FSLDW Weekly Announcements - May 21, 2025

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)

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.

Condolences: Elizabeth (Betty) Gray Lewis

Our condolences are extended to the family of Elizabeth (Betty) Gray Lewis, who passed away on Monday, May 12, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.

Condolences: Iain MacDonald

Our condolences are extended to the family of Iain MacDonald, married to Lois Miller, who passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The funeral will be held at St. John’s United Church, Fall River, on Friday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation also at St. John’s on Thursday, May 29 from 2-4 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. David Hann presiding. Obituary will be included in the announcements when available.

Celebration of the Life and Ministry of The Reverend Kendall Harrison

We invite you to join us on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Mount Allison University (MTA) Chapel at 10am to celebrate and remember The Reverend Kendall Harrison.

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.

For those unable to join us in person for the services, we invite you to join through livestreaming using the link below.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ucceast7807

In-Person Gathering Shuttle

There will be a shuttle available to transport people between Mount Allison University and the Tantramar Veteran’s Memorial Civic Centre during our in-person gathering May 30-June 1. The shuttle will pick-up/drop off at the crosswalk on Main Street by the Campbell/Windsor residences and loop to the Civic Centre. There will be a shuttle schedule posted on the annual meeting webpage by Tuesday, May 27.

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 Saturday, May 24. If you have registered to attend the online business meeting but have not received the memo with the Zoom link please contact Seyi Adeyemo.

Farewell from 2024-2025 Regional President

Hello/Bonjour,

My year as FSLDW President comes to an end on June 1, and what a year it has been! I encourage you to read my Annual Report to our Annual General Meeting for more details.

Before I become Past President, leaving the President’s role in the very capable hands of Hugh Ellis, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to the people in congregations, choirs and committees I met during the past 12 months — you have been inspiring and have left me with hope and confidence for the future of this awesome United Church of ours.

We live in challenging times, but through our DEEP SPIRITUALLITY, BOLD DISCIPLESHIP AND DARING JUSTICE, we are bound to emerge on solid ground.

In faith/Avec foi

Sue LeMaistre

Structural Change Evaluation Survey

In 2019, the United Church undertook a major restructuring moving from four courts to three councils with a commitment to evaluate the change against its intended outcomes after five years. That process is now underway and a survey has been forwarded to:

All pastoral charges—to be completed at a meeting of the Board/Council;
All ministry personnel;
All regional council staff, Office of Vocation staff, and General Council staff impacted by the change.

We have engaged Credence and Co., a consulting firm, to collect and analyze the data on behalf of the Structural Change Evaluation Steering Group to protect anonymity and prevent bias in reporting.

People have asked why there is not a section for comments on the survey. The tabulating and analysis of comments on this number of surveys would have been cost-prohibitive.

If you did not receive the survey, please check your junk email. Also please ensure that the correct email address is attached to your ChurchHub profile.

The survey will be open until June 15, 2025. Please be sure to make time to respond. Your input is vital.

Covenanting Service – Bathurst Pastoral Charge

The special worship service celebrating the new covenant between First United Church in Bathurst, the Rev. David Allan, Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council and our loving God will take place at 2:30 pm on Sunday May 25, 2025, at the church located at 309 St Patrick St in Bathurst. The guest speaker will be our friend the Rev. Ivan Gregan. A time of fellowship will follow in the Ruth Morrison Room. All are welcome to this important celebration of ministry and pastoral relationship in the life of our congregation and in our community.

Covenanting Service-Hillsborough United Church

The congregation of Hillsborough United Church invites you to our Covenanting Service with Rev Tara Ann Gourson, to be held on Sunday, May 25 at 2 pm at the church, 2891 Main Street, Hillsborough, NB. All are welcome as we move forward in ministry together! Lunch to follow. Please click here to see our Facebook page and reach out to huc1862@gmail.com if you would like more information.

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.

Annual Meeting Delegates, don’t miss Marie Wilson Book Launch Thurs., May 29th 7pm

The FSLDW and B-NS Regions Justice, Mission and Outreach Committee, along with the Mount Allison University Centre for Indigenous and Critical Canadian Studies, is honoured to host a book launch for North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner on Thursday evening May 29th, 7pm in the Grand Room, Windsor Bldg. 1st floor. Marie Wilson will read from her moving, personal account of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Don’t miss this privileged opportunity to hear from Marie Wilson, as we live out our Residential School Apology.

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.

Hospital Chaplaincy: Moncton City & George Dumont Hospitals

Please note: privacy legislation does not permit the Chaplain (or other Ministry Personnel) to randomly visit with persons who are in hospital. Chaplains and Ministry Personnel need your invitation/permission, or the permission/request of a family member.

If you would like a visit from your Minister or the Chaplain, or would like to have your Minister or Chaplain visit a family member, you may make the request through the Nursing Staff or the Chaplaincy Department, or you may contact the Chaplain directly at (506) 940-1151 (voice or text).

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

Thank you for your creativity and energy to commemorate and celebrate the United Church of Canada’s centennial. Be sure to capture your events, with photos, stories, social media, on your website, blogs, local media contacts, and as individuals share your experiences with family, friends, neighbours, coworkers. Invite them to join you. Be sure to also share your activities with Sharon, your growth animator.

For organizers of events, as you engage wider community, be ready to invite all who gather to come to your future events. As you thank participants, invite them to the next event(s). Contact Sharon, your growth animator, for some brainstorming about your future events.

It’s not too late to apply for a centennial grant. If you applied before, consider applying again. The final grant application due date is June 15. Applications are for a maximum of five thousand dollars. You can get more information here

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.

Atlantic Stories of Hope Needed

Annual general meetings facilitate people connecting, coming together and sharing their ideas, stories and plans for what’s next. Let’s keep the stories of hope, encouragement and support going. Please contact your growth animator Sharon Ballantyne, to share what is bringing you hope, individually, as a community of faith, pastoral charge, or as you connect with neighbours around you.
We’ll share ideas through the regional council weekly newsletter. “Alive we thrive!” Call Sharon at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca

June 19 Conflict, Hunger and Humanitarian Access Webinar (World Refugee Day)

Rev Dr Shepherd Munikwa – Minister for Justice Mission and Outreach.

Join us for a heartfelt Canadian Food grains Bank Webinar as we explore how together we’re ending global hunger.
Discover inspiring stories, learn how your support makes a difference, and find new ways to get involved.
Register now and be part of the change!

Stewardship Update for May 2025

Please click here to read the stewardship update for March.

AI in Ministry: Tools you can use, Theology you can preach

Join us for an exciting opportunity that will explore the use of AI as a ministry tool! Dr. Erin Green will lead this continuing education opportunity over three sessions: AI in Ministry: What it is and what it can do; Theological Reflection: What does AI mean for doing theology?; and Preaching the Present-Future: AI in the pulpit.

For full details, please click here.

Non-Denominational Gaelic Service

St. Columba Catholic Church
Iona, Cape Breton
Sunday, May 25, 2025 3:00 – 4:00 pm

All are warmly welcome!
There will be refreshments following the service.

Rev. Faith March-MacCuish: Executive Secretary’s Pastoral Visit to the Woodstock Area United Churches

Join us for the Ecclesiastical Visit of Rev. Faith March-MacCuish, the Executive Minister for Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters, Bermuda-Nova Scotia, and First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Councils to United Churches in Woodstock and Environs at Saint James United Church, 120 Chapel Street, Woodstock, NB, from June 21–22.
June 21, 2:00 p.m.– Meeting with United Church ministers
June 21, 4:00 p.m.– Welcome round-table for all churches
June 22, 9:30 a.m. – Sunday Recharge
June 22, 10:30 a.m.– Worship led by Rev. Faith, followed by coffee & tea
All area United Churches are warmly invited. Please attend with your board, session, committees, UCW, and members.
Contact: Saint James United Church at 506-328-6114 for details.

Rural Routes Through the Holy: 2025 Life, Land, Leadership: Loving With Your Feet

Registration closes May 29th for our 2025 gathering in Sackville NB, from June 12 – 14th

The team is pretty excited about all we have planned for ou gathering. Rob Fennell and Shawna Lucas will present our theme, Loving With Your Feet and we have our usual banquet of tasters, little bite-size 30 minute presentations by people who love what they’re doing and want to share. Who knows what ideas you might take home with you. Worship, conversation, workshops, prayer practices, great food and a Maker’s Market (bring what you make to sell.)

Please click here to learn all about Rural Routes Through the Holy, see the schedule, register for the gathering and meet the team.