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.
Message from Regional President
Hello/Bonjour,
In the midst of the beauty of nature all around us, we continue to hear of so much suffering here and elsewhere: flooding, wildfires, war, displacement of millions of people around the world, and political polarization. I cannot think of a better time to offer up a prayer…
“Holy One, we thank you for the many bounties we enjoy as Canadians, and for the assurance of your love, even as we feel despair and concern. We pray for coping strategies and calm within ourselves. We ask as well that you instil wisdom and empathy in our own leaders and in those of other world countries. We recognize that we are fortunate to be able to gather, greet, speak and worship in freedom. Help us to remember that with you, thankfully, we are not alone.”
In faith,
Sue
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
Are you thinking about how to reactivate or generate inclusion of all family members in the sanctuary? Consider activity spaces. Why not create “praygrounds” that welcome all ages. We’ve talked about tables, colouring activities, books, stuffies, worship bulletins, puzzles and leg-o before. How about adding adult centred materials as well. People might like the freedom to join in. Consider the placement of your prayground? Place it at or near the front for all to see each other, instead of looking at backs of people or hearing activity from behind you. What additional creativity can you add to increase belonging? Do you have people who need or have had shoulder, hip or knee replacements? Add to their comfort by including a couple of recliner chairs, helping them come back to their community of faith sooner in their recovery or while awaiting procedures, whether conditions are chronic or temporary. Be prepared for people of all ages with visitors packages, grab and go bags, sharing bins, a make and take table, greeting cards of encouragement or other ideas that connect people. sensitivity to full participation matters. Contact me to talk about what your community of faith is up to. 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.
Fall Youth @ Region Camp Event
From Friday, September 27-Sunday, September 29, there will be a youth event at Camp Wegesegum (360 Wegesegum Lane, Coal Creek, NB (just outside Chipman). This event is for youth from grade 6-12, and registration for the event is $75. There will be opportunities for worship, fun, and learning as together we explore themes of Truth & Reconciliation and the impacts we all have in creating and deepening relationships in our communities. Financial Support is available. Contact rev.bowley@outlook.com for more information. To register your youth for this camp weekend, please fill in the linked registration form. If you prefer a paper copy, please reach out to rev.bowley@outlook.com. Instructions on how to pay will be sent to you following registration
Click here for the Registration Form
The registration deadline is August 31st, 2024.
2025 Mission Support Grant Applications
The 2025 Mission Support Grant applications are now available here. Deadline for completed application and supporting documentation is Friday, September 20, 2024 and can be forwarded to: jwhittemore@united-church.ca or mailed to the Regional Office.
Basic Income Conference – Sept 7th
All United Church folks are warmly encouraged to attend the Basic Income Conference that will take place on Saturday, Sept 7th, at the Halifax Central Library. This event is FREE and includes lunch! Come hear and be inspired by a range of speakers advocating for a basic income for all, with additional speakers on food and housing security. Speakers include Senator Kim Pate, Nigaan Sinclair, Dr. Gary Bloch, and reps from the “PEI Experiment.” See the poster here. For more information, contact Rob Fennell at scotiafriends@hotmail.com.
Atlantic School of Discipleship
Through interaction with AST’s world-class teachers, congregational groups will be introduced to a solid foundation of how Christian faith and tradition impact our daily walk as followers of Jesus. Each month focuses on a different topic:
Each month participants
Receive readings and reflection questions designed for those beginning to explore these faith topics.
Will join in a live (via Zoom) presentation by an AST instructor on that month’s topic
Will have a second opportunity to interact with questions and conversation that take us deeper into understanding.
As well, there will be four, one-day events (within easy driving distance of your home) where you can meet in person with others who are exploring the same material and share conversation and fellowship.
We encourage participation in the Atlantic School of Discipleship by parish/congregation/pastoral charge groups.
Cost
• $1,000 per group (Leader plus four participants from the same faith community)
• $300 per person (Individual participants)
More details, including registration information, will be available soon
Contact Us: discipleship@astheology.ns.ca
Website Link
Dialogue for Peaceful Change
Tatamagouche Centre is offering its Dialogue for Peaceful Change program this September from the 22nd to the 27th.
Dialogue for Peaceful Change is an international program that has brought together the best methodologies from around the world in community-based conflict mediation, providing effective tools and strategies for analyzing and addressing conflicts. This is a program applicable to conflicts and disputes in communities, families and organizations moving beyond traditional mediative methods, focusing on conflict content, culture, and spirituality.
