NEWS AND UPDATES FROM BERMUDA-NOVA SCOTIA REGIONAL COUNCIL
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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: Gregory Allison Dickinson
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Roland and Anna Hutchinson, whose son, Greg Dickinson, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Reverend Duncan E. Roach
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Duncan E. Roach, who passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Earl Keith McNabb
Our condolences are extended to the family of Earl Keith McNabb, who passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Remembering Rev. Kendall Harrison’s Ministry
We invite you to join us on Friday, May 30, at the Mount Allison University (MTA) Chapel at 10am to celebrate and remember Rev. Kendall Harrison. Please see the MTA map for the location of the Chapel (#19) and parking. We hope you can join us as we share gratitude for his life and ministry.
Shared 2025 Annual Celebration of Ministries Service
Please click here for a memo from Faith March-MacCuish, Executive Minister, with information regarding the Annual Celebration of Ministries Service being held in Sackville, NB, on June 1, 2025.
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.
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.
Annual Meeting Sunday Worship Service, June 1
If you are in need of worship suggestions for Annual Meeting Sunday, June 1, the Worship Team has put together the full service with reflection and options for music, as well as the bulletin version. These are posted on the Shared Annual Meeting webpage under the “Sunday Worship Service” header.
A Message During Holy Week from the President
Please click here to a message during holy week from the Regional President, Rev. Donna Tourneur.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – April 2025
• Approved the extension of Interim Ministry Appointment of Catherine MacDonald with St. James United Church, Dartmouth, full time, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Approved the Provisional Appointment of Heather Cronhelm, Designated Lay Minister Candidate with North Highlands Pastoral Charge, full time, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028. Donnie Morrison, Liaison.
• Approved the renewal of Supply Appointment of Dana Feltmate, retired, with Glace Bay United Church, full time, April 1 to June 30, 2025.
• Approved the Provisional Call of Marty Clark-Ettinger, DLM ordinand, with the collaborative ministry of Cobequid Pastoral Charge and Upper Londonderry Pastoral Charge, full time, effective July 1, 2025.
• Approved the renewal of Supply Appointment of Brenda McKay, retired, with Newport Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, April 7 to July 7, 2025.
• Approved the Call of Beth Johnston with the collaborative ministry of Springhill Pastoral Charge and River Phillip Pastoral Charge, full time, effective July 1, 2025. David Hewitt, Liaison.
• Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Natalie Buchanan Rutherford with Shubenacadie Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Approved the Renewal of SME Appointment of Shane Doucette, Candidate, with Lawrencetown Lake Echo Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2027.
• Approved the Provisional Call of Rhonda Schofield, ordinand, with St. John’s United Church, Halifax, full time, effective June 1, 2025. Robyn Brown-Hewitt, Liaison.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Lynda McCulloch with Elmsdale Pastoral Charge, 13 hours/week, January 12 to June 30, 2025.
• Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations for the purposes of Retirement from Betsy Hogan of St. Matthew’s United Church, Halifax, effective September 1, 2025.
• Approved the position description for a Congregational Designated Ministry position at Bedford United Church, intended for short-term, 10 hours/week administrative coverage during the sabbatical leave of Katie Aven.
• Approved the position description for a Congregational Designated Ministry position at Bedford United Church, intended for short-term, 10 hours/week administrative coverage during the vacation of Beth Hayward.
• Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of Darlene Brewer of Rawdon Pastoral Charge, effective June 21, 2025.
• Approved the position description for a short-term, 20 hours/week Supply position at Orchard Valley United Church to cover the sabbatical absence of Don Sellsted.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Jenny Eisener with St. John’s United Church, Fall River to December 31, 2025, during which additional policy options will be explored.
• Next meeting, May 16, 2025. For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt dhewitt@united-church.ca
Service of Celebration
The three churches of the Caledonia Pastoral Charge, Caledonia NS have amalgamated into one community of faith to be known as Caledonia pastoral Charge.
We are having a service of celebration at the Caledonia United Church on May 4, 2025 at 2pm. There will be special music and our guest speaker is Rev, Carol Smith. After the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshment in the church hall. Please come and join us in this joyful time.
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.
Webinar – In Peace and Friendship (Calls to the Church- Next steps together) -April 17
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.
“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″.
Guatemalan liturgical stoles available
As always, the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network is selling Guatemala liturgical stoles, with both Christian and Mayan symbols. In recent years, we have sold out at the Annual Meeting, disappointing those who were hoping to purchase for themselves or as gifts. So you may wish to order in advance. and I will bring them to the Annual Meeting. (No mailings though you can pick one up in Antigonish.)
These stoles are especially meaningful, as Father Stan Rother developed this project with impoverished women in the community of Santiago Atitlan. He died at the hands of the military because of his deep identity with the people he served, and has been named a Martyr by the Catholic Church.
Cost. $50.00. Contact Kathryn Anderson, kathrynande@gmail.com
Centennial Gathering Casting Call!
Telling our story, singing our song! Will you be attending the Centennial Gathering of BNS and FSLDW Regional Councils in Sackville NB, May 30 – June 1? Do you enjoy play-acting and storytelling? During the the Centennial Gathering five short plays will be presented – each one reflecting a 20-year period in the United Church’s 100-year history. An enthusiastic cast of volunteer actors is required to bring our story to life, so please, pitch in! There will be an opportunity to read-through each script via zoom rehearsals, held prior to the Centennial Gathering. Interested? Contact Robyn before May 1st at RBrown-Hewitt@united-church.ca.
Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon
Hope is renewed in connection, in communication in all the ways we care. In this Holy Week, can we remember to stay gentle with ourselves and to welcome the still small voice within. As we are reminded in Micah 6:8 act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. Please reach out if you did not receive the Easter letter sent from me to your community of faith this week, sent through your region. Make sure your directory and contact information is up to date. Some of the contacts on file at the regional office may need updating. Receive and share hope! Encourage people in your community of faith to sign up for this weekly announcements newsletter of your regional council. Forward this email to people you know. To help boost your well-being, read others stories of hope 100 Words of Hope, and together with a group, as a community of faith or individually
create your own submission here.Be sure to share any submissions with me. Wishing you all a blessed Easter!
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!
North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner May 15 -30 Maritimes Book Launch Tour with Marie Wilson
The Maritime Regions Justice, Mission and Outreach Committee and Women of First Light are honoured to host the Maritimes book launch tour for North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner. Marie Wilson will read from her moving, personal account of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which recorded the history of forced residential schooling for Indigenous children.
Don’t miss this privileged opportunity to hear from Marie Wilson, as we live out our Residential School Apology. See her itinerary below. Please announce this in your bulletins and from the pulpit, strongly encouraging people to attend. Note the launch at Mt. Allison on Thurs. May 29th, the eve of the Annual Meeting.
ITINERARY *Books are available for purchase and signing at all locations.
Kjipuktuk/Halifax, Thurs. May 15th 7:30pm St. Andrew’s United Church
Mahone Bay Fri. May 16th 7pm St. James Anglican Church
Kjipuktuk/Halifax Sun. May 18th 10:30am Marie speaks at St. Andrews United Church worship service
Membertou/Sydney Tues. May 20th Times, locations TBD
Nalikitquniejk/Antigonish Wed. May 21st 7pm Coady Institute, STFX
Piktuk/Pictou Thurs. May 22nd 1pm Pictou Library/DeCoste Centre
Truro Fri. May 23rd 11am Brunswick St. United Church
Takumegooch/Tatamagouche Fri. May 23rd 7pm Tatamagouche Centre
Charlottetown Sun., May 25th 1pm Spring Park United Church
See-dahn-sis/Fredericton Tues. May 27th, 7pm Wilmot United Church
Kwipew/Sackville Thurs. May 29th 7pm Mount Allison University
Moncton Friday May 30th 11:30am (en Itinerary Books will be available for purchase and signing at all locations.
Ecumenical Clergy Gathering
Clergy in the Halifax area are invited to come to the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica glebe house at 11 am on Thursday 24 April for coffee and conversation.
Drive in at 5221 Spring Garden Road and park between the church and the red brick house. come to the door under the canopy.
PAX
Father Brian MacMillan
Ecumenical Officer for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
bmacmillan@halifaxyarmouth.org
EVERYTHING you need for Camping Sunday worship!
Whether you are celebrating Camping Sunday on April 27, or another Sunday this spring, here is everything you need for a service that celebrates the incredible ministries happening at our camps, and how they impact the lives of children, youth and families in Nova Scotia. Attached are 1) a full intergenerational liturgical resource , and 2) a 20 minute sermon-film, which bring the mission that camps are living out right into your sanctuary! Please read the instructions for downloading the film. It cannot be streamed, but we have provided full instructions (with pictures!) to explain how to download the video directly to your church’s computer.
This resource was made to help re-build the relationship between congregations and camps, and to highlight the way in which camps are providing valuable ministry and mission to the children, youth and families who will be our future leaders. If your church is looking for ways to support the youth in your area, please consider supporting one of our camps! There are so many ways!
Diana Butler Bass in Halifax!
Tickets are now available to attend live lectures with Diana Butler Bass in Halifax on May 7 & 8! Butler Bass is a renowned author speaker, and public theologian known for her insightful and accessible work on spirituality, religion, and culture. Full details, including lecture titles, can be found here
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her speak in person and engage in meaningful conversations!
FSLDW Affirm Webinar- April 30th Getting Started!
If you have a few people talking about becoming an Affirming congregation, you have enough! Join a larger conversation on April 30th at 2:00. Kim Curlett, our Atlantic East Affirm United consultant, will take us through the process and answer the questions you have. It’s always good to chat with others who are on this path. Hope to see someone from your community of faith with us.
Please click here to register.
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 teaming 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 ChurhHub.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
Our presentation against Fracking and Uranium Mining-March 2025
Please click here to view the United Church East’s Ecological Committee member Dr. MaryLou Harley, speaking in the House Public Bills Hearing against the proposed lifting of ban on fracking and uranium mining in Nova Scotia, March 2025.
Centre for Christian Studies is seeking 2 new staff – Job postings to share
THE CENTRE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES, Winnipeg, Manitoba, invites applications for a full-time Finance & Administration Coordinator and a full-time Principal for Leadership & Development with start dates of July 1, 2025 (flexible through the summer). This is an opportunity to join a small, dynamic, creative, and supportive staff team that is passionate about accessible, creative, theological education, equity, and intersectional justice. CCS is a theological school for adults, grounded in and informed by the ecumenical Christian tradition of diakonia1 – ministries of education, spiritual care, and social justice, where the church meets the community and the community meets the church. CCS is affiliated with the United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada. Please click here for more details.
Bethany’s Bargain Bonanza & BBQ
COME HAVE SOME FUN IN OUR WELCOMING COMMUNITY SPACE AND DISCOVER SOME “NEW TO YOU” GOODIES AT A BARGAIN. THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY FUNDRAISER!
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025, 10AM – 2PM
GENERAL ADMISSION: $2.00 (12 & UP)
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH – 2669 JOSEPH HOWE DRIVE, HALIFAX, NS
PARKING AT 7171 CLINTON AVENUE CHURCH LOT
Click here to view the poster and for more information.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND… GENTLY USED GOODS, A BBQ, AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL-AGES. MORE INFORMATION CALL, 902-455-0521, X.221 OR VISIT US AT WWW.BETHANYUNITEDCHURCH.CA
Worship 101
Worship is integral to the life of a church. The Faith Formation and Leadership Development committee of Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region offers educational opportunities to support lay persons who are interested in learning about the basics about worship in the United Church tradition. Whether you offer occasional worship leadership in your congregation or are looking to broaden your understanding of worship, we are presenting a series of webinars entitled Worship 101. Weekly web sessions will be provided by experienced worship leaders familiar in our Region on Mondays from April 28th to June 2nd inclusive except for Monday May 19th (Victoria Day). Each presentation will begin at 6:30 pm and run about 1 hour in length with an additional 30 minutes allowed for general discussion and questions. Registration is now open. Click here to register: the registration fee for the series will be $50. The five sessions, their leaders and topics are:
– The Person in the Pulpit – April 28th – Rev. Robyn Brown Hewitt
– Liturgy – May 5th – Rev. Dr. Andrew O’Neill
– Music as Worship – May 12th – Mr. Kevin Parks
– Bringing a Word – May 26th – Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett
– Prayers of the People Workshop – June 2nd – Rev. Janice MacLean
Upon registration you will receive an automated email with additional information on how to pay your registration fee. A few days later you will receive a welcome email from the committee with the zoom link for the sessions and an outline of the course. You will also receive a reminder email before each session with the link and session outline.
