Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Weekly Announcements – May 14, 2025

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM BERMUDA-NOVA SCOTIA REGIONAL COUNCIL

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www.ucceast.ca 

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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: Mary Alison Yoshioka

Our condolences are extended to the family of Mary Alison Yoshioka, who passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.

Photos for Rev. Kendall Harrison’s Celebration of Life

In preparation for the Celebration of Rev. Kendall Harrison’s Life and Ministry that will take place on Friday, May 30th at 10am at the Mount Allison University Chapel, we are looking at putting together a slide show of photos.  If you have photos of Kendall over the years, please submit them to info4RC15@united-church.ca by Friday, May 16th.  Many thanks.

Annual Meeting Information Webinar Recording Posted

The recording of the information webinar has been posted to the Annual Meeting web page. We look forward to seeing everyone at the online business meeting May 14 and 15. If you have registered to attend the online business meeting but have not received the memo with the Zoom link please contact Seyi Adeyemo.

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.

Invitation to Covenanting Service

Bedford United Church warmly invites you to attend our covenanting service with Rev. Beth Hayward on Sunday May 25th.
Come early for a casual supper in the hall and stay to witness the service in the sanctuary. Community Meal from 4:30-6:00. Covenanting service at 6:30. We’re located at 1200 Bedford Highway. Entrance for supper is at the side of the building where our rainbow flag is flying. If coming just for the service, entrance is at the front of the building at the Worship doors. Please explore our website.

Bermuda Nova Scotia Ministry and Personnel Committee workshop

M&P 101
An introductory workshop for lay members of Ministry and Personnel Committees will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 1944 Church St, Westville, NS B0K 2A0. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Freewill donation appreciated. The workshop will be facilitated by Regional Minister David Hewitt. Topics will include:
• Purpose and function of M&P Committee
• Confidentiality and Accountability
• Record keeping
• Annual Reviews
• Conflict
• Leaves
• Resources
• Q&A
Please click here to register in order to assist in planning and meal preparation. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 16, 2025.

Please direct questions to Regional Minister David Hewitt.

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

Breaking the Silence coffee order for Annual Meeting

As in previous years, bags of Breaking the Silence Coffee (12 oz. and 2lb. bags) will be available at the Breaking the Silence table, along with liturgical stoles and gorgeous crafts from a wonderful Guatemalan women’s cooperative.

I am willing to order boxes (6 12oz. bags) of Breaking the Silence coffee for churches to purchase at the wholesale price of $72. As you may know, the global price of coffee has risen to its highest level ever, thus the price hike to ensure that small producers receive a fair price.

I need to know by Friday, May 23rd, if you want me to order boxes from Just Us! Kathryn Anderson.

Event – Documentary Screening and Discussion

Please see the poster, providing all the necessary information, for the event.

New schedule for Marie Wilson book launch tour, author of North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner, speaks in the Maritimes May 15th-30th

North of Nowhere, Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner by Marie Wilson May 15-30 Maritimes Book Launch Tour

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 updated itinerary below. Please announce this in your bulletins and from the pulpit, strongly encouraging people to attend.

ITINERARY *Books are available for purchase and signing at all locations.

MAY ECUMENICAL CLERGY GATHERING

Clergy in the Halifax area are invited to come to the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica glebe house at 11am on Thursday 22 May for coffee and conversation.

Drive in at 5221 Spring Garden Road and park between the church and the red brick house.

PAX
Father Brian MacMillan
Ecumenical Officer for the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth
bmacmillan@halifaxyarmouth.org

Workshops on Diversity and Mission of the Church

To Our Communities of Faith,
Rev Dr Shepherd Munikwa – Minister for Justice Mission & Outreach.
I am available to offer deeply reformative, rejuvenating, restorative, and vision-casting workshops, designed to renew our sense of purpose, reawaken hope, and reimagine the Church’s role in today’s world.
“Diversity: How Can Our Churches Be Radical, Intentional, Welcoming & Inclusive in Today’s Global Village?” In a world that is changing rapidly, where borders blur, cultures intertwine, and new neighbors knock at our doors, our Church finds itself at a crossroads. Many of us are tired, worn down by dwindling numbers, uncertain futures, and the slow fading of what once was. But in this very place of exhaustion, there is an ember of hope.
“The Mission of God (Missio Dei) is the Mission of the Church.” You may feel like all the strength has been poured out and that the story of your congregation is drawing to a close. Remember, God’s mission is not finished. And neither are you. Let’s discover new life through the gifts within and around us.

Greetings Growth Seekers from Growth Animator Sharon

Are you looking for ideas to use with children? “Alive” is a free United Church of Canada camp curriculum produced out of Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s First Third Ministries. It is a huge resource, surpassing 300 pages, with Bible stories, activities, crafts, play lists, intention for all ages, staff and youth leader support and focus for different learning styles. It is designed so you can use what you want. There are QR codes to take you to YouTube links about crafts and other great supports for those wanting to use the resource.

It is adaptable for overnight camp, day camp, VBS, or for your Sunday school. The staff contact is Tasha Whitney.

Working with children, youth and young families is a great opportunity to strengthen invitation to connect. Let’s get growth animated together. Email Sharon Ballantyne or call at 506-306-0500 as together, we keep being bold, deep and daring.

New Resource on Living Faith Stories

The Faith Story and Community Covenant Committee has created a new resource on the creation and importance of Living Faith Stories.
This is meant to serve as a guide for communities of faith as they create, review and revise their Living Faith Stories, regardless of whether they are engaged in a pastoral relations process or not.

This resource will shortly be sent out to every pastoral charge in the Region, but click here to see it on the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region website.

The committee is also available upon request for further support and engagement with any community of faith that might have questions about the Living Faith Stories process. If there is interest, we can even organize in-person or online workshops on the topic.
If you have any questions about Living Faith Stories or would like additional support from the committee, reach out to Regional Minister, David Hewitt, who will put you in touch with the Committee Chair.