St. Stephen's College at the University of Alberta

By popular demand, we are happy to announce that we are extending our book sale by 1 week! Come to St. Stephen's College located on the UofA campus to take a look at our unique collection of theological works while they last! ONLY $2 A BOOK!!!

Join Northern Spirit and Chinook Winds Regional Councils for a Zoom community conversation and learning space on the 19 October 2026 Alberta referendum. Learn about the origins of the referendum; explore the ten questions and their implications; look at Northern Spirit Regional Council’s position and why it was taken; have a look at resources and learning spaces; and share in questions and conversation. Everyone is welcome.

Please register at this link:
google.com/url?q=https://us.list-manage.com/II5uEo1aO1i?e%3D92b2752ec8%26c2id%3Dda98fd4f353d29f14c4ab3b733b6491a&source=gmail&ust=1787247458235000&usg=AOvVaw2kZELmTlmJhJE-US_zegE7

Full details on their website:
https://northernspiritrc.ca/event/introduction-to-the-alberta-referendum-and-united-church-responses/

SSC will be having a book sale from Monday, August 17 until Friday, August 21. Our Library is bursting at the seems with theological pastoral, psychotherapeutic, academic, and literary works that feed the soul. Come pick up works on the nature of the divine and the human spirit at bargain prices at our campus.

Date/Time: The week of August 17 - August 21
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: SSC Campus
$2/ Book

Concluding with our tributes to members of our community who have recently passed on, St. Stephen’s College mourns the passing of Rev. Dale Irving, who died in early June of this year. Dale was a graduate of St. Stephen’s College (Testamur 1967, BDiv 1974) and went on to serve United Church of Canada faith communities throughout his career. To honour his memory, consider planting a tree or having one planted in a space that is special to you.

📢 We're proud to support an important community event!

On Saturday, August 29, St. Stephen's College is pleased to help promote the Youth Mental Health Seminar: a free, in-person gathering designed for young people aged 13–30 who are looking for practical tools and professional guidance to navigate mental health challenges.

🧠 Event Highlights:

🗓 When: August 29 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Where: Fellowship Hall, Southgate Baptist Church (11107 51 Ave NW, Edmonton)

🎟 Cost: Free (registration required)

🎤 Featured Speakers:

Prof. Mobolaji Lawal – Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Alberta

MLA David Shepherd – Shadow Minister for Health and Emergency Services

As a college committed to theological education, pastoral care, and community well-being, this seminar aligns deeply with our values. We encourage our students, staff, and wider network to take part in this meaningful conversation about mental wellness.

📲 Register here: https://forms.gle/PnEsKtVCng4uJNGEA
📧 For more info: [email protected]
📞 Or call: +1 587-501-5149

Please help us spread the word—share this post with anyone who might benefit! 💚

Continuing our series of honouring the recently departed of SSC's community, this week we remember the life of Dr. Kingsley Payne (1941–2026).

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Kingsley Payne this past spring. Kingsley taught for many years at St. Stephen’s College in the Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality program. Kingsley, a scholar with an insatiable curiosity, was an avid reader. He passionately engaged in topics close to his heart, from psychology and civil rights to feminist initiatives. He had a genuine interest in others, a desire to understand them, and an exceptional ability to listen. His compassion, combined with humor and intellect, allowed him to create meaningful relationships. Accordingly, he was much loved by his students and other members of our community and will be sorely missed.

You can read more about Kingsley here:

https://edmontonjournal.remembering.ca/obituary/kingsley-joe-payne-1093874448

With deep sorrow and in celebration of his life, the St. Stephen’s College community mourns the loss of Rev. Don Mayne. Don was a prominent leader in interfaith, ecumenical, and justice-focused initiatives.

As the founding president of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action, he served as both an elected and honorary board member until his passing. His influence extended beyond Edmonton, including a role on the board of the North American Interfaith Network, where he also held the position of President. Throughout his life, Don dedicated himself to social justice and religious leadership. He was a founding member of the "No Room in the Inn" committee with the Edmonton and District Council of Churches, which encouraged Christian congregations to support various community agencies, raising over $1 million for local service organizations over two decades.

Don's career included twenty years as an ordained minister with the United Church of Canada, serving in both urban and rural settings, followed by another twenty years with the Federal Government’s New Horizons Program for Seniors. A long-time friend of St. Stephen’s, he contributed to the College’s Honorary Degrees Committee and helped organize several annual Galas. In 1997, St. Stephen’s College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity in recognition of his leadership in faith, interfaith, and justice initiatives. He was the recipient of many awards and honours in recognition of his commitment to the betterment of his community.

Don set the bar high, not by demanding perfection from others, but by demanding it of himself first.

Donations to the ALS Society of BC would be greatly appreciated.
https://www.alsbc.ca/

Obituary and Tributes:
Abor Memorial
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/glenwood/obituaries/reverend-donald-ernest-mayne/161516.html

Edmonton Journal
https://edmontonjournal.remembering.ca/obituary/donald-mayne-1093808082

🕯 We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Ellinor Townend, a cherished member of the St. Stephen’s College community, who passed away last month at 94.

Ellinor’s story with us began in childhood. She remembered attending early convocations in our old building, describing them as “crowded and hot!” That early connection blossomed into a lifetime of service. She made history as our first Chancellor (1990–1991), chaired the Academic Senate, served on the Board of Governors for nearly a decade, and contributed to the Honorary Degrees Committee.

A devoted member of The United Church of Canada, Ellinor gave her heart and mind to faith-based causes for her entire life. In 1995, we were proud to honor her with a Doctor of Divinity for her incredible contributions.

Join us in remembering a remarkable woman who gave so much to our community. You can read more about Ellinor here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/st-stephens/news/2026/mourning-ellinor-townend.html

📖 This post is part of our series, "Celebrating the Lives That Shaped St. Stephen's," where we honour the legacies of those who have recently passed.

This Sunday, in addition to recognizing our fathers and father figures, we honour, and celebrate the rich cultures, diverse heritages, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. June 21st is National Indigenous People's Day and as it is celebrated on the summer solstice, it symbolizes the onset of warm weather and a new season of life, serving as an annual milestone to honor our culture and ancestral wisdom.

Interested in our Master of Psychotherapy and Spirituality program in either counselling or art therapy? Please join us at one of our upcoming information sessions!

Application deadline for the MPS program is January 15, 2027 for Canadian and Permanent Resident applicants. The deadline for international students is November 1st, 2026.

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 PM MST
Cost: Free
Location: online via Zoom
Registration deadline: Monday, June 15th, 4:00 PM MS

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrDRarAIW7kP8RBeWuxOsBIggMWCXkgYLYT02B0-D8zg4q3w/viewform