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 – Michael Simmons
Our condolences are extended to the family of Michael Simmons who passed away on September 15, 2024. Michael served in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. An obituary will be posted once it is available.
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.
Forms and Reports – A Reminder to submit
There are a number of Pastoral Charges that have not yet submitted their 2024 Pastoral Charge information forms and Annual Reports for 2023.
Please click on the link below to complete the 2024 Pastoral Charge form (if you have not already done so). If you have not had your annual meeting, and have the same people serving in the governing body, we ask you to still fill out the information forms.
BNS – Pastoral Charge 2024 Information Form
Annual Reports for 2023 – any pastoral charge still to submit their 2023 Annual Report is asked to email the report to the Regional office info4RC15@united-church.ca at your earliest convenience.
We thank all Pastoral Charges who have already provided these documents to Regional Office, if unsure if your pastoral charge has submitted the form/report please email info4RC15@united-church.ca to confirm.
Young Clergy Event
In the spring we had postponed our Young Clergy event to October 17-18, 2024 at the Tatamagouche Center.
We are looking to gauge your interest in this gathering so that we can finalize planning. If you are planning to attend this event, please send me an email by Friday evening (September 20th). My email is rev.bowley@outlook.com. Some of you had already registered and paid for the event that was to have taken place in April. I would like to hear from you as well. If you can’t remember whether or not you registered, reach out with your interest anyway.
If we get a good response, a registration form will go out in next week’s announcements and in an email.
Don’t Miss the Diversity Workshop Saturday St. Paul’s Riverview NB
Come join us! Bring some friends.
Diversity: How can our Churches be radical, intentional welcoming & inclusive in today’s global village”
For anyone interested in creating belonging for all, focusing on diversity, radical hospitality, welcome, strengthening invitation and exploring ideas for your community of faith’s context
FREE workshop Saturday Sept. 21, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Facilitators: Shepherd Munikwa (Justice, Mission Outreach) and Sharon Ballantyne (Growth Animator)
Location: St. Paul’s United Church 404 Cleveland Avenue Riverview, NB – E1B 1Y2 with thanks to host David-Roger Gagnon
Contact Sharon sballantyne@united-church.ca or phone (705) 875-8837.
Online Open House With the Admission Matching Committee
Are you from a Community of Faith that is seeking your next minister? Are you a Pastoral Relations liaison that is supporting Search Committees in their search for a new minister? Do you have questions about ChurchHub profiles you find or applications you receive from ministers who belong to different denominations, maybe not even in Canada? If so, we’d like to invite you to an online Open House with the Admission Matching Committee. This hour long gathering will happen through Zoom on Sunday September 22nd at 4 pm Eastern Time. The Admission Matching Committee’s work 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. To register for this free program, please send your name, location, email, and reason for registering to Beverly at btyhurst@united-church.ca.
Covenanting Service – River Philip Pastoral Charge and Springhill Pastoral Charge
The covenanting service between River Philip and Springhill Communities of Faith, Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council, and Rev. K. Ruth Gamble, will take place Sunday, September 29th, 1:30 PM at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Springhill, NS. Please join us as we celebrate this new collaborative ministry relationship.
Live in Concert: Catherine MacLellan at Port Wallis United Church
Catherine’s music is rooted in folk and roots. Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, her songs reflect her deep connection to the land and the people that call it home. Her passion for songwriting runs in the family; her father, Gene MacLellan, wrote beloved hits like “Snowbird” and “Put Your Hand in the Hand.” From heart-wrenching ballads to uplifting anthems, her music has a universal appeal that speaks to life’s struggles, triumphs, and joys.
Tickets $35: https://portwallisunitedchurch.ca/events/catherine-maclellan-concert
Hey Cape Breton!
Have you been wanting to talk about ministry with Children, Youth and Young Adults? Maybe you have a thriving group and have ideas to share. Maybe you’re wondering if you might start something and need ideas. This will be the time for all of us to gather.
Join The Rev. Catherine Stuart, Regional Minister for Children, Youth and Young Adults on Saturday, September 28th from 1-3pm at United Protestant Church in Sydney River (1524 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia). Whether you’re clergy, lay, an interested parent, or youth with cool ideas, you’re all welcome to attend this free workshop. Questions? Email cstuart@united-church.ca
Service of Celebration Becoming an Affirming Congregation
St. John’s United Church, Fall River invites everyone to join for our service of celebration of becoming an affirming congregation.
Sunday, September 29th at 4:00pm.
Guest preacher: Rev. Rick Gunn. BBQ reception to follow.
3360 Highway #2, Fall River, NS
Contact: office@sjucfr.ca or sjucfr.ca for more details.
Adult Discipleship Growth
There’s still time to enroll your community of faith in AST’s exciting new Atlantic School of Discipleship! Designed in consultation with Regional staff, this year-long program provides a solid foundation in Christian knowledge focussing on what difference that makes in the lives of followers of Jesus. Designed for congregational groups (up to five) or individuals, you will learn in the company of AST’s world class, ecumenical faculty. Registration deadline is fast approaching. More information and registration at Atlantic School of Discipleship.
Seniors For Climate Action – Later is too Late!
There is a climate emergency: Antigonish is joining Seniors across Canada for a day of climate action with a multigenerational event on Tuesday, October 1 beginning at 11:45 AM at the corner of Main and Hawthorne. We will be walking along Main Street with stops at the Town Hall and at the MPs office with music at locations along the way. Everyone is welcome to join us. Our Facebook group is Seniors for Climate-Antigonish. A documentary is being made of all the Canadian communities participating including ours.
Seniors and Climate – Later is too Late!
There is a climate emergency – Later Is Too Late!
Seniors For Climate!
October 2nd we will be part of a National event on Seniors and Climate (mostly on) Oct 1, 2024 in 60+ locations across Canada. You are invited to come to an event in Halifax!
Date and Time: Wednesday Oct 2nd, 2024 12pm – 4pm
Location: St Andrews, United Church Hall — 6036 Coburg Rd (At Robie) Halifax
Speaker Topics: The NS Situation, Carbon In the Ocean, Energy Future and Affordability, Using the law to fight climate change, Fighting increasing pension investment in fossil fuels and carbon production.
See Exhibits with info and actions (not a complete list): Council of Canadians, Epilog, East Coast Environmental Law, Save Our Old Growth Forests, KAIROS Halifax, Coastal Protection Act, Save Our Wetlands, and more…
Halifax Facebook Event listing: https://www.facebook.com/events/528488506253907
Sponsored by KAIROS and NS Federation of Union Retirees.
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
Please register by Sept. 30th
Click here for the event poster.
Discipleship Webinar Series lead by Rev. Dr. I Ross Bartlett
The Faith Formation and Leadership Development Committee of the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region is pleased to announce a series of weekly Webinars lead by Rev. Bartlett starting on Monday October 21st at 7pm Atlantic through to November 11th; each session will be approximately 1 hour in length with some time following for general discussion afterward. Registration information will be forthcoming, in the meantime the registration fee for the series will be $40. There is no text book for the series however Rev. Bartlett’s book “On Holy Ground – You and Your Faith Story” is a recommended companion/resource for the series; this book may be ordered at the time of registration for $10 plus postage and handling or it is readily available, in several formats, from Amazon.ca.
Program Overview: For followers and disciples of Jesus Christ, recognizing and understanding the workings of God in our lives and the world is both gift and challenge. The gift of trusting that we are not alone and that this is God’s world and the challenge to see the work of God in creating and re-creating our lives, our communities, and all creation. But how do we do celebrate that presence and understand that work? In this four-part series, participants will be introduced to a number of ideas and practices designed to facilitate spiritual reflection on our experiences and events in the world around us. They will gain greater clarity on their spiritual journey to this point and develop a comfort in talking about their faith in gentle and inviting terms. The program will combine small group conversation, opportunities for personal reflection, as well as input, ideas and challenges to grow in our walk as followers of Jesus.
About the Instructor: After 35 years of congregational ministry, the Rev Dr Ross Bartlett was appointed United Church Formation Director at Atlantic School of Theology in 2018. He has been involved in lay education and retreat direction for more than 25 years as well as working with ministerial candidates. A spiritual director and certified life coach he is committed to helping individuals recognize the presence of the Divine in every life. Ross is the author of several books and is frequently sought out as a speaker, workshop leader, and preacher.
Licensed Lay Worship Leader Annual Gathering October 24-26 in Sackville
The 2024 LLWL Annual Gathering for Bermuda-Nova Scotia and FSLDW Regions will take place at the Regional Office on Wright Street in Sackville October 24-26, using the Coastal Inn (next door) for accommodations. This event is available to LLWLs, those who are currently training to become LLWLs, and anybody interested in exploring the LLWL program.
Our instructors this year are Mary Taylor and Pix Butt. And there’s a field trip planned to get us out of the meeting room
In the past, this has been a valuable time for additional training, education, and inspiration. We really enjoy being together, too. Hope you can join us.
Here is the link to register: https://ucceast.ca/86546-licensed-lay-worship-leader-llwl-program-registration-october-2024
Living Faith Story Workshop
What is a Living Faith Story?
Why does our church need one?
How can it do everything from define and enliven our mission
to help us find a new minister?
How can we make one that’s uniquely our own and that we’ll actually use?
If your community of faith has been asking these questions recently, you are invited to gather a group together and join us for the next Living Faith Stories workshop, which will be held in person at Orchard Valley United Church, 130 Cornwallis Avenue, New Minas, NS on Saturday October 26, 2024 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. This workshop is open to all and may be of particular interest to those faith communities located in the Annapolis Valley area.
Click here to register: https://ucceast.ca/82701-2024-fall-living-faith-story-workshop
For more information, contact Daniel MacDonald,
Chair of Faith Stories and Community Covenant Committee,
at centralminister@bellaliant.com
New from Prayer Bench for Creation
In this creation retreat, we draw on the profound insights of Emily Carr, a West Coast Canadian artist and author, exploring her deep connection to the landscape and the powerful sense of place she found in nature.
Learn more about Canvas of the Soul: https://prayerbench.ca/product/canvas-of-the-soul-retreat/
Use this resource:
as a worship resource for season of creation;
as a resource for a fall gathering of leaders or clergy cluster;
print or email and share with friends or a community of faith;
as a retreat day — personally — or with a group;
as a basis for a Con Ed days.
Pricing: $20-$40. See: https://prayerbench.ca/product/canvas-of-the-soul-retreat/ or email: Janice (at)prayerbench.ca
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
How might you share with others the kinds of things we think we are all supposed to know in our community of faith, but actually don’t, and perhaps might not talk about because we don’t want to admit we have forgotten or never known what some words mean, some rituals are all about, what symbols mean, why we do this or that, what our church furniture and important stuff is. We can all find it interesting to get more insight into our learning from basics to the more unique facts. Perhaps you are looking for new ideas for “All Ages” moments, children’s time, or just want to add, what one clergy calls “Sanctuary Moments.” It is an opportunity to explain stuff about church. It might be specific to local community of faith contexts, meaning of stained glass, significance of historical, “in memorial” items and their stories, why certain rooms have certain names, meanings of “churchy” words from pulpit to antependium to affirming to chalice to Alb to stole to Christ candle to Baptismal font. It might be explaining seasons of church calendar, that we are in creation time right now, colours, why is the seasonal colour orange right now? It might be explaining what a revised common lectionary is, or narrative lectionary or whatever is used. It might be explaining different parts of a service, such as what does the word prelude mean? What is a Benediction or sending forth? It might be a moment to talk about the timeline of a book in the Bible, or the different transliterations of the Bible. Perhaps it will explain the significance of the stole being worn. Maybe different kinds of spiritual practices or prayer forms might be shared. Maybe each team or committee might be on a rotation to share highlights of their work. If you collect up all the wisdom as it is shared, it might be added to an ongoing blog to help others get more familiar. Contributions might come from children or youth, from individuals in the community of faith, particular groups who may start with the name of the group, who they are, what they do, and highlights of current focus. You might put words on individual posts on a bulletin board and invite people to take one of interest and research it and do a write up of what it means. Maybe your worship service is already really full and this does not fit for worship but perhaps you could develop video moments to be part of announcements before or after worship, put on website or social media. Perhaps you will create a growing glossary of text entries, a handout or pamphlet, an entry in weekly written announcements or a special series. Perhaps you create a special event to share about what we think we need to know. Perhaps information might get added to newcomers or membership event, or you’ll put some essentials in a visitors package. We are always learning together. Contact me and let me know what ideas you have. 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.
Rural Ministries Town Halls Connecting Us Nationally and Regionally
Rural Ministries and Rural Town Halls Connect Us Nationally and Regionally
On CHURCHx (the United Church’s online learning platform), register for free here: Course: Rural Ministry Town Halls (churchx.ca)
Upcoming dates: Wednesday, September 25, 1-2:30 pm ET
Wednesday, November 27, 1-2:30 pm ET
Wednesday, January 22, 1-2:30 pm ET
Wednesday, March 26, 1-2:30 pm ET
Wednesday, May 28, 1-2:30 pm ET
*Please log on up to 30 minutes prior to the start of any meeting to have some social time!You can share information, updates and questions on CHURCHx between town halls.
Contact Bronwyn Corlett, Rural Ministry Coordinator,
bcorlett@united-church.ca416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781 | ext. 3022
“Faith in a Time of Genocide” – UNJPPI Conference
“Faith in a Time of Genocide” November 1-2, 2024 is the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI) national gathering in Toronto. There is a hotel room discount available until October 4th. Scholarships are available for students. People can also register for the pre-conference: a training on the Palestine Land Exercise. Please register here.
We have an exciting line of up of speakers and leaders for the conference, including Shadia Qabti, Tarek Al-Zoughbi, Ilan Pappé, Allison Tanner, Bailey Eastwood, Rabbi David Mivasair, Beisan Zubi and Ron Dart.
Profiles of the speakers and more information can be found here.
2025 United Church Calendars
The United Church bookstore is taking pre-orders for the 2025 United Church calendars. The cost is as follows:
An order of 10 or more the cost is $6.50 each tax included plus shipping
An order of less than 10 the cost is $6.75 each tax included plus shipping
There is a limited supply ordered so get your order in soon. To order contact Leona at llaundry@united-church.ca or call 1-800-268-3781, ext. 6141
KAIROS is a Greek word meaning an opportune time to act for justice: Join us!
KAIROS Halifax is related to KAIROS Canada uniting 10 Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). KAIROS educates and advocates for climate/ecological justice and for human rights locally and globally.
KAIROS has developed and leads groups in the “KAIROS Blanket Exercise”, an experiential learning method raising awareness of Canadian history from the Indigenous peoples’ perspective. Inspired by the Blanket Exercise, we’ve developed the “Palestine Land Exercise” which is experiential learning of a history seldom heard.
KAIROS Halifax meets monthly, on zoom. Join us! Contact Linda Scherzinger lindakseven@gmail.com
Invitation to Online Prayers Weekly Strengthening Invitation United In Prayer
Each Thursday at 12pm Eastern the Growth Department prays for and with communities of faith in our shared ministry of Strengthening Invitation.
Let us know how we can pray for your community of faith.
Are you planning a special service to invite your neighbours?
Are you reaching out to your neighbours through an event?
Are you asking hard or exciting questions about your future?
Join us and pray for others.
Send your prayer request to growth@united-church.ca (you can send a request even if you’re not attending)
Register to join us here.
Join the New Church Tech Best Practices Network
Come to discuss, share, bring questions and learn about tech for your community of faith. Discover what other communities of faith are doing? Does your community of faith use tech to improve sound, offer PowerPoint, share videos, connect with people via livestream, or Zoom, or record for later posting to your website or YouTube? Maybe you don’t use tech now, but are wondering if this is a possibility for you? Maybe your community of faith is doing something new and innovative, connecting with other communities of faith to share worship using technology. The new Church Tech Best Practices Network: Course: Church Tech Best Practices Network (churchx.ca) on CHURCHx is worth checking out. If you have questions, connect with Bronwyn Corlett in our growth department. You can email her at bcorlett@united-church.ca or contact your growth animator Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca
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
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.
To Hope and Act With Creation: Season of Creation 2024
Beloved Communities of Faith. Participating in the Season of Creation is a powerful spiritual way for churches to deepen their faith and connection with God’s creation. As we enter the Season of Creation, we are invited to embrace a profound journey of faith and stewardship. This sacred time offers us a unique opportunity to reflect on our role as caretakers of the Earth and to celebrate the beauty and diversity of God’s creation. In participating in this season, we align ourselves with the divine call to nurture and protect the world around us. It is a chance to renew our commitment to living in harmony with nature and to advocate for a more just and sustainable world. Let this be a season of awakening and action. Through prayer, education, and community initiatives, we can make a tangible difference. Each small step we take—whether it’s adopting more sustainable practices, supporting environmental justice, or simply spending time in nature—contributes to a greater tapestry of love and care for our planet. May our efforts be inspired by the beauty of creation and guided by a spirit of reverence and responsibility. As we come together in this season, let us celebrate the gift of the Earth and commit ourselves to being faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. With hearts full of hope and hands ready to act, let us journey through this Season of Creation with faith, purpose, and joy. [HOPE AND ACT WITH CREATION] is the theme for season of creation 2024. Click here to see resources from Kairos Canada.
Choir Gowns
The Musquodoboit Harbour Pastoral Charge – First United Church has 24 choir gowns (turquoise blue with blue & white scarf) to give to a congregation that could use them. Click here for photo of gowns. For more information, please email mhpc@eastlink.ca.
Camp Director Job Posting
Camp Quin-Mo-Lac, a United Church camp in southeastern Ontario, is seeking a full time, permanent Camp Director — someone who is excited to lead a hardworking and fun-loving team, make a positive difference in the lives of children and young adults, and continue making Camp Quin-Mo-Lac the best camp ever! The Camp Director oversees camp operations and programming throughout the year. For more information, please see the PDF attached or go to https://quin-mo-lac.org/camp-director-job-posting. The deadline for applying is October 14, 2024.
