NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)
Submission Request for Weekly Announcements
www.ucceast.ca
Staff Directory
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.
Condolences – Beverley Karen McDonald
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Curtis McDonald and family on the death of his wife, Beverley McDonald, who passed away on July 11, 2024. An obituary can be found here.
Minister’s Position Quispamsis United Church
Quispamsis Pastoral Charge searching for a Minister three quarter to full time (40 hours per week) to start as soon as practical.
Region is Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters
Quispamsis is located just outside Saint John, N.B.
QUC is looking for both worship and strategic leadership. Worship will continue to be first with us, but we recognize we must discern our future and will need guidance. More detail is provided in the Position Description and our recent Faith Profile, both of which are on ChurchHub.
Message from Regional President
Greetings one and all,
I hope you are enjoying a lovely, if hot, summer. My partner and I recently spent a couple of weeks at our cottage in the Gaspé, where we were fortunate to enjoy the ocean breezes.
While there, we attended a service at a little country church in the village of Hopetown, located on the Baie des Chaleurs. I brought greetings from our Regional Council and spoke about the priorities we have set for the near future. Rev. Pierre Momberg spoke eloquently about the choices faced by people in the bible readings, and indeed all of us through the ages in our daily lives. The important key is to ground our decisions going forward in the teachings of Jesus.
I was reminded of the incredible challenges of rural ministry — Rev. Pierre is the only ordained United Church Minister on the entire Gaspé Peninsula, an area roughly six times the size of PEI. He has had 10 funerals and committals in recent months, with four more scheduled, in addition to his regular commitments to the congregations of St. Andrew’s New Richmond and to St. Andrew’s Hopetown. This is undoubtedly a familiar refrain for many of our rural Communities of Faith and their leaders, and we commend their great effort to carry on and remain relevant in these times, in the name of the Holy Spirit.
We will be returning for another visit to the Gaspé in early August, and would be pleased to meet congregations along the route from PEI through Eastern New Brunswick.
In faith,
Sue LeMaistre
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
Sow seeds of kindness. Strengthen your invitation and welcome, creating belonging for all. Share your message of hope and caring, reminding people of the presence of your place of worship, events and activities. Review your website and social media. Is the time and location of worship clear? Review other websites and social media. Visit other places of worship. Are there ideas you can adapt? Do you have an idea box to invite feedback and observations? Create some cards of encouragement, wishes for a good day, from your community of faith that includes place of worship, address, worship time, special events and plant seeds of invitation all around your neighbourhoods (a server, cashier, staff where you have an appointment, retail worker, in a neighbour’s mailbox). Create a card basket at the sanctuary and invite people to make and take cards to share with others. In this summer time are there areas of your building, inside and out that could do with a fresh look? Look at bulletin boards, wall displays, information tables and freshen them up. Are there spaces to declutter? Where has storage started to take over? Is it time for a clean out as you explore “why” stuff is where it is and why it is needed? 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.
United Church of Canada Foundation – Fall 2024 granting round is now open!
Seeds of Hope is accepting applications, they must be received by 11:55PM Eastern on October 15, 2024 to be considered by the Joint Grants Committee.
The Foundation’s Seeds of Hope grants support unique and innovative ventures that are ready to make an impact in our United Church and beyond. We are excited to learn what you’re up to!
The Joint Grants Committee is now welcoming applications for new, unique projects which are:
- Providing innovative seniors’ ministry
- Celebrating and encouraging children and youth
- Addressing environmental and social justice issues
- Looking at new ways to provide ministry and support during transition periods
- Facilitating experiencing faith and spirituality
Also granting this round are the Rowntree Scholarship, Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary, Promotion Project Fund, Centennial Granting Fund and United, we
Seeds of Hope applications are due October 15, 2024; other deadlines vary, so please check the terms before you apply.
All applications must be submitted by the deadline, on the correct form, and completed in full to be considered by the Joint Grants Committee.
For assistance please visit the website: www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope/ call 866-340-8223, or e-mail grants@united-church.ca
Godly Play Core Training
Oct 18-19 and Nov 15-16, Sackville NB
Training is offered in modules over two weekends:
Friday 4-9pm to Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm.
We will explore Godly Play as a creative approach to nurturing children’s faith. A workshop to empower and inspire.
For more information and to register, and please contact:
godlyplaymaritimes.com or
registrargodlyplaymaritimes@gmail.com
Click here for a poster of the event.
https://godlyplaymaritimes.com
Preparing people for elections
Here is a wonderful resource to use when candidates for election come calling. It’s a little primer on basic income which will help you ask important questions of each candidate This is the opportunity not to be missed. Please click here to view the resource.
