NEWS AND UPDATES FROM BERMUDA-NOVA SCOTIA REGIONAL COUNCIL
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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.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Committee Volunteer form.
Open House at Wentworth United
The congregation of Wentworth United, in partnership with United Property Resource Corporation, has been re-developing their church building into two affordable-housing apartments. Occupancy is expected this autumn.
The congregation is hosting an Open House on Saturday 24 August from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (speeches and remarks at 3:00) to allow members of the community to view the apartments and to help us celebrate the achievement. All are welcome.
Covenanting Service for Rev. Pieter le Roux & United Heritage Church
A Covenanting Service between United Heritage Pastoral Charge, Bermuda Nova Scotia Regional Council and Rev. Pieter le Roux will take place on Sunday, September 8th, 2024 at 6:30pm at United Heritage Church, 500 Charlotte Street, Sydney, NS. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Emily Duggan of Louisbourg Pastoral Charge. A time of fellowship will follow in the church hall. All are invited to come and join us for this special service of faith and celebration. Hope to see you there!
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
Thinking about a discussion group this fall? Why not use articles as topics for discussion? Consider Broadview or other media. Adapt or design your own generic questions. With a question base, it is easy for everyone to facilitate a discussion group. Consider meeting in a public space that might include others in the community, such as a local coffee shop, restaurant, local library, community centre or other creative locations to gather in your area. Perhaps create an ecumenical group, inviting other churches to participate. A community of faith meets weekly and has the following set of questions as their conversation starters.: Tell me what first captured your interest in this article? What did you hear in this article?
Was there a particular word or phrase, statement or idea that intrigued, affirmed or annoyed you?
What did you think about the article?
What can you affirm in this article?
What is something new or that sticks out for you?
Who is in this article? Who is the author? What does that suggest? Are there voices missing? Whose? What might they say?
Is there anything you are unsure of? Wish to dispute, or see differently? Is there anything in this article that contradicts something you believe or value?
What is the main message or theme of this article? Do you agree with its conclusions? Why or why not?
How do they substantiate their findings?
Read for growth – Was there anything in this article that strengthens your faith, or encourages you to learn more?
What one question would you be ready and willing to answer/ subject could you speak on from this article?
What question/subject would you avoid or be reluctant to answer/speak about?
What does this have to do with your life? Your faith? The church?
What scripture verses or stories come to mind as you read this article?
Why is this important – or not? Adapt for any sort of media from a book to movie review to podcasts and journals. Let me know your creative uses and adaptations. 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
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – August 2024
- Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Linda Marcotte with Orchard Valley United Church, 30 hours/week, August 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
- Approved the extension of Supply Appointment of Tom Woods with Knox United Church, Lower Sackville, full time, until July 31, 2024.
- Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Peter Anthony, retired, with Port Mouton Pastoral Charge, 12 hours/week, July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
- Approved the Call of Kim Curlett to Bridgewater United Church, full time, effective October 1, 2024. Janet Sollows, Liaison.
- Approved the Appointment of Sam Graham, Candidate, with Hopewell Eureka East River Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025. Jack Canning, Liaison.
- Approved the Call of Neil McEwen with the collaborative ministry of Bridgewater United Church and Lahave New Dublin Pastoral Charge, full time, effective September 1, 2024. Janet Sollows, Liaison.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Valerie Taylor, retired, with Windsor United Church, 30 hours/week, October 1 to December 31, 2024.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Martha Martin, retired, with Bethany United Church, Halifax, 30 hours/week, July 29, 2024 to July 30, 2025.
- Approved the Call of Beth Hayward with Bedford United Church, full time, effective September 1, 2024.
- Approved the Profile and position description for North Highlands Pastoral Charge, and authorized Search. Donnie Morrison, Liaison.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of St. Paul’s United Church, Kennetcook, with Natalie Buchanan-Rutherford, effective September 30, 2024.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of Beth Hayward with Fort Massey United Church, Halifax, effective August 31, 2024.
- Next meeting: Friday, September 20, 2024. dhewitt@united-church.ca
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
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.
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.
