NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)
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www.ucceast.ca
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Emergency Response Memos for Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW)
It’s Your Call – Podcast
Spark 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.
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW) Committee Interest form.
Nominations are Open for President-Elect
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council is seeking nominations for President-Elect. The President serves for a total of 3 years: as President-Elect, President, and Past-President. The President-Elect will serve as a member of the Regional Executive, leading our Region in its work and ministry, within the bounds of the Region. Serving as President of the Region offers many unique and exciting opportunities to engage in the work and life of the Region. More information on the role of President can be found here.
The election will take place at the Annual meeting. In order to post bios of the nominees and allow for printing of meeting materials, please submit nominations by May 17, 2024 at midnight. Nominations can also come from the floor of the meeting at which time nominations will close at the close of the Friday night session. Nominations are open to all members of the Regional Council, including ministry personnel and lay representatives. To submit your nomination, please fill out the form here. The nomination form must include the name of the mover and seconder of the nomination. The Nominee, the mover and seconder must be members of Regional Council. If you have any questions, please contact Nominations Chair, Rose-Hannah Gaskin.
General Council Commissioners
The deadline for nominations for General Council 45 Commissioners is May 10. 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. Rose-Hannah Gaskin.
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.
FSLDW Elected Members to Council Memo
Seeking Chaplains for the FSLDW Annual Meeting
The Regional Annual Meeting Planning Committee is seeking individuals willing to serve as chaplains over the course of our meeting. From time to time, attendees of the meeting may need some spiritual support, and we want to make sure that the needs of our delegates can be met. Though it would be helpful for those willing to serve in this capacity to have mental health first aid training, it is not required.
If you are interested in answering this call to be a chaplain for some or all of the meeting, or is you have suggestions of individuals to reach out to, please contact Richard Bowley, chair of the Regional Annual Meeting Planning Committee.
Hello from FSLDW Region President Elizabeth
Sunday April 14, I had the delight to meet with the congregation of Central United, Moncton, NB, on the occasion of their 8th Anniversary celebration of becoming an Affirming Ministry. What a milestone! Central United was one of the early churches in NB to become Affirming and have not looked back.
Check out the FSLDW Region Facebook for pictures of the sanctuary dressed for the occasion. (insert link 1 here)
Central United has a strong team of lay people who take the lead in worship, as well as a multitude of ministries outside their walls.
As Presider, Wayne Trail graciously welcomed all and led us through the morning’s liturgy. With the Region’s shepherd’s crook in hand, I brought words of gratitude on behalf of the Region for their creative ministry as well as offered the morning’s reflection.
The team included, host Sarah Colwell, music leader Justin Guignard, reader Sheila Lewis and a tech team of Dave Lewis and Broken Duggar. I offer their names as a means of gratitude for the sharing of their time, talent and treasure.
One of the priorities of Central United is to work in partnership with other justice seeking agencies in Moncton. For example, Central United provides an industrial kitchen to the United Way (who rent space), who in turn operate Inspiration Cafe, who in turn provide daily meals to seniors. Members of the congregation help out.
Indeed, one of their best kept secrets is the multitude of ministers that happen because Central United is there.
The people of Central United had a dream and were bold and brave enough to test the waters of possibility. And here they are.
Presently they are between clergy and are in conversations with two other congregations about a Pilot Project which will change the way they do ministry once again. Stay tuned!
In Peace,
Elizabeth
President FSLDW Region
An Affirming Region
elizstevenson@gmail.com
News From Pastoral Relations – April 2024
Approved the request from Rev. Kevin Dingwell for a change in pastoral relations due to retirement effective March 31, 2024.
Approved the request from Rev. Alice Finnamore for a change in pastoral relations due to retirement effective June 30, 2024.
Approved the request from Rev. Bethe Benjamin-Cameron for a change in pastoral relations effective June 30, 2024.
Approved the community of faith profile of the Quispamsis United Church, Quispamsis, NB.
Approved the community of faith profile of the Portland United Church, Saint John, NB.
Approved the community of faith profile of the Trinity United Church, Riverview, NB
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
“Alive is beautiful!” These words shared by the moderator the Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne in part of her worship message to about 250 worshippers gathered at a church in Nova Scotia Sunday. How is your community of faith feeling that, embracing it, living into it and celebrating it? Whether you are facing tough, grief-laden decisions about closing your building and closing well, figuring out how your beloved community will discover its new path, or energized because dreams are taking shape, “alive is beautiful!” Being our best for right now impacts our future, fuels our spiritual fires kindling much needed hope and resilience. Exploring beyond our bricks and mortar worries, will bring us to greater openness to prayerfully discern God’s call to each of us. How will you revive hope, happiness, spiritual hunger and health? Take time to do your asset mapping.
In exploring renewing ministries, collaborative ministries, cooperative ministries or whatever new ministries emerge, like gardeners, we need to figure out the conditions? What makes up the soil of your community of faith that can nurture new possibilities? What might require tilling or fertilizing to allow for healthy growth? What needs to be composted? What makes up the soil of your neighbourhood? What eco system is developing? What are the actionable take-a-ways from conversations? Who is responsible for follow through and communication? What are the timelines? 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
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.
Open House with the Admission Matching Committee on Sunday, April 21
Are you from a church without a minister? Are you a member of a search team and looking for your next ministry personnel? Are you a pastoral relations liaison? If so we would like to invite you to an hour long Open House with the Admission Matching Committee through Zoom on Sunday April 21st at 5 pm AST.
The Admission Matching Committee is part of a pilot project to bridge the gap between Ministers who are available and excited to work in The United Church of Canada and Communities of Faith who need a minister. As a follow up to two previous Open Houses where we provided an overview of the program, this Open House will provide you with an opportunity to meet the four ministers still seeking a match through this program and to ask any questions you might have. This information should be relevant to search team members and pastoral relations liaisons, regardless of whether or not you attended one of our previous program.
To register for this free program, please send your name, location, email, and reason for registering to Beverly at btyhurst@united-church.ca.
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.
Thurs., May 9th, 2:45pm A Privileged Opportunity! Learn from Mi’kmaq elder, Gerald Gloade, at the Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail near Truro
You’re invited to join highly respected Mi’kmaq Elder Gerald Gloade as he shares his deep spiritual and ecological knowledge, at the trailhead of the Mi”kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail, 20 minutes west of Truro. This special opportunity has been arranged for Thursday, May 9th, 2:45pm, enabling delegates to the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region Annual Meeting in Bible Hill to participate. However all United Church people from both Regions are very welcome to attend! We need to know how many are coming and provide you with detailed information, so please register with Kathryn Anderson <kathrynande@gmail.com>.
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
The Palestinian Land Exercise
Fashioned after the Kairos Blanket Exercise, the Palestinian Land Exercise will walk you through the changes to and history of the land called Palestine. FSLDW now has a team who have been trained to facilitate the event! If your church or community group is interested in hosting an event, or if you would like some more information, you can contact the team at PLEMoncton@gmail.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
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.
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.
Pastoral Charge Information Form 2024
The 2024 Pastoral Charge Information Form is now live. The completion of this form is important to the region in order to have current contact information for staff and committees as we attempt to provide you with current communications relevant to your Local Board, Council or Committee. If you do not have some of these officers in your community simply mark that section as N/A (non-applicable). It is essential that each Pastoral Charge completes and submits this form.
If you have had your annual congregational meeting and have elected your governing body for 2024, please click on the link above to complete. If you have not had your annual meeting, and have the same people serving in the governing body, we kindly ask you to still fill out the information form. The form should be completed and submitted immediately after your annual meeting or by April 30th at the latest, with information current at that time. The form can then be updated following your 2024 annual meeting with any new information.
Thank you for your attention to this important request. In the past the response to this request has been low and a complete response from all charges is critical.
You are reminded that electronic copies of your annual report can now be uploaded to your Church Hub site, as well as emailed to the Regional office (info4RC14@united-church.ca).
