![The United Church of Canada | Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council [logo]](https://ucceast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/BNS-Logo-300px.png "BNS-Logo-300px"){kind=logo}
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.
Annual Meeting Registration is Open
Registration is open for the annual meeting. Please read the memo sent from the Executive Minister. Visit the annual meeting webpage regularly for the latest updates and information on the upcoming meeting. Reminder, if you require meals and/or accommodations, they must be registered for separately. To read the welcome letter from Dalhousie University, Agricultural Campus (Truro), with meal/accommodations information, please click here.
As noted previously, the link to register for the Dal AC accommodations and meals will not let allow those staying off campus to choose just meals. Therefore, they have provided a form for those wishing to select meals only. Please fill out the form and return it to the email address provided (meetintruro@dal.ca) at the bottom of the form. If you have any questions, please contact Dal AC directly.
Youth @ Region 2024
Calling all Youth, between grades 6-12! Registration is now open for Youth @ Region!
Y@R is a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between grade 6 and grade 12, meet from across Nova Scotia and Bermuda. It takes place during the Annual Meeting of Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council (BNS), which is a gathering of representatives who make decisions and set policies for the United Church of Canada. The group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community for youth in the name of Christ. We provide a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community. We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, please email cstuart@united-church.ca
Register here.
Annual Meeting Draft Agenda
The annual meeting draft agenda can now be found on the Annual Meeting webpage. As information for the meeting becomes available it will be posted on this page.
Elected Members to Regional Council 2024
Please use the below link to complete the elected members form to Regional Council for 2024, thank you to those who have completed it already. Without completing this form elected members will not be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Young Clergy Retreat Postponed
Because of the potential for bad weather here in the Maritimes over the next few days, the planning group for the Young Clergy Retreat has decided to postpone until Thursday May 23 and Friday May 24. The retreat will still be at the Tatamagouche Centre (as they graciously allowed us to postpone without penalty).
For those who had already registered, you will not have to re-register.
For those who did not register for the retreat because of a conflict, or were unable to do so in time, a new registration link is available below:
https://ucceast.ca/83320-younger-ministry-personnel-retreat-spring-2024
We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause some. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Is Your Church Flourishing?
Moderator Carmen Lansdowne and Cameron Fraser, Director of Growth for The United Church of Canada, will conduct a free workshop for congregations with a view to dreaming great ideas into reality. Spend the day reflecting and engaging in energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities (Flourishing Project)
Open to everyone. Invite your friends, too.
April 13, 9:30-4 p.m., Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS. Free registration.
Becoming an Affirming Congregation – First Steps
Our FSLDW Affirm Committee offers something on first steps every year. If you’ve begun the conversation “officially” or if you are one person wanted to get the conversation started, this is a good place to join others who have questions and experiences to offer.
This Zoom gathering will be on April 18th 7:00-8:30, with guest Kim Curlett, United Church minister and our Atlantic representative for Affirm United. Click here for the registration link for the meeting.
General Council Commissioners – Deadline April 19
The deadline for nominations for General Council 45 Commissioners is April 19. The original announcement can be read here. More information about the role of a commissioner can be found here. If you are interested in serving as a Commissioner to the 45th General Council, please fill out the form here. If you have, any questions, please be in touch with the Nominations Committee Chair, Rev. Alicia Cox.
Workshop on Green Burial in Nova Scotia
Looking for a way to honour Earth Day this year? St. John’s United Church Halifax is hosting a 90-minute workshop on Saturday, April 20 at 10:00 am on “Everything you need to know about Natural Burial”.
This presentation will be hosted by Louisa Horne and will give you a deeper
understanding of a range of aspects of green or natural burial. What are the five characteristics of this form of disposition? And Cemeteries – how green can they be? There are several categories – you will understand what they are. What about Nova Scotia – what is possible here? Finally green products – have you seen a casket that starts its life as a bookcase? You will.
Louisa is a long-time member of St. John’s United Church and is the founder of Epilog, a Community Interest Company which aims to reimagine funeral
services and end-of-life care.
Feel free to share this event with anybody who might be interested.
All are welcome!
Camp Coffee – Support Camping Ministries at Sherbrooke Lake Camp and Camp Kidston
CAMP COFFEE ORDERS ARE DUE APRIL 20th!
This coffee smells like sunshine and tastes like joy – and it pairs well with a smile!
Click the link below to get a bag of camp coffee of your very own!
https://forms.gle/mehaZXo95mbuQkwr9
$20 for a 12oz bag (ground or whole!), with proceeds towards keeping camp affordable and accessible to kids in your community! If congregations, businesses or organizations are interested in purchasing, we would love to acknowledge your support on our pages.
Pick up is at Sherbrooke Lake Camp or Camp Kidston on May 4th, with a central Halifax pick up also available on May 6th!!
Our 2024 hiring team was excited to check out T.A.N. Coffee last weekend while doing staff interviews in the amazing Windsor United Church!
Order Breaking the Silence coffee, stoles by May 3rd. Pick-up at Annual Meeting
The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, longtime partner of the United Church and supported by the Mission and Service Fund, is once again offering churches the opportunity to buy the Just Us! Breaking the Silence brand of coffee wholesale. $58.50 for a box with 6 12. oz bags of ground coffee. Your purchase supports small farmers and the Highlands Committee of Small Farmers, who are courageous defenders of land and labour rights. As well Guatemalan liturgical stoles (rainbow, red, green, blue, purple) are for sale. $45. If you want to be sure to have the colour you want, please order ahead. For both coffee and stole orders, contact Kathryn Anderson <kathrynande@gmail.com> no later than May 3rd.
We will also have stunning crafts from UPAVIM, an inspiring Guatemalan women’s cooperative for sale at the Annual Meeting.
Reimagining Communities: the Potential of a Basic Income in NB
Communities are facing many challenges; everything from the stresses of precarious work, job loss from AI, disruptions from climate disasters and pandemics, sky rocketing economic inequality, inflation and lack of affordability for basic needs, global disruptions due to conflicts, and rising food insecurity.
It is apparent that the Canadian social safety net is no longer working. Community residents are looking for help that preserves their dignity and provides adequate support for themselves and their families.
Many have called for Basic Income, an income floor for all to ensure better health outcomes, adequate housing, nutrition, increased educational attainment and child development, as well as, ensuring positive psychological well-being.
How can we reimagine a new way forward?
· What is, and isn’t, Basic Income?
· Why is it important?
· How do we move forward?
Friday, May 3
Panel Discussion 1:00 – 2:15 pm
Reception 2:15 – 3:00 pm
Wilmot United Church, 473 King Street, Fredericton
Available livestream at https://www.youtube.com/@WilmotUnitedChurch
For more information and to register, click here.
Sherbrooke Lake Camp Clean Up and Spring Splash – May 4th, 2024!
Spring has sprung and we are getting ready for a beautiful summer ahead! Camp has been in hibernation and we are SO excited to get some people out to enjoy the gorgeous grounds at Sherbrooke Lake! And this year we’re excited to pair that with our SPRING SPLASH!
This year’s annual camp clean up is May 4th from 10 am – 4 pm. We will be providing Camp Coffee, tea and hot chocolate for all who join us! At 12:00 noon, we will pause for a bite and we invite you to bring a packed lunch or picnic to enjoy on site while you’re here! At 3:00pm we invite folks to come to the beach to celebrate and cheer on the participants of our Spring Splash!
RSVP and register at the link here and check out our event
Vital Church Maritimes Conference, May 9-11, 2024
Please click here for a schedule and further information about the Vital Church Maritimes Conference to be held May 9-11, 2024 in Truro, Nova Scotia. A poster for the event can be found here.
Clergy Reception at Region AGM
Your Association of United Church Clergy invites all clergy to a time of refreshment and fellowship prior to the Annual meeting of the Region.
Place: St. Andrew’s United Church, Truro
Date/Time: May 9th from 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.
1:30-2:30, special presentation from United Fresh Start on Clergy Wellness.
Come and greet your fellow ministers and share refreshments, conversation, and supportive fellowship. The aUCC includes all clergy: diaconal, DLM, and ordained — retired, retained, and active — as well as candidates in any stream serving a congregation. More information can be found at yoursanctuary.ca
Rural Routes Through the Holy 2024
“Small is also bountiful.” At Rural Routes Through the Holy we want to hold these words up, offering nourishment and a space of community for those in Rural Faith Communities or those who were once part of a rural faith community. We’re gathering from June 13 – 15th at Orchard Valley United Church New Minas, NS.
Beautiful to Behold: Broken Open Church is our theme and Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith is our speaker. We’ll participate in the theme with Rural Café time (year after year this has been one of the favourite parts), choose from a variety of workshops, hear brief presentations from faith communities about something they’re doing that they want to tell us about. We’ll worship and sing and eat together. There’ll be Healing Pathway times, good food, a Maker’s Market, and a quiet room set aside where you can spend time exploring various ways of prayer. We hope this will be a time of nourishment for those in rural faith communities.
You can read all about it, including the schedule, by visiting https://hemofthelight.com and hovering over Rural Ministries. You can register at: https://hemofthelight.com/registration-rural-routes-day-away-2024
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
What really energizes you, stirs your passion and compassion? What God moment did you experience this week? Where a community meal is served, a participant shared it is the one day of the week they know they will have a meal, and it has saved their life. We can help with needs when we know what they are. Needs look different in each of our contexts. Ask someone “what do you need?” Have you done a spring prayer walk or drive yet? A simple intentional prayer when discerning, noticing, seeking, might be “God, show me.” Do you want to explore needs for your neighbourhood, your community of faith, connect with me. You can reach me by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca or by phone 705 875-8837. Let’s grow together with deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice
Stewardship Update – April 2024
Called to Be the Church: The Journey: When you are ready to make good stewardship a core part of your community of faith, we are here to help. Each course has a specific focus, enabling you to set goals, create a plan, and be successful, including both learning and practical elements. Our next course, Bequests and Estate Giving Spring 2024–Set up a planned legacy giving program for your community of faith runs April 24 and May 8, 2024.
May is PAR Month: Our Philanthropy Staff Team have just created some resources for pastoral charges to create their own Pre-Authorized Remittance campaign next month (or whenever)! Resources include a Step-By-Step Guide to creating your Own Par Campaign, A Sample Plan, A PAR Sermon, communication messages, as well as links to other previously shared resources. Keep checking our PAR Webpage, or watch for God’s Mission: Our Gifts for the details and appropriate links. In the meantime, e-mail Roger Janes for more information.
A Stewardship Conversation: Are you looking to grow generosity and involvement in your community of faith? Do you want to learn the best practices needed to effectively reach out and build new relationships with those not yet participating in your church’s ministry? Do you want to develop an effective leadership recruitment plan? Why not book a Zoom or telephone call with Roger Janes and start the conversation: Roger’s Booking Page.
Our Latest Stewardship Blog: The Training Grounds for a Revolution by Vicki Nelson
Please click here to read a PDF version of this update.
Searching for a full-time Lead Minister, Bedford Pastoral Charge, NS
This is a full time, Lead Ministerial position responsible for encouraging the ongoing development, growth and evolution of Bedford United Church’s vision and values. The incoming minister will have an opportunity to help shape the future of the church’s spiritual offerings, its community and social justice impacts, and its interdenominational relationships. Bedford United Church is an inclusive, and affirming community of faith, currently involved in a multi-year initiative exploring options for long term sustainability and renewal.
The Lead Minister is responsible to provide leadership and support to the Ministerial Team and their programs. The ministerial team currently consists of a part time Minister of Congregational Care and two part time Congregational Designated Ministry positions: the Family Ministry Leader and the Music Ministries Lead. Along with members of the ministry team, additional church personnel and dedicated volunteers, the Lead Minister will ensure the delivery of regular services, music, pastoral care, among other offerings.
Please see ChurchHub for additional details on the Lead Minister Position Description. As well, we invite anyone to visit our website to view our Community of Faith Profile. Any questions can be directed to: searchteam@bedfordunited.com.
Orchard Valley Pastoral Charge is Seeking Additional Ministry Personnel
Orchard Valley United Church is actively searching for a Part Time (30 hours/week) Minister to support our Youth, Young Families and Seniors.
Orchard Valley is located in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. We are a family oriented, multigenerational Affirming congregation that wants to grow and thrive. We are looking for someone that can bring their compassion, energy and imagination to our congregation. We have a dedicated congregation that supports various activities and our committees of the church. We strive to be innovative and want to build our relationship with our community. If you feel that call to try something new in a newly renovated building housing an eager faith community then we want to hear from you!
The profile and position details available on ChurchHub. For more information contact jemcdonald56@gmail.com
United Church Office Administrator’s Conference, October 1-4, 2024
Please click here to read more details and to access the registration form for the United Church Office Administrator’s Conference to be held in Saskatoon from October 1-4.
Annual Declaration of Criminal Records
Dear colleagues in ministry,
You’ve made it through another intense Advent and Christmas season! We know, and appreciate, how much you have put into your ministry as you enter this season of Epiphany. Of course, there are always more tasks and ministry waiting for you in 2024.
The Annual Declaration is one of those required administrative tasks that Ministry Personnel are asked to prioritize each year.
The Annual Declaration is a mandatory process, where Ministry Personnel declare whether or not they’ve been charged with a criminal offense in the past year. This is a simple process that must be done through ChurchHub, by logging in to your account at churchhub.ca.
As per the Police Records Checks policy, if the Annual Declaration is done by the deadline, you will not be asked to obtain a new formal level 1 and level 2 Police Records Check.
Please remember that even if you were late in completing the form for 2023, it still needs to be done on schedule this year.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact your Vocational Minister Andrew Richardson (ARichardson@united-church.ca ). Need help accessing ChurchHub? Please contact ministry@united-church.ca
Don’t delay, complete your form today!
Property Inventory Update
The BNS property inventory list has been updated, this inventory lists property (buildings, cemeteries, lands) currently registered to your pastoral charge. All forms and amendments received up to April 6, 2024 are included. Pastoral charges who do not hold property will not appear on the list. Please take a moment to review and ensure your pastoral charge details are correct, you can review by A-Z property name or by postal code using the link below and submit a form if there are any additions or amendments.
Are you considering retirement?
If you are considering retiring or have retired since our last annual meeting, please see our Regional retirement resource. If you have made the decision to retire please fill out the form.
Thank you.
