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 – Rev. Dr. Malcolm Colin Grant
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Dr. Malcolm Colin Grant who passed away on July 25, 2024. An obituary can be found here.
Obituary for Scott Martin
Please click here to read an obituary for Scott Martin, father of Max Martin, who passed away on July 24, 2024.
Noel Pastoral Charge 150th Anniversary Celebration
This year we are celebrating 150 years of ministry at Noel United Church.
To celebrate we are planning two services on August 4, 2024. The first is at our regular service time of 10:30am. We will welcome a former minister as a guest speaker with a pot luck meal to follow. We will also celebrate at 7:00pm with a historical presentation recalling the many changes over the years. Lunch provided afterward.
Everyone welcome to help celebrate
Please RSVP to:
Betty Miller, Chair of Anniversary Committee
5784 Highway 215 Noel Shore NS B0N 1T0
Email: betty.miller@ns.sympatico.ca
Decommissioning Service for Valley-Greenfield United Church
All are warmly invited to join us at Valley- Greenfield United Church, 110 Salmon River Rd., Valley, NS, for our decommissioning service this Sunday, August 4, at 7 PM. Rev. Carolyn Wilson-Wynn will be our guest speaker. A reception will follow.
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
I was at a worship service recently that saw more than a dozen United Churches come together for a service held, fittingly, in a historic Pioneer village as they commemorated the 99th birthday of the United Church of Canada. They are making plans for the hundredth wondering if they will need to rent a local memorial centre. Commemorating the centennial, consider applying for centennial grants. The United Church Foundations Seeds of Hope grant applications are also coming up, due by October 15. 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. Repeatedly communities of faith are reporting when they have gotten past their fears and worries about money and become open to community partners, new ways to revitalize and energize, new possibilities keep emerging. Volunteers, visitors, one shared idea leading to more new ideas and hope growing! The United Church Foundation may have grants to help. So, granting this round are the Rowntree Scholarship, Alvin Dixon Memorial Bursary, Promotion Project Fund, and don’t forget about the “United, we,” new dedicated trust-based granting stream! In each of the next two years (2024 and 2025), up to $100,000 will be available through ‘United, we’ to support impactful existing work at United Church organizations and partners who otherwise would not qualify for funding through current granting programs. The Promotion Project Fund will provide grants of up to $10,000 to support congregations in their marketing efforts as they seek to attract members, promote their vital ministries, and retain a strong community presence. Give the United Church Foundation a call 1-866-340-8223 or email grants@united-church.ca to explore possibilities. Don’t forget to explore federal, provincial and municipal grants and support that comes through your surrounding community. 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.
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.
Reminder of Care from your Clergy Assoc. and The Retiree’s Support
A friendly reminder to all members of Bermuda/Nova Scotia Regional Council that we are the Church and as such we need to care for our members especially in times of illness, difficulties, and grief. As chaplain for the Association of United Church Clergy, I endeavour to reach out whenever I hear of such times but as in congregational life, if we don’t know of such times, people can get overlooked. So this notice is to remind us ALL to email me if you know of anyone who might need a note, a call, or even a visit. Also this applies to not only members of the aUCC but to all clergy and retired clergy. In the case of retired clergy, it would be appreciated if you would reach out to Rev. Stephen Mills as the chair of the Regional Retirement Support Committee.
Our contacts are: Rev. Gloria Churchill gloriaechurchill@gmail.com
Rev. Stephen Mills jogginsboy@yahoo.ca
United Church Bookstore
The United Church Bookstore is taking pre- orders for the following
2025 Abingdon Preaching Annual
2025 Abingdon Worship Annual
The cost of the books are $42.95 tax included.
To place an order contact Leona at llaundry@united-church.ca or 1.800-268-3781, ext. 6141
The United Church of Canada Foundation’s Fall 2024 grant round is now open!
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. Learn more: http://unitedchurchfoundation.ca/grants/seeds-of-hope/
3 New United Church of Canada Foundation Grant Opportunities
The United Church of Canada Foundation is thrilled to announce 3 exciting new grant programs that will commence this Fall!
United, we
Introducing a huge boost to our trust-based granting program: “United, we”, our new dedicated trust-based granting stream!
In each of the next two years (2024 and 2025), up to $100,000 will be available through ‘United, we’ to support impactful existing work at United Church organizations and partners who otherwise would not qualify for funding through current granting programs.
Centennial Granting Fund
As we approach the United Church of Canada Centennial, many communities of faith will be eager to hold services and activities in celebration. This program will provide funding for events marking the milestone, emphasizing the importance of uniting to commemorate this historic achievement.
Communities of faith and other organizations planning special events to commemorate the Centennial can apply for grants of up to $5,000.
Promotion Project Fund
Owing to the generosity and creativity of a Foundation donor, this program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to support congregations in their marketing efforts as they seek to attract members, promote their vital ministries, and retain a strong community presence.
Learn more and apply now: https://unitedchurchfoundation.ca/united-church-of-canada-foundation-new-grant-programs/
