeant; Bp. James Mote; Fr. Edward Gale; and Fr. Roland Palmer. [For a timeline list of the Appointed Clergy that have served our Mission and Parish, see below.]
On January 1, 1978 the first Holy Mass of the Mission of the Resurrection was held on New Year's Day in a rented space of a former Anglican church building. Fr. Philip Toswell Sargeant was making the 100 mile (160 km) round trip once a month to celebrate the Eucharist for the Mission.
On June 11, 1978 the feast of Saint Barnabas the Apostle and the Confirmation of Mr. James Stolee, the Rev. Fr. Philip Toswell Sargeant writes to his parishioners the following:
"In the catacombs of Rome it is quite usual to see pictures of the Eucharist with every one seated around a table. As we think of our Lord dealing with sinners, we find him, too, seated with the publicans and sinners. So it is now, for we are to see Him sitting with us as He breaks bread the bread at His table.....The other action for which [Saint Barnabas] is remembered is his bringing of Saint Paul to that same table at a time when the other Apostles did not believe the story of Saint Paul's conversion. They just didn't trust him.....Perhaps Saint Paul remembered this friendly action when he wrote the opening words of his Second Epistle to the Corinthians1 [2 Corinthians 1:1-11]. But it all centres around the table (His Altar) and we here are fervently thankful that the centrality of the Mass [Holy Communion] is being so staunchly upheld by the Bishops of our Church."
By October of 1978 a lay-led, clergy approved, "Prayer and Intercessory" group had been formed and we began meeting weekly on Wednesday evenings. Though this was new territory for people, it helped with the spiritual development of the individuals attending the group as well as the Mission. The group continues its work to this day. Through the years we have seen some truly amazing results and people have sent cards and messages of thanks for their greatly improved health or their outlook which has changed to a positive way of thinking.
Also in 1978 the Mission was officially incorporated under the "Companies Act" of the Province of Alberta. We were [and still are] a close knit Mission with study and prayer. It was in a way exciting and the adventure that we experienced made us quite a lively bunch, even having a few parties and not a few dinners! Through these adventures we have been brought closer to the truth of Christ, in Christ, and for Christ and we pray to God that His blessings to our ministry will continue.
Over the next few years we would meet in rented school space, “time sharing” with various churches and it was in the latter space that we ran a food bank twice a week and church sales to help raise funds for our continued ministry in Edmonton. We also shared space in various religious chapels and have moved back to a “time sharing” arrangement with the Lutheran's at Redeemer Lutheran Church where we have been for a number of years. We have a wonderful working relationship with the Lutherans and appreciate the generosity that they have shown us.
Our ministry through the years has included Sunday weekly services of either the Mass said by clergy, or Morning or Evening Prayer led by our Licensed Lay Readers. After our services we always spend time in fellowship building relationships, encouraging and supporting each other as we journey in our Christian walk through this world.
As part of our continued fellowship we have had many different gatherings outside of the context of our church services. These have included BBQ's at various parishioners homes, meals out together at restaurants, suppers being hosted by individuals in their homes, and field trips. We have been to Drumheller to take in the “Passion Play” that is put on every year.
The clergy have visited the sick and shut-in, those at home, in care homes, or in hospital, bringing them Holy Communion and praying for and with them. Anointing them with oil as Christ has commanded us to do so. The laity also has assisted in this regard, bringing encouragement and uplifting conversations and time with those in need.
As part of the healing ministry that we do as Christians we have had Holy Unction once a month after our Sunday Mass for those seeking or needing prayers for healing. Whether one is afflicted physically, mentally, or spiritually, as Christians we are called to minister to those in need and provide the healing power and grace that God has given to those who ask.
We have also provided outreach to those in our large community assisting individuals with various needs and helping out where we can and with what resources we have available to share with those around us. The clergy have also done many house blessings through the years.
As a group of individuals for varied backgrounds, we have shared our time, talents, and treasures, to help grow God's kingdom here on earth. We have done this through our one-on-one outreach with the community, an internet presence, the creation of a church logo, connecting with people seeking God and providing a loving and caring community in which they can worship Him.