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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: Betty Barrett
Our condolences are extended to the family of Jennifer Taylor, whose mother, Betty Barrett, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. We will share the obituary when it is available.
Memorial Service – Rev. Joe Manchester
The Memorial Service for Rev. Joe Manchester will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11 am at Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, NS.
2026 Mission and Service Grant Application
The 2026 Mission and Service Grant application is now available here. The deadline for completed application and supporting documentation is Friday, September 19, 2025 and can be forwarded to: jwhittemore@united-church.ca or mailed to the Regional Office.
BNS Committee Vacancies
Dear friends in faith,
We are writing with an open heart and a hopeful spirit to invite you to consider sharing your unique gifts in service of our community. The Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region of the United Church of Canada is currently seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to step forward and volunteer for several key roles.
These positions are more than just vacancies—they are opportunities to nurture our collective ministry, strengthen our connections, and help guide the church into its next chapter. Every role, big or small, contributes meaningfully to the work we do together.
Please take a moment to look over the list of opportunities. Pray on them, reflect on where your talents and energy might be most needed, and consider saying “yes” to something new. Your time and gifts can make a profound difference.
At the moment there are several vacancies. If I may, I would like to lift up the Licensing Committee, Faith Story Community Covenant Committee, Future Directions, and Faith Formation as places that can use your time, gifts, and talents.
If you feel called—or even curious—we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me at angelamaclean@hillsideunited.org or Tony Orlando at tonye.orlando@gmail.com.
With gratitude and hope,
Angela MacLean
Nominations Chair
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region
United Church of Canada
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region Pastoral Relations News – June 2025
• Approved the Provisional Call of Katie Logan, ordinand, with the collaborative ministry of Riverport Pastoral Charge and First South Pastoral Charge, 30 hours/week, effective June 1, 2025.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Ron Shaw, Candidate, with Trenton Pastoral Charge, 30 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Approved the Provisional Call of Max Martin, ordinand, with Orchard Valley Pastoral Charge, full time, effective July 1, 2025. David Hewitt, Liaison.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Jenny Eisener, Baptist minister, with Waverley Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, July 1 to December 31, 2025.
• Approved the Appointment of Peter Anthony, retired, with Port Mouton Pastoral Charge, 12 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Approved the Appointment of Peter Anthony, retired, with Brooklyn Pastoral Charge, 5 hours/week, June 21, 2025 to June 21, 2026.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Carol Joy Shatford, retired, with West Bay Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, June 16 to December 31, 2025.
• Approved the SME Appointment of Tamsin Robson, Candidate, through Woodlawn United Church with Iona Presbyterian Church, Dartmouth, 20 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Bill Gibson, retired, with Beacon United Church, Yarmouth, 6 hours/week, June 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Jim MacNaughton, retired, with River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Bev Thompson, Candidate, with Ste. Croix Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, March 20 to June 8, 2025.
• Approved the Appointment of Elisabeth Bachem-Jennings, retired, with St. John’s United Church, Middleton, 20 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Gloria Churchill, retired, with Orchard Valley United Church, 20 hours/week, September 1 to October 31, 2025, to cover the sabbatical leave of Don Sellsted.
• Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Dana Feltmate, retired, with Glace Bay United Church, 40 hours/week, July 1 to October 31, 2025.
• Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of David Hann, retired, with St. John’s United Church, Fall River, 20 hours/week, September 1 to December 31, 2025.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Jeff Chant with Fort Massey United Church, 20 hours/week, August 1 to September 30, 2025.
• Approved the Profile and position description for Glace Bay United Church, and authorize Search for full-time ministry personnel to begin. David Hewitt, Liaison.
• Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations from Linton Worrall of Tatamagouche Pastoral Charge, effective September 30, 2025.
• Approved the position description for Supply ministry with Saltspring Scotsburn Lyons Brook Pastoral Charge, and authorize Search for part-time ministry personnel.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Kelly Thomson with Saltspring Scotsburn Lyons Brook Pastoral Charge, 17 hours/week, July 1 to September 30, 2025.
• Approved the Profile and position description for the collaborative ministry of Boularderie Pastoral Charge and Sydney Mines Pastoral Charge, and authorize Search for full-time ministry personnel to begin. Dianne Kempt, Liaison.
• Approved the Profile and position description for Ste. Croix Ellershouse Pastoral Charge and authorize Search for half-time ministry personnel to begin. Don Sellsted, Liaison.
• Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Bill Drysdale, DLM retired, with McCully Pastoral Charge, 15 hours/week, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
• Next meeting: Friday, July 18, 2025
aUCC Association of United Church Clergy
A reminder that our association provides pastoral care to any clergy who might feel they need a listening ear. We are living in difficult and stressful times and often we might need a safe space in which to be heard. Whether you have issues regarding your ministry or personal issues, please feel free to contact our chaplain, Rev. Gloria Churchill, for a completely confidential conservation. Gloria can be reached through email at gloriaechurchill@gmail.com or at 902-579-1936
We Are Not Alone… but sometimes we forget that. Cluster Ministry
We are not alone… but sometimes we forget that.
In 2024 the BNS Regional Council voted to make “the development of local clusters a priority in its life and work.” Clusters are simply gatherings of United Church ministers and members who share a common location or a common interest. They are intended to be communally, emotionally and spiritually nutritious. Clusters provide mutual support and encouragement, improve communication, and contribute to the wellbeing of individuals and communities of faith. Communities of faith, Regional Council Representatives and ministry personnel are encouraged to contact the BNS Cluster Animator, Rev. Robyn Brown-Hewitt for more information and assistance establishing a cluster in your area. We are not alone, let’s remember that.
Growth Ideas 101: Getting More Summer Ready
Are you visitor ready this summer? Do you have kids activity resources prepared, organized and greeters informed to pass them out? Perhaps package family activities in fun ways, like a pizza box “church to go” style filled with fun to use in worship and/or to take home. Set up “to go” boxes to be offered to families passing by, outside your church, at a local community partner space. Can you be neighbourhood local experts, offering information about local events, history, adding activity hosting from your community of faith experts?
Do you have greater tourist traffic and want to explore strengthening invitation? How might you use a QR Code to help connect with others? How are you letting passers-by know that you are there? Can you offer a water stop? Lemonade stand? Popsicles or freezies to cool off? A gender-neutral restroom to use? invitation to things happening, drop in coffee and conversations, book discussions, crafting, sharing skills …?
Keep the ideas for events and activities active and engaging. Need some ideas for events to try. Connect with me. It’s not too early to be thinking about fall and Advent/Christmas planning. Perhaps there will be such excitement, you can do a Christmas in July event!
Contact your growth animator by emailing Sharon Ballantyne or call at 506-306-0500.
AU/SE AGM- Deadline July 4.
The Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble AGM is happening at Trinity United Church in Charlottetown, Friday July 18 to Sunday July 20th!
The AGM itself is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th at 9:30 a.m., and then in the afternoon, we’ll have a variety of workshops on diversity, reconciliation and creating brave spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
You can join us for the full weekend, just for the day, or just online for the AGM only. The weekend is $175, the day is $85 and the AGM only (on Zoom) has no fee.
Click here to register. The registration deadline is this Friday, July 4th.
AST Seeking Communications Manager
Atlantic School of Theology is searching for a skilled, detail-focused, and collaborative individual to fill the position of Communications Manager. Working out of the university’s Advancement department, the Communications Manager will play a vital role in serving both internal and external stakeholders to support stakeholder engagement, student recruitment, and fundraising. For more information, please click here.
Bedford United Church is looking for a Music Director
Bedford United Church is searching for a Director of Music. This is a 20 hour per week position which includes UCC Pension and Benefits. BUC is a vibrant and inclusive community of faith that enjoys a wide variety of musical offerings !
All inquiries and expressions of interest can be sent to Searchteam@bedfordunited.com.
The position description can be viewed on the Bedford United Church website.
