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NEWS AND UPDATES FROM BERMUDA-NOVA SCOTIA REGIONAL COUNCIL
Submission Request for Weekly Announcements
www.ucceast.ca
Staff Directory
It’s Your Call – Podcast
News from the Pews Newsletter
To view upcoming programs at the Tatamagouche Centre please click here.
To view upcoming events at the Atlantic School of Theology please click here.
To view Continuing Education opportunities at the Atlantic School of Theology please click here.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Committee Volunteer form.
Condolences – George Alexander (Sandy) Gamblin
Condolences are extended to Rev. Susan Gamblin (BNS) and family, on the passing of George Alexander (Sandy) Gamblin on September 21, 2023 in Idaho, USA; brother to Rev. Susan Gamblin.
Let us Introduce Our New Growth Animator beginning November 1, 2023
Inspired by our Call to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice, the leading priority in the United Church of Canada’s National Strategic Plan is a Growth Initiative which seeks to support existing congregations towards thriving ministry in their communities, encourage the creation of 100 new communities of faith across the country, and to expand our ability as congregations and a denomination to invite people to participate in the life and ministry of the United Church of Canada.
Six Growth Animators have been hired across the church to work with Regions and local congregations in supporting this work. In UCC East working within our three Regions, the Growth Animator will be the Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne.
Please click here to read more.
Bermuda Nova Scotia Region Liaison Training
The work of Pastoral Relations requires representation and support from the Region through the appointment of a Liaison. The Liaison provides training and guidance for Profile development work and for Search teams. A training session for those interested in serving as Liaisons will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury. There is no cost for this event, and lunch is provided (donations welcome!). Please register for this event by October 10, in order to assist with meal planning, using this link.
Training for Liaisons is a routine and periodic responsibility for the Region. If you are interested in becoming a Liaison but are unavailable for October 13, please contact David Hewitt. For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt dhewitt@united-church.ca.
Bermuda Nova Scotia Sunday Supply Policy webinar
The Bermuda Nova Scotia Region Sunday Supply Policy took effect on July 1, 2023. The policy and background material are available here.
An information webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To register for the event and to receive the Zoom link information, please use this link.
For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt dhewitt@united-church.ca.
Reduced Price for LLWL Gathering
Additional funds have been received for the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Gathering taking place at the Tatamagouche Centre October 19-21, greatly reducing the price. If the cost of registration was a barrier for you, give it another look! And don’t forget about Bermuda-Nova Scotia’s Ministry Candidates/Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Fund and FSLDW’s Learning Grants. Use the Tatamagouche Centre’s website to access the registration page. This is an educational event with a retreat component. It is also open to those who are not already LLWL’s and any wishing to explore the program to learn more about it. Hope to see you there!
Guaranteed Liveable Income material for Sunday worship
Recent reports have given our Provinces a failing grade in the fight against poverty.
Surely this is a time to lift up and educate people about the work towards Guaranteed Liveable Income.
To that end, your GLI co-ordinators are looking for 12 communities of faith who would like to highlight GLI some time in the next 6 months. We will provide resources for worship or for a lunch and learn discussion at any time.
Please send me an email if you are interested.
rosehannah.gaskin@gmail.com
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed on October 17 since 1993, when the United Nations General Assembly designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.
This day can be an opportunity to draw attention to the call for a Guaranteed Livable Income. The UCC website also includes resources created for this purpose.
October 17, 2023
October 17, 2024
Advent Planning
Advent will be here sooner than you think! Are you leading worship during Advent? Are you ready? If you are still wondering what to do during this Advent season, the Bermuda/Nova Scotia Faith Formation and Leadership Development Committee would like to offer you an opportunity to get together, to discuss ideas and to share resources. On Thursday October 19th you are invited to join a Zoom Advent Planning Drop-In session beginning at 10 am. For more information and Zoom information, please contact Rev. Sharon at revsharonbeacon@eastlink.ca.
Saint Andrew’s United Church is hosting Pride Place
St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax wants to be a place of pride!
We are embarking on a journey, with the support of The Living Spirit Fund at The United Church of Canada Foundation, to ensure that we are supporting and meeting the needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
We invite representatives from 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations and community members from across the province to join us in a round table discussion, Tuesday, October 24, to share your thoughts and help us plan for our future as an allied organization.
We want to learn:
What is happening now in the community?
What do you see in the future?
How can we best support that future in a positive and productive way?
To register scan the QR code or click the registration link.
Mi’kma’ki Blanket Exercise October 28th 1:30 – 6:00pm at Sherbrooke Lake Camp
On October 28th, from 1:30pm – 6:00pm Sherbrooke Lake Camp and The Camping Association of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (CANSPEI) are hosting a Mi’kma’ki Blanket Exercise at Sherbrooke Lake Camp. Arrival between 1:30pm – 2:00pm with the session starting at 2:00pm with Sunshine. Developed by our host, the Blanket Exercise is an interactive and experiential teaching tool that explores the history and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada.
Please click here to learn more about this exercise and registration.
2024 United Church Calendars
The 2024 United Church Calendar is now available for purchase. The cost is 1-9 $6.50 and 10 or more is $6.00. Please contact Leona at llaundry@united-church.ca to order. Only limited numbers in stock.
Solidarity Circles: A peer network of clergy, faith leaders and organizers interested in the solidarity economy.
Are you passionate about building a more equitable and sustainable future?
Please click here to read about this program. If after reading about it, you still have questions, please be in touch with Andrew Richardson (Vocation Minister Atlantic Regions) if you have any questions: ARichardson@united-church.ca.
Social Enterprise for Faith Communities with Shaun Loney
Social Enterprise for Faith Communities with Shaun Loney is a course designed to help communities of faith use social entrepreneurship and faith-based values to build sustainable ministries. Featuring three live sessions with Shaun and four hours of content you can complete at your own pace, the course will offer an opportunity to explore the profound potential for creating impactful ventures that address pressing community needs. Discover the principles, practices, and strategies essential for launching and sustaining successful social enterprises with a profound sense of purpose and mission. From conducting thorough needs assessments to crafting innovative business models, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create ventures that foster positive change and embody the core tenets of faith. During the live sessions on October 14th, 21st, and 28th at noon ET, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your projects and brainstorm about the future of social enterprise in YOUR faith community!
This is a Team-Based course. One purchase ($200) entitles you to give access to anyone on your team who wishes to access it. Watch it together or on-your-own! Read more and register. The course is hosted on CHURCHx, a new e-learning platform built to support mission and ministry.
Healing and Hope
Healing and Hope is a retreat by women in ministry, for women in ministry, to be held at Five Oaks Centre, 1 Bethel Road, Paris, Ontario. The dates are Monday October 30 at 3 pm to Thursday November 2 at noon, concluding with lunch.
Speakers will be: Rev. Tina Conlon, Davenport-Perth Community Ministry and President of Shining Waters Regional Council; Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator, The United Church of Canada.
We are able to sponsor four students/interns for this event.
Costs will be:$405 for shared room, $475 for single room, though there are not a lot of singles. Meals are included in this price.
Please contact: sistersandministers@gmail.com for information on registration
Job Opportunity – Regional Executive Minister – Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils
Please click here to read about this opportunity.
“Continue Caring” – Learn how to navigate home care and long-term care services in NS
MSVU is offering a unique educational opportunity to help Nova Scotians access the continuing care services they or their friends/family need. This program gives people who need home care or long-term care services, and the people who care about them, information about how the public system works in Nova Scotia. Click here for more information about this program.
FREE copies of “Voices United” hymn books
71 hard cover “Voices United” hymn books to give away:
20 lyrics only – 51 lyrics plus music
If interested, please contact Visions United Church, Moncton, NB.
Phone: 506-384-0843 (Tricia); Email: office@visionsunited.ca
