NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)

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It’s Your Call – Podcast

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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.
To view upcoming events at the the Centre for Christian Studies please click here.

Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW) Committee Interest form.


Condolences – Rev. Elizabeth Davies

Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Elizabeth Davies, who passed away on September 29, 2024. An obituary can be found here.


Pastoral Relations Committee Announcements

  • Approved sabbatical request of March, April and May 2025 for Reverend Scott Stuart.
  • Approved the appointment of Candidate Huanyun (Julia) Ye to the Sackville Pastoral Charge effective September 1, 2024 to February 28, 2026.
  • Approved the closure of the Lorneville Pastoral Charge.
  • Approved the request for change in pastoral relations for Reverend Myles Vardy effective August 31, 2024.
  • Approved Mary Grant, Kirk Neville, Marion Langhus and Daniel Szemok, LLWLs for three (3) years

PEI Fall Gathering

There will be a gathering for clergy and lay people on October 29th at Central Queen’s United in Hunter River. The event will run from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM with a soup and biscuit lunch (cost of $15). We are pleased to welcome Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator as our guest presenter for the morning session. In the afternoon we will have breakout interest groups on the following themes: More time with Sharon, ThenLetUsSing with Louise Elder, Outdoor Ministry with Larry Hale and Intergenerational Ministry with Catherine Ann Dickson. Due to space, the event is open to clergy and two lay people per pastoral charge. To register email Tara Ann Gourson at: bidefordpc@gmail.com. Deadline to register is October 17th.


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. 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 $5 postage and handling or it is readily available, in several formats, from Amazon.ca. Register for this event by completing the form at: https://ucceast.ca/86920-discipleship-webinar-series.

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.

Register for this event at https://ucceast.ca/86920-discipleship-webinar-series


Joel Plaskett in Concert!

Thanks to a partnership with the Marigold Centre, First United Church in Truro is thrilled to be hosting the incredible Joel Plaskett on Thursday, November 7th at 7:30pm. Get your tickets early; seats are selling quickly, and are available at: https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/1618446160?aff=mcc


Urgent request for GLI action

The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail –
Nelson Mandela

To say the least, many of us were very disappointed with the defeat in Parliament of MP Leah Gazan’s private members’ Bill 223 that would have implemented a national framework for a guaranteed livable income in Canada. The defeat of the motion prevented it from going to the parliamentary committee study stage. The quote from Mandela above is the reminder that failure should not be the end but the chance to rise again and redirect our focus.

Presently, there is a P.E I. 5-7 year Guaranteed Basic Income Demonstration Project that needs our support. Specifically, the Federal Provincial Working Group for the project is currently studying the data and administrative structure, and investigating how the Project may be moved forward. It is critical at this stage that the Working Group remains committed and that it has the Federal funding in the 2025 Budget to continue.

Marie Burge who has been a member of the PEI working group since 2019, is urging all people in Atlantic Canada, post Bill 233, to do all we can to ensure the Working Group continues. She is urging us to do the following:
1. Send a letter to your MP, asking them to raise a question in the House of Commons about the status of the Federal/PEI Working group. Marie provides a draft letter which you can personalize when addressing your own MP. https://basicincomecoalition.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Letter-to-your-MP-PEI-Aug-30-2024.pdf

2. Send a letter to Minister Jenna Sudds, asking her to send a request to the Finance Minister to include the Federal/PEI Working Group in the 2025 Budget. Here is a draft letter: https://basicincomecoalition.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Letter-to-Minister-Sudds-August-30-2024.pdf

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Hallett Llewellyn (hallettllewellyn@gmail.com); Karen MacKay Llewellyn (mackayllewellyn@bellalaint.net); Rose- Hannah Gaskin (rosehannah.gaskin@gmail.com)

Please note: the Honourable Jenna Sudds is Federal Minister of Family, Children and Social Development. Minister Sudds made a commitment initially to collaborate on the PEI project. Also, when writing your letters try to personalize them as much as possible as form letters tend to be dismissed by MPs.

Thank you in advance for responding to this request as soon as possible.
Hal Llewellyn, Karen MacKay Llewellyn (GLI Co-ordinators for Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region)Rose-Hannah Gaskin (GLI Co-ordinator for Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region)


One Day’s Pay — Truth Then Reconciliation

We started as a small group of friends and colleagues, both settlers and newcomers, who wanted to do more than reflect on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – we wanted to act. We knew we were not alone in this. We have started the One Day’s Pay campaign to actively support Indigenous Non-profits across the land.

Please join us by donating one day’s pay or donating what you can to Women of First Light in eastern Canada to share native spirituality and traditional teachings. Their purpose is to heal their communities, families and society by remembering and returning to the the traditional ways of our ancestors.

https://www.womenoffirstlight.com/contact-8


Rural Routes Through the Holy: 2025 Save the Date

Text reads "Save the Date! Rural Routes Through the Holy 2025. June 12-14, 2025, Sackville, New Brunswick

We think the word’s out by now but just in case it’s not, Rural Routes Through the Holy is an annual three-day gathering of those in rural congregations (lay and clergy) for worship, learning, conversation, the sharing of resources, ideas and lots of good food. It’s a time for rest, relationship and renewal. You can read more here. We’ll have lots more information available in November. If you have questions you can email ruralroutesatlantic@gmail.com.


Message from Regional President

Hello all/Bonjour à tous,

As Canadians we celebrated the national day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. And what an array of events available to us across the country!

I learned of two books recently, both written by white women of the United Church, about their astonishing personal journeys towards understanding and reconciliation with our Indigenous siblings.

I attended a private launch in PEI of the book “Crossing the River: An Unsettling Memoir” by Sandra Hayes-Gardiner. She writes “How can I write a book about something that I will never finish? Recovering from white domination is like that. It all begins, because every story must begin somewhere, in The Pas, Manitoba, on Treaty 5 land…In my early years I knew nothing of the land where I was born and raised…There is one thing I can tell you for certain. Racism shaped my life; the getting into it and the getting out of it. And I am not yet out of it.”

Another book brought to my attention is “North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner”. Marie Wilson tells the story of the TRC from the perspective of the only non-Indigenous woman on the committee. In it she honours the voices of survivors who have called Canada to attention, determined to heal, reclaim and thrive.

Before closing, I wish to acknowledge an error I made in my last message: David-Roger Gagnon, whose covenanting service I attended in September, is currently in the Supervised Ministry Education program, and on track to become a lay minister (and not working towards ordination). My apologies.

Please send me your choir photos and Mission and Service initiatives for our regional Facebook page, and continue to inform me of ministry personnel retirements throughout FSLDW (susalemaistre@gmail.com).

In faith/avec foi,

Sue


Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon

Do you have big Sundays? Really big Sundays? Of course you do, Easter! Christmas! What about other big invitational Sundays you can create that help people of all ages know they belong and that your community of faith is a good fit for them? Sports enthusiasts, create a Jersey Sunday Invite people of all ages to show their love of sports. Perhaps host a guest speaker who is a locally well known sports figure. If you are a hockey town, arrange a community skate at a local arena. How about a Super Sweet Sunday near Hallowe’en inviting people to share treats together. Perhaps host a pumpkin carving party on the Saturday before and have some friendly fun, with or without costumes and a potluck meal. Social Sundae Sunday might engage community in another form of sweet treats! Is there a popular something in your area, a business, an event, a local hero or happening that is recognized. Make it a big Sunday building on the theme. One church hosts a winter theme coinciding with the area’s polar plunge and winter carnival. Perhaps your community are big readers, make it a book lovers Big Sunday (perhaps close to January 27 family literacy day) inviting people to bring a favourite book, maybe even dress up as a character, author or in theme of the book. Movie goers might like a movie Mania. Share a favourite movie title. Perhaps movie messages, that invite a special series of movie watching and reflecting. Maybe a cultural cuisine makes sense in your context, create a food fiesta of feasting fun! A community of faith creates four big “inviteable Sundays” outside of Christmas and Easter services and encourage their people to think of at least two where they commit to invite someone to church. One person commented: “If Jesus used simple elements like turning water into wine and feeding people with bread and fish to connect with them, then churches can also use creative and fun events to draw people in. Take a risk and do something that may make you a little uncomfortable and see what happens. You won’t see different results if you just keep repeating what you’ve always done.” Some communities of faith engage in other big, invitational events in which they gift the community with a free service and support, such as distributions of back to school items, or helping a local shelter or food bank with supplies, helping hands to serve a public meal, giving collections such as hats, mitts, socks, winterwear, blessing bags with personal care items, helpful holidays wrapping gifts for people, or assisting with shopping. Honour all-ages and think about how you strengthen invitation, increasing welcome and belonging for all. 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.


Stewardship Update – October 2024

Please click here to read the Stewardship update for October.


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/


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.


 

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