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. To view upcoming events at the the Centre for Christian Studies please click here. Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Committee Volunteer form.
Condolences: Brian Ralph Cameron
Our condolences are extended to the family of Anne Cameron, whose husband, Brian Ralph Cameron, passed away on March 5, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Annual Meeting Registration is Open
Registration is open for the online business annual meeting and in-person gathering. Please read the memo sent from the Executive Minister. Visit the annual meeting webpages regularly for the latest updates and information on the upcoming online business meeting and in-person gathering. Please note that the MTA number noted in the above memo is incorrect. The correct number for MTA Conferences is 506-364-2247.
Note: MTA has just added an additional meal package option (Friday lunch and supper, and Saturday lunch and supper). This can be purchased through the MTA link noted in their letter.
Online Business Annual Meeting Information Webinar
Please click here to view the updated memo from the Executive Minister, Rev. Faith March-MacCuish, that provides information on the Online Business Annual Meeting, including webinar dates/times.
Forms Related to Retirees and Jubilarians
Please click here for a memo from Faith March-MacCuish, Executive Minister, with information regarding forms related to Retirees and Jubilarians.
Youth @ Region 2025!
Calling all Youth, between grades 6-12! Registration is now open for Youth@Region!
Y@R is a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between grade 6 and grade 12, meet from across Bermuda, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the Gaspe. It will take place during the Centennial Gathering of Bermuda-Nova Scotia and Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Councils at Mount Allison University, Sackville NB.
The group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community for youth in the name of Christ. We provide a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community.
We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, please email Catherine Stuart
Register here!
Windsor United Church Covenanting Service
Covenanting Service, Windsor, NS
The congregation of Windsor United Church extends a warm welcome to friends in faith to celebrate with us in the Covenanting Service between the Reverend Chris Matheson and Windsor United Church Pastoral Charge. Holy Communion will be celebrated. This special service of commitment and celebration will be held on Sunday April 6th, at 2:30pm. Fellowship and refreshments to follow in the Church Annex.
RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary.
Windsor United Church, 613 King Street, Windsor NS, B0N2T0
windsorunited@ns.sympatico.ca
902-798-2667
Executive Minutes
The draft minutes from the March 13, 2025 Executive meeting are now available on the BNS website.
United Church of Canada 100th Anniversary Postcard Project
Hello United Church Friends and greetings from Gilmore Park United Church in Richmond BC. Our committee is starting “phase two” of the very successful “UCC 100th Anniversary Postcard Project”, initially put forward by Agassiz United in British Columbia.
We hope to find an additional 30 congregations who would all love to receive postcards from UC’s across Canada and use these as part of their festive decor to celebrate the UCC’s 100th Anniversary.
Please click here for a full detailed explanation of the project.
Centennial Service for use in Communities of Faith
The Centennial Worship service was written by Rev. Penny Nelson of Bermuda-Nova Scotia and Rev. Michelle Armstrong of Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters. This service is now posted on the national website to help in your planning your Anniversary Sunday celebration. We hope you are blessed by this work.
You will find the service: Northern Lights: A Centennial Worship Service for the Wider Church. On the Centennial Worship page.
REMINDER: Annual Pastoral Charge Information Form 2025
To improve the speed and accuracy of communication between BNS 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, Communications and Office Administrator, at sadeyemo@united-church.ca or 1-506-306-0494.
Communities of Faith Annual Reports
It’s that time of year again where we request your Annual Reports. Please email when they are available (electronic files are preferred) to your Regional Council using the following email:
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council: Info4RC15@united-church.ca
If you are unable to submit by email please mail one copy of your report to:
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council
21 Wright Street
Sackville, NB E4L 4P8
Webinar – In Peace and Friendship (Calls to the Church- Next steps together)
April 17 2:00-4:00pm (Atlantic); 2:30-4:30pm (Newfoundland)
Centre for Ethical Land Transition with Women of First Light and Tatamagouche Centre
Tatamagouche Centre was first approached by Indigenous people to work together around racism and exclusion of Indigenous people over 25 years ago. The United Church of Canada (UCC) has consistently shown leadership on Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. The UCC was one of the first to apologize to Indigenous peoples for colonization in 1986 and Residential schools shortly thereafter. Tatamagouche Centre has played a key role in that bold leadership. It has been a long journey of friendship, harm, repair.
This is an opportunity for UCC leaders, Ministries, Pastoral Charges and friends to step into Treaty responsibility, justice and faith grounded in love and spirit. We have invited land justice facilitators from Centre for Ethical Land Transition to share their insights from other “reparative land” initiatives, particularly how settlers of faith can step into their sacred roles and meet this moment.
Click HERE to register now for this webinar.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We’ve got your sermon for Camping Sunday!
Camping Sunday is the Sunday after Easter this year, and we’ve got you covered! With help from the UCCFoundation, Pine Hill Divinity Hall and our Regional CYYA, Rev. Katie Aven has created a professional quality, 15 minute video sermon that lifts up the amazing ministries of the three camps in our region.
Interested in having a representative from camp worship with your congregation? Camp staff and volunteers bring their energy and enthusiasm, answer questions and build bridges between communities of faith and our incredible camping ministry! Be in touch with Rev. Katie Aven if you’d like to explore having a camp representative in your service on April 27.
This video will be made available in early April, and can be used together with Camping Sunday resources found on the United Church website. Keep your eyes open for the video drop!
Availability of Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (L.L.W.L.)
Ministry Personnel and Communities of Faith: Are you looking for someone to lead Worship while your Ministry Personnel is on vacation, study leave, sabbatical? Or perhaps at the present time you are searching for a new minister? Licensed Lay Worship Leaders are available to provide Pulpit Supply. In case you are not aware here is the link for the License Lay Worship Leaders that are available in our Region. If you have considered becoming a Licensed Lay Worship Leader for our Bermuda and Nova Scotia Region, please be in touch with the chairperson, Joan Griffin or secretary, Jim Webber-Cook to inquire about the process. Joan Griffin may be reached at joanbgriffin@hotmail.com or 902-891-0556, Jim Webber-Cook may be reached at jimwebbercook@hotmail.com or 902-752-3766.
“Earth Week 2025: Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025”
Eco-Justice Working Group.
Dear Beloved Church Family,
As we celebrate Earth Week this year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the profound responsibility we have as stewards of God’s magnificent creation. From the tiniest seed to the tallest tree, from the vast oceans to the majestic mountains, God has entrusted us with the care of this beautiful planet. Let’s unite in action. Our faith calls us not just to speak of compassion but to live it, and one of the most powerful ways we can show love for our Creator is by caring for the Earth He has given us. Let us share our activities with the wider church from coast to coast to coast.
Please click here to view more information on the ” Earth Week 2025″.
United Churches Are Going Green! Host or Attend a Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tour!
The United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints program has funded green renovations for more than 285 United Church buildings nationwide, supporting communities of faith to become more energy-efficient and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
As part of the 100+ United Church of Canada’s events in Together For the Love of Creation Earth Week 2025 (April 20-27, 2025), the Faithful Footprints program is calling past and current program participants to host in-person retrofit tours. The tours provide the opportunity for communities of faith to celebrate the building upgrades they have achieved thanks to the support of UCCan’s one-of-a-kind retrofit grant program as well as a chance for others to get a closer look at the renovations. Inspire others by sharing your experience, lessons learned, as well as the positive impact your project has had on your community.
Learn more, sign up to host a tour, and find details on upcoming tours near you.
Faithful Footprint Atlantic Roadshow – Sackville NB
After a very successful first event at Carman United in Unama’ki Cape Breton last weekend, we will be in Sackville United Church, 110 Main Street, Sackville in New Brunswick at on April 5th from 12pm to 2pm
All are invited to attend and hear stories directly from the congregation on how they proceeded with their energy retrofit as well as learn more about the Faithful Footprint program, take a building tour, and ask any questions that you have about the grant and energy retrofits. Light snacks, coffee and tea will be served.
The Ecology Action Centre is doing a Roadshow across the Maritimes in the next 2 months to celebrate the many Atlantic churches who took part in the Faithful Footprint program and encourage other United Churches to apply for the grant. Our next stops are Montague PEI on April 12th, Charlottetown on April 13th, Lunenburg on April 27th, Dartmouth May 11th. The Faithful Footprint program is a grant program by the United Church to encourage United Churches to retrofit their buildings and help them to be more energy efficient and get off oil.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Shreetee at shreetee.appadu@ecologyaction.ca or 902-429-2202 ext 152
Rural Routes Through the Holy 2025 June 12 -14, Sackville NB
Rural Routes Through the Holy has its usual beautiful mix of things to enliven and encourage those of you touching or touched by Rural Ministry. Are you a lay person looking for others with similar stories, similar laments and longing? Are you in paid accountable leadership looking for a time to be in conversation with a wider community of lay folks? Would you like to hear about what others are doing, to worship together and to talk about themes and brief presentations we provide?
Learn more, click here to find the schedule and register.
Please note the change in this online registration address. Some people are still trying last year’s address. And, note that while registration continues until May 29th, Early Bird registration rates end April 18th. We’re so looking forward to seeing you!
Seeking Full-Time Minister
The Saltsprings-Scotsburn-Lyons Brook Pastoral Charge is seeking a full-time minister. This combined pastoral charge is rural in character, but minutes away from the towns of Pictou and New Glasgow, and short drives from Truro and Antigonish. The area is teeming with history. The congregation is supportive of ministerial, church and community initiatives and hopes to attract a candidate that will bring combined appreciation of church teachings with guidance for modern times.
Please check us out at our community of faith profile at ChurchHub.ca or pass the word to your friends and contacts. Questions and expressions of interest can be emailed to us at search.sssblb@gmail.com
An Invitation from the Atlantic School of Theology
The Atlantic School of Theology is preparing an application for a major grant from the Lilly Endowment to assist the school in responding in a focused and supportive way to the current ministry (lay and ordered) needs of churches. The Rev. Dr. Steven Chambers is consulting with the school on the preparation of this application and invites you to a conversation at one of the following locations and times:
Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, 9:30 – 11am on Tuesday, April 8. Meeting will be in the church parlour, entrance off Sullivans Hill.
Woodlawn United Church, 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, 1:30-3pm on Thursday, April 10. Meeting will take place in the Community Room. Use the front entrance, with elevator available.
St. James Anglican Church (Armdale), 2668 Joseph Howe Dr. Halifax, 7pm-8:30pm on Thursday, April 10. Church Hall entrance and parking lot off Joseph Howe.
For more information contact: steven.chambers@astheology.ns.ca
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
How can you streamline your people resources to minimize meetings and make the most of loving people? How is your governing body using your current people resources? Are you nimble, flexible and responsive, addressing needs with actionable items that get tasks done and keep you focused on the ways you are serving God, caring for neighbours, impacting beyond your walls? Are people in positions of responsibility they are energized and passionate about? Are people engaged and excited about the possibilities in the year ahead. Are your practices rooted in spiritual focus? Does your community of faith regularly remind each other to remember why we are here? We are loved by God and share that love with others.
In this season of annual congregational meetings, and new leadership in positions of responsibility, invite me to come alongside in a zoom meeting, and meet your new governing body, or one of your teams or committees, to listen and learn. 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!
