NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)
Submission Request for Weekly Announcements
www.ucceast.ca
Staff Directory
Emergency Response Memos for Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW)
It’s Your Call – Podcast
Spark 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.
To view upcoming events at the the Centre for Christian Studies please click here.
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW) Committee Interest form.
Dear Regional Council Members,
The General Council has implemented a new phone system, the exciting news, is that we are able to have our own direct phone numbers and outgoing messages.
We are introducing new phone numbers for all staff in the three eastern regions: First Dawn Eastern Edge, Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters, and Bermuda-Nova Scotia. While the new numbers are currently live, the formal change over will occur on January 21st, 2025. Until then the Mitel System and the new system can be used and messages can be retrieved. However, after January 21st, only the new numbers and message service will be operating,
For a copy of the directory, please see the link.
Condolences – Rev. Thomas G. Whent
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Thomas G. Whent who passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025. He was ordained by the Maritime Conference, the United Church, Canada, in 1965, Tommey served the church in the North Bedque Pastoral Charge, Freetown, and Lot 16, in PEI, St. Andrew’s United Church, Sydney, Blacketts Lake United Church, Blacketts Lake and Westmount United Church, Westmount, prior to becoming Chaplain at the Cove Guest Home, Sydney. Tommey served on many boards, organizations and committees over the years. In his 70s he finished and received his Doctorate in Ministry. His obituary can be viewed here.
UCW Centennial Service
Dear Regional Council Communities of Faith,
United Church Women Leading the Way!
United Church Women (UCW) have been preparing for the centennial commemorations. They have prepared a worship service that they are offering to lead in your Pastoral Charges and they have named March 2nd, 2025 as the date to host their service. For many communities of faith, your first centennial event may be March 2nd, with worship led by United Church Women (UCW). UCW’s across Canada are dedicating that Sunday to remembering the faithful and dedicated service of women’s organizations throughout the past 100 years of the church’s life. More information about the UCW and resources for the service itself may be found at: https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/being-community/united-church-women-ucw
We encourage you to support your UCW in this wonderful offering to the church!!
Thank you to our UCW for your ministry.
President’s Greetings from Costa Rica
Hello/Bonjour,
Yes, my family and I are on vacation enjoying the amazing flora and fauna of Costs Rica. I’m almost embarrassed to write this, as apparently our Region has had lots of snow and cold weather…
However, I just had to share our first experience on arrival. At the entrance to our B&B hotel was the nativity scene in the attached photo. What a welcome!
Our host explained that the tradition for Roman Catholics here is to leave the crèche in place until “sometime in January”. Then, the extended family gathers to share a meal and lovingly put away the animals, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the cradle until next Season. They also remove the other Christmas ornaments.
It occurred to me that this is a beautiful custom and so meaningful compared to the way we Canadians tend to hurriedly “put away” Christmas. It is also a reminder of how widespread Christianity is in our world, and of how the Holy Spirit moves through the hearts and souls of so many.
In faith/Avec foi,
Sue
Susalemaistre@gmail.com
VACANCY: Minister’s Position Quispamsis United Church
Quispamsis Pastoral Charge searching for a Minister three quarter to full time (40 hours per week) to start as soon as practical.
Region is Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters
Quispamsis is located just outside Saint John, N.B.
QUC is looking for both worship and strategic leadership. Worship will continue to be first with us, but we recognize we must discern our future and will need guidance. More detail is provided in the Position Description and our recent Faith Profile, both of which are on ChurchHub.
It Didn’t Start on October 7 – A Webinar
This webinar featuring Philip Sherwood will walk participants through the historic origins of the problems faced by Palestinians. Here is an opportunity to learn more.
Please click here to register.
Or you can get more information by clicking here!
A Tale of Two Gatherings: FSLDW AGM and Shared Centennial Celebration – Save The Dates!
The Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region will hold its Annual General Meeting virtually on Saturday, May 24, starting at 8:30 AM. This online gathering is an important time to reflect, consider the budget for 2026, plan for the year ahead. There will be a pre-meeting informational webinar held on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 PM. Links for both of these meetings will be sent out in the weeks prior to all who have registered. On the following weekend of May 30, join us in person as the Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region and the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region come together to celebrate 100 years of The United Church of Canada! This special shared event will take place from Friday, May 30 to Sunday June 1 in Sackville, NB. Start time and registration for this celebration will be in these announcements in the coming months. We look forward to connecting with you at one or both of these events! Please visit the Annual General Meeting webpage regularly for registration and meeting information.
Annual Pastoral Charge Information Form 2025
To improve the speed and accuracy of communication between FSLDW Regional staff, committees and our pastoral charges we are asking each pastoral charge to complete and submit the Annual Pastoral Charge Information Form (click here) as soon as possible after your 2025 annual meeting. This updates the Region with the names and contact information of your current leadership and regional council representatives.
The form is fillable online but can be printed and mailed or faxed if the individual designated to complete the form does not have internet access. Any paper copies may be mailed to the Regional Office at 21 Wright Street, Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 or faxed to 506-536-2900. Any questions you may have about the form can be directed to Seyi Adeyemo, FSLDW Communications and Office Administrator, at sadeyemo@united-church.ca or 1-506-306-0494.
Check our Region’s Affirm Committee Facebook Page
Friends, while scrolling through Facebook, we invite you to check out the “Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region Affirm Committee“ page. You’ll find links to current events, thought-provoking videos, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. It’s also a great space to share your thoughts on various issues or to spread the word about important topics. If you have something you’d like us to post, just send a message to our administrators—we’d love to hear from you!
Regional Council Governance Evaluation Update January 22, 2025.
It’s over to you communities of faith, regional council members and those involved in the governance of Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council (FSLDW). It’s time for you to have your say about whether FSLDW is living into its potential in enhancing call and ministry in building relationship with communities of faith and faith leaders.
Communities of faith were provided the link to the survey evaluating the governance of FSLDW through direct email sent on Friday. Remember this is for your whole Board/Council to meet, discuss and complete before March 15, 2025.
Earlier this week the other 3 surveys were sent out directly. There is a survey for all ministry personnel to complete by February 24, one for community of faith representatives to the regional council to complete by February 24, and one for those involved in the regional council governance to complete by February 10. Some of you will have more than one to complete as you bring your personal perspective or your perspective from serving on a Committee/Executive. Thank you for the thought and time you put into providing me and the regional council helpful feedback about the effectiveness and impact of the FSLDW governance structure.
If you have not received the email providing the link to any of these, please contact Seyi Adeyemo (sadeyemo@united-church.ca).
Please note that a denomination-wide evaluation of structural change is underway separate from this effort. As much as possible, we are coordinating our efforts including sharing survey data.
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
How are you addressing those what if possibilities to keep your church vibrant, energized, animated and growing? What if your key leadership were to leave? Think of the “go to” people who take the lead, organizing, knowing where things are, how things are done and when, who they recruit? Whether you imagine life without a minister, the current chair, the organizers of fundraisers, the coordinators of outreach, the lead for the worship team, your stewardship enthusiast, … whoever it is, we need to be working together, so that all your key people know that if their circumstances change, others in the community of faith are well informed, well equipped and can carry on?
Invite everyone to be involved. Develop a how to, or “Guide 101” and keep looking for ways to energize new people to come share their talents, innovative ideas and to make a difference. How might community partners also be invited to get involved as you support and encourage other’s. Don’t wait for a “what if …”. Plan, be organized and knowledgeable to keep the life and work of your community of faith vibrant.
Likewise, if there does not seem to be much happening in your context, pull together some people and imagine a “what if” in which you work together and start a new thing! Let’s get growth animated together.
Call Sharon at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca as together, we keep being bold, deep and daring!
Come Join Us in Prayer Each Thursday on Zoom
We all can use a little prayer.
Join the weekly prayer for our United Church on Zoom Thursdays at noon EST (1:00 Atlantic, 1:30 NL)
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
Do to show your care? Would you like some additional time to share your story and reflect on your situation? Get growth animated by calling Sharon at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca as together, we keep being bold, deep and daring!
