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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: Matthew Jonathon Patey
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Faith March-MacCuish and family, whose brother-in-law, Matthew Jonathon Patey passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A link to the updated obituary can be found here.
Covenanting Service Sept 14th for Heather Cronhelm DLM and North Highlands Pastoral Charge
Join us on Sun. Sept. 14 at 2:30 at St. Andrew’s United Church for our Covenanting service with our new minister Heather Cronhelm DLM. Rev. Alisha Cox will deliver the message. Donnie Morrison Regional Representative will also participate. Plan a drive around the Cabot Trail and stop by and help us celebrate this special service in the life of our congregations. A lunch to follow!!!!
Covenanting Service North Highlands Pastoral Charge
Join us on Sunday Sept 14/25 at 2:30 at St. Andrew’s United Church in Pleasant Bay Cape Breton for the Covenanting Service between our new minister Heather Cronhelm DLM and the congregations of Ingonish, Aspy Bay, and Pleasant Bay. Rev. . Alisha Cox will deliver the message. Donnie Morrison, Regional representative, will participate. Plan that drive around the Cabot Trail you have been thinking about and stop for this special service and stay for a lunch afterwards.
Salisbury United Church 175th Anniversary Service
175th Anniversary Service will be September 28th at 3:30PM. Church is located at 76 Smith Street. Guest speaker will be Rev. Michael Goodfellow of Hartland-Jacksonville Pastoral Charge. Reception to follow afterwards in the church basement.
The Institute for Health, Joy and Excellence Presents For Everyone Born: Clergy Symposium and Retreat 2025-October 20 to 24
The Institute for Health, Joy and Excellence presents For Everyone Born: Clergy Symposium and Retreat 2025, taking place from October 20 to 24, 2025, at Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp in Bishop’s Falls, NL.
What does it mean to proclaim “for everyone born a place at the table?” Join colleagues in ministry for a transformative gathering that explores this question through the lens of postcolonial theology. Framed by the powerful imagery and conviction of the hymn For Everyone Born, this two-part event offers both a rich educational symposium and a reflective spiritual retreat.
The Symposium (October 20-22) will provide a comprehensive survey of postcolonial theology, its core concepts, and their implications for the daily practice of ministry. Together, we will engage questions of voice, power, and presence in preaching, liturgy, sacraments, and congregational life. Together, we will explore how postcolonial theology challenges colonial legacies and opens the church to justice, joy, compassion, and peace.
Following the academic exploration, the Retreat (October 22-24) will offer spacious time for prayer, discernment, and renewal. Rooted in the guiding questions—Who are we? Who are our neighbours? What is God calling us to do?—this retreat will help participants ground postcolonial insights in personal and communal vocation. With scripture, silence, song, and story, we will listen for God’s call to be creators of justice and joy in our unique contexts.
Our symposium leader for 2025 is the Rev. Oliver Dingwell. Our leaders for the retreat will be Rev. Oliver Dingwell and Rev. Shepherd Munikwa.
Come and claim your place at the table. Come and prepare to extend that welcome to all.
Please click here to register by October 3, 2025 and find more information.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – September 2025
• Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Lynda MacCulloch with Elmsdale Pastoral Charge, 13 hours/week, July 1 to December 31, 2025.
• Approved the Appointment of Samuel Graham, Candidate, with Hopewell Eureka East River Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026.
• Approved the Appointment of Meggin King Hare with Saltspring Scotsburn Lyons Brook Pastoral Charge, full-time, November 3, 2025 to October 31, 2028. Donna Tourneur, Liaison.
• Approved the Supply Appointment of Sheila Redden-Smith with Rivers of Grace Pastoral Charge, Digby, 20 hours/week, August 1 to September 30, 2025.
• Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment for Jeff Chant with Fort Massey United Church, 20 hours/week, ending on October 31, 2025.
• Approved the Appointment of Dana Feltmate, retired, with Glace Bay United Church, full time, November 1, 2025 to November 1, 2028. David Hewitt, Liaison.
• Approved the Appointment of Wayne Jarvis, DLM retired, with the collaborative ministry of Northumberland Pastoral Charge (BNS) and Baie Verte Port Elgin Tidnish Bridge Pastoral Charge (FSLDW), 20 hours/week, August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. This Appointment will not be fully approved until Approval from Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Region has also been given.
• Moved that the Profile for Riverview United Church, Elmsdale, be referred to the Future Directions Committee and the Division of Ministry Resources for further engagement.
• Next meeting: Friday, October 17, 2025. For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt, dhewitt@united-church.ca.
Put Wednesdays at 9:45 on Your Calendar for Virtual drop-in with Growth Animator Sharon
Join the weekly Wednesday morning Virtual Drop-in with Growth Animator Sharon
Mid-week virtual connection, sharing hearts of hope and whatever is on your mind
Come as you are with whatever curiosity and wondering, to connect with others across UCC-east
Casual thirty-minutes for anyone and everyone — lay people, clergy, staff, pastoral units, clusters.
drop in Wednesday mornings
9:45 Atlantic, 10:15 NL
Contact Sharon at sballantyne@united-church.ca for the link
Ukulele Church’s 6th Season!!
Seniors for Climate – Later is too Late! (Everyone is welcome)-Deadline September 19
Everyone is welcome and invited:
Join Seniors for Climate: There’s a climate emergency…..Later is too Late!
Come to St Andrew’s United Church, 6036 Coburg Rd., Halifax
Friday September 19, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Come to learn and to network with others:
There will be 4 speakers and 20 table exhibits by organizations.
Growth Ideas 101: Great Greeting
Here is the link to the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, the Growth Animator, for September 10, 2025.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca
Looking to live out your land acknowledgement?
A congregation in Hamilton, Ontario was inspired to learn how Indigenous ministry students at Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba are showing the broader church a path to reconciliation. The congregation decided to celebrate UCC’s 100th anniversary with a gift that supports these students and a hopeful future for our church. They challenge you to do the same!
Click here to learn more.
St Paul & Leonard Cohen : Public Lecture and Con Ed Opportunity!
Join us for this six-part continuing education offering about St. Paul and Leonard Cohen. This series explores the surprising and profound resonances between the writings of the Apostle Paul and the lyrics of Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Drawing on theology, literature, and cultural criticism, participants will consider how these two enigmatic figures wrestle with themes of faith, failure, gender, rhetoric, mysticism, and legacy.
The first session, 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹, is available as a public lecture on campus and will be accessible via zoom on 16 September, 2025, at 7:00pm. Please click here to sign up for the public lecture.
Please click here for more information about the remaining 5 sessions or contact Lydia at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca
Stewardship Update- September 2025
Please click here to read the stewardship update for September.
Free Season of Creation Planning Resource
Looking to try something different this fall? The Faith Formation and Leadership Development Committee has purchased rights for Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional use of the All Ages Curriculum: “Creating a Culture”. Each week offers Prayers for Worship, Theme Suggestions, Printable Pew Activities, and alternating “Sunday School” or “Outreach Project” lesson plans for all ages. Join the theme for the season anytime before Thanksgiving and receive a discount code for 50% off of the Advent Package “Welcome to the Family.” Find more information, download the resource or request a resource intro session here, and use the code B-NS Free to purchase the full package for FREE ($150 value).
Invitation to GLEE (Generations sharing Lived Experiences and Education) Club at St. Andrew’s Halifax
Ever wanted to ask someone about the gadget they’re wearing or a button on their bag but was afraid to ask for fear of offending? Wonder what it was like coming of age as trans, queer, and ally in the 1970s? 1990s? 2010s? Sick of searching for answers big and small on Reddit and want to talk to someone in the flesh? Don’t know how Reddit works? Separated from your family by geographical or emotional distance and looking for support or information from a Gen-Zer or a Boomer? How do we form and maintain close bonds as we move through all stages of life? If any of the above applies to you, we cordially invite you to St. Andrew’s GLEE—Generations sharing Lived Experiences and Education—Club.
As an Affirming Church, St. Andrew’s Halifax wants to support members of the queer community isolated from younger and older generations. St. Andrew’s GLEE Club provides a sober, well-lit, safe space where trans, queers, and allies from all walks of life can gather to share lived experiences. The first meeting is September 21 at noon. Contact the office at office@saintandrewshfx.ca for more information.
Halifax Area Youth Group
We’re about to kick-off another exciting year of Youth Group for Halifax area youth and we’d love to have you join us!
Our group of 17 youth meet the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 5:00 – 7:00PM at St. John’s United Church in Halifax. We share a meal together, engage in discussions and learning, have fun through games and drama, and give back to our community through outreach projects.
We welcome everyone, regardless of beliefs, and we’d love to have you join us.
If you’re a youth in grades 7-12 or know of someone who might be interested, please be in touch with one of our leaders for more information: Kathy Cawsey (kcawsey@eastlink.ca) or Rhonda Schofield (rhonda@stjohnsunited.com)
Invitation: Seniors for Climate Action – DRAW THE LINE
Rev Dr Shepherd Munikwa – Minister for Justice Mission & Outreach – UCC East
Beloved friends,
In every generation, God calls forth witnesses to justice, compassion, and care for creation. Today, that calling rests upon us. The earth, our common home, groans under the weight of exploitation and neglect (Romans 8:22). Yet we are not without hope. For the Spirit still breathes renewal, and the wisdom of elders, seasoned by life, faith, and perseverance can shine as a prophetic light in this urgent hour.
Earlier this year, on Earth Day, we gathered in hope. Now, through our documentary Later is Too Late, we have sounded the alarm. And in September, we will stand together, elders drawing the line for life, dignity, and the flourishing of creation.
We invite you to join Seniors for Climate Action, for the historic DRAW THE LINE mobilization on September 20, 2025. This is the largest gathering of seniors in Canadian history for the sake of climate justice. This movement is not only about policy or politics; it is a sacred act of stewardship, rooted in the biblical call to “seek the welfare of the land” (Jeremiah 29:7) and to love our neighbors, including the generations yet unborn. Check the posters for actual date and time for your local gathering. Click here to view the Seniors for Climate Tantramar Facebook page.
Come, add your voice, your presence, your prayer, and your wisdom. Let us rise with courage, knowing that in Christ all things can be made new (Revelation 21:5). Together, we can bear witness that faith does not end with words but takes form in action, for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and the future of all God’s creatures. You can view the poster here for more information.
Later is too late. The time is now. Join us.
You Are Loved: a book inspired by Rev. Alison Etter
Rural Routes Through the Holy is honoured to welcome Tom Urbaniak to A Day Away, on October 18th, 2025. Tom will share readings from You Are Loved, a moving tribute to his late wife, Rev. Alison Etter.
Copies of You Are Loved will be available for purchase, with all royalties donated to the Rev. Alison Etter Memorial Fund at the Atlantic School of Theology, supporting those who carry forward Alison’s work and values, across all faith traditions.
You can read more by clicking here under the companion announcement Events/A Day Away: Rest, Refresh, Connect. You’re also welcome to email ruralroutesatlantic@gmail.com
While we hope many of you will register and spend the day those who would like to drop in just for Tom’s presentation (11 am – 12 am), without registering, are welcome too. We’d love to see you and we hope you spread the word.
Public Prayer Webinar
Let us pray. Sometimes those are intimidating words for lay persons. Join Janice MacLean of Prayer Bench to explore prayers for worship. Janice offers this description: “Prayer gathers us in, carries our joys and sorrows, and sends us into the world with blessing. In this three-session series, we explore the prayers that shape worship: gathering words, intercessions, blessings, and more -while learning the art of crafting them with care and leading them with confidence.” This program is presented by the Faith Formation and Leadership Development Committee of Bermuda Nova Scotia Region. Sessions will be held by Zoom on Mondays from 6:30-8:00 October 13, 20 and 27. Registration is $30.00 and can be paid to the Regional Office. Please register by October 10 2025.
Churches of Chignecto 100th Anniversary Worship Service & Gala
A committee Called the Churches of Chignecto 100th Anniversary Gala, spearheaded by the Upper Sackville-Anderson Settlement Pastoral Charge is the successful recipient of a Centennial Grant from the United Church of Canada Foundation, to help us close out our Centenary Year with an event to remember. We are currently in the planning phase for an event to be held sometime in November, which will bring together members past and present of the Churches that made up the more “rural” parts of Chignecto Presbytery in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We are currently seeking a few eager members to serve on our committee, and for financial contributions to help supplement our grant. If you can help, please reach out to steering committee members: Wendy LeBlanc at awleblanc@rogers.com or Kyle Wells at kylerdwells@gmail.com. Details on the date will be shared when a date has been finalized by the committee.
Seeking Full Time Minister
