Churches Gather in Airdrie for Praise in the Park
On Sunday, June 7, in Airdrie Alberta’s Nose Creek Park, the sounds of worship music drifted across the downtown as hundreds of people gathered for Praise in the Park 2026—an ecumenical celebration of faith, music, and community made possible in part through a $2,000 Community Ministries grant from the Anglican Foundation of Canada.
Led by St. Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in the Diocese of Calgary, the annual event brought together seven local churches, Airdrie Christian Academy, community volunteers, youth worship groups, a children’s entertainer, and special guests for nearly seven hours of music, prayer, and fellowship in one of the city’s most visible public spaces.
What began several years ago as a local outreach initiative has continued to grow. According to organizer Rick Sweet, attendance this year was estimated between 500 and 600 people over the course of the day, making it the largest gathering yet. Sweet says, “Our primary focus has always been to bring the Gospel message to the community and to remind Airdrie that we are indeed a Christian community.”
Prayer shelters staffed by approximately 30 volunteers offered opportunities for conversation and prayer, while representatives welcomed visitors and shared information about ministries across the city. Organizers reported that volunteers engaged with community members throughout the day, creating opportunities for connection that extended beyond the stage performances.
One of the most encouraging developments was the participation of young people. “This year we were delighted to showcase several youth worship groups in the area,” explains Sweet. “It was a huge boost of confidence seeing and hearing the emerging Christian leaders.”
While the event was designed as a public witness to the Christian faith, organizers also observed another important outcome: strengthened relationships among local churches. Sweet notes that “The lines of communication between the churches in Airdrie have been re-established and there was considerable camaraderie.” Several additional groups have already expressed interest in participating in next year’s gathering.
For AFC, the project illustrates how relatively small grants can help congregations create meaningful opportunities for community engagement and partnership. The Foundation’s contribution supported event costs including signage, equipment rentals, hospitality, insurance, volunteer resources, and family programming.
Reflecting on the day, Paul Holmes of Airdrie House of Prayer described the gathering as something local Christians had long hoped to see. “It represents an opportunity for the Body of Christ to come together in Airdrie.”
As AFC continues to support innovative community ministry initiatives across Canada, projects like Praise in the Park demonstrate how churches can work together to create welcoming public spaces where faith, fellowship, and community life meet.
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