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.
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.
Closure of (Kennetcook) St. Paul’s United Church, North Noel Road, NS
It is with regret that we are closing our church, and will amalgamate with Noel United Church. On September 22, 2024 the parish of Kennetcook St. Paul’s will hold its final service at St. Paul’s United Church, #4 Old Highway 314, North Noel Road at 6:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
Did you visit any new spaces this summer and wonder how to find specific locations inside buildings? It is stressful and it does not create a positive first impression when we are unsure of where to go. Help create clear signage and information packages for your visitors in your community of faith.
Creating inclusive signage for churches is a wonderful way to ensure everyone feels welcome, that they belong and are valued. Be aware of multilanguage demographics. Include greetings in multiple languages spoken by your congregation and community. Clearly mark the entrances and exits to help guide traffic flow. If certain doors are used, make it clear and provide clarity if accessible entry is through an alternative door and how to get there. Use signs to display service times and upcoming events. Update all signage regularly. Ensure all important directions (e.g., restrooms, all gender and family restrooms, sanctuary, exits, fellowship spaces, kitchen, Sunday School spaces, offices, choir room, quiet space, special drop off locations for things being gathered, libraries, stairways are clearly identified. A single sign outside the restroom for example won’t necessarily help people get there. Use signs to indicate accessible routes, ramps, and elevators and lifts. Use clear and respectful symbols and language to indicate all-gender restrooms. Signage for family restrooms can also be inclusive, indicating facilities for parents with children. Don’t place change tables only in a women’s restroom for example. Ensure signs are easy to read with high contrast colors and large, clear fonts. Use universally recognized icons to aid understanding. Label the doors, cupboards and closets as appropriate, even if simply to indicate “private” for spaces not open to all. Display messages that explicitly state the church’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. If affirming, ensure that is clearly identified. Showcase images and stories from diverse members of the congregation. When serving refreshments, label items so diversity of needs is respectful and clear. For special events, create temporary signs that cater to the specific needs of attendees. Consider creating a virtual tour available on your website and social media. Explore ways to ensure directions of what to expect in worship or other gatherings is as clear as possible and communicated a number of ways such as PowerPoint, bulletin, information packages, spoken by greeters and leaders. Ensure everyone has a name tag and pronouns are indicated. Implementing these practices can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who visits your church. Do you have any specific needs or ideas in mind for your church’s signage? Share them with me. 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 – September 2024
Please click here to read the Stewardship update for September.
Diversity: How can our Churches be radical, intentional welcoming & inclusive in today’s global village
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
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. For all lay people and clergy.
If you are in the Moncton area, please join us.
To register, email Sharon Ballantyne at sballantyne@united-church.ca or give her a call at 705 875-8837.
We hope to see you there!
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
Continuing Education Opportunity – Introduction to Postcolonial Theology
Rev. Oliver Dingwell (Cowan Heights United Church, St. John’s, NL) will be teaching a course entitled “An Introduction to Postcolonial Theology” at Queen’s College (Memorial University of Newfoundland) during the Fall 2024 semester. The class will meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (NL time) beginning Monday, September 9.
It is possible to register for this course as a continuing education opportunity, and the course will be offered in a hybrid format so you can join either in-person in St. John’s or via Zoom from anywhere around the world. The cost is $350 for the full course, or $175 to join as a course auditor.
For more information, please contact Oliver at odingwell@cowanheightsunited.ca. To register for the course or to get more information about Queen’s College, you can email queens@mun.ca or call (709) 753-0116.
North Highlands Pastoral Charge Seeking
We are seeking a minister..ordained, DLM or Student Minister..to journey with us along the beautiful and world famous Cabot Trail. We three churches are small but mighty and invite you to share your faith journey with us. We even have a manse for you to live in!!! Check out our profile on the Church Hub. Our search is now listed. We look forward to hearing from you.
Windsor Nova Scotia Seeking
We are actively seeking a minister to join our journey of faith.
Windsor United Church is a meeting place for Christian fellowship, a place of worship and service, and a celebration of life. We have a strong and active faith community with a vibrancy as the congregation participates in the many activities to achieve their role of having a positive impact on each other and the life of our community. We seek to make a difference in our community and the world! Windsor United is embracing the challenge of the times and seeking a dynamic and visionary leader and spiritual advisor to join us and to guide us on our journey.
Where we live in the beautiful Annapolis Valley has much to offer and has easy access to Metro and the airport .
Please check out our profile and position on ChurchHub. If you like, contact us directly at WUC_searchteam@outlook.com to express your interest.
Answer the Call in Beautiful PEI – FT Minister for Single Point Charge
Searching for a full time Ministry Personnel position to join us. We are an accepting and welcoming, multi-generational community of faith in rural Prince Edward Island. St. Andrew’s United Church is a single-point charge located in Vernon Bridge, centered between two growing towns: Stratford and Montague. The work we do at St. Andrew’s is connected to our Christian faith. We believe that as we work to connect the Church and our Christian values to the surrounding communities and the people within them, we are acting as disciples of Christ by making it a place where all people can come together to join in worship and prayer. Our attitude of acceptance and neighbourly conduct is a pillar in the way we worship. All are welcome in our church. Find our advertisement in Church Hub, email the search committee for our Community of Faith Profile saintandrewssc2024@gmail.com or view our facebook profile.
Atlantic School of Discipleship Open for Registration
Deepen your discipleship this tear with the Atlantic School of Theology’s “School of Discipleship”. Learn from AST’s world-class faculty. Build community with other learners. Explore your calling as a follower of Jesus. A great opportunity for adult faith formation in congregations!
Group (leader + four participants) and individual registration possible.
New topics each month.
Questions? discipleship@astheology.ns.ca
We are moving – do you need anything
St. Paul’s United in Fredericton is moving out of our building. Like all moves, we have identified some excess resources and other congregational property that we will not need. Our preference is that this will go to other United Church Congregations. So siblings in faith, we encourage you to take a look through our inventory and let us know if your ministry could use any of these resources, by September 20th at the latest. To be connected with our property donation team contact our church office at stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
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.
