NEWS AND UPDATES FROM FUNDY ST. LAWRENCE DAWNING WATERS (FSLDW)
Submission Request for Weekly Announcements
www.ucceast.ca
Staff Directory
It’s Your Call – Podcast
Spark 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.
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters (FSLDW) Committee Interest form.
Condolences – Reverend Ian K. MacDonald
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Ian K. MacDonald who passed away on December 8, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences – Reverend Leslie Robinson
Condolences are expressed to the family of the late Rev. Leslie Robinson of Yarmouth, NS. Leslie served pastoral charges in Labrador, Chipman, NB and Yarmouth, NS. There is no obituary available.
President’s Advent Message
Please click here to read an Advent message from Mr. Hugh Ellis, President of Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council.
Executive Minutes
The minutes of the FSLDW Regional Council Executive meeting held October 27-28, 2025 were approved at the December 2, 2025 Executive meeting and are now available on the FSLDW website.
Recent Action for Guaranteed Livable Income
Your Regional advocacy group for guaranteed livable income recently sent a letter to our senators regarding Bill S-206, “An Act to develop a national framework for a guaranteed livable basic income”. Please click here to see the letter.
Covenanting Service – Quispamsis Pastoral Charge
A Covenanting Service between Linton Worrell, Ordained Minister, the Quispamsis Pastoral Charge, and Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council will be held at Quispamsis United Church, 372 Hampton Road in Quispamsis, on Sunday January 18, 2026 at 1:30 pm, with reception to follow. More details to come in January.
Godly Play Online Core Training
Get ready to enter the stories of our faith – Godly Play Core Training 2026
Via Zoom (9:00 am to 12:30 pm PT) January 10 & 24, February 7, 21 & 28, March 14, 2026.
Through an action/reflection model of learning you will learn more about creating sacred space, building and working in community, nurturing spiritual development, using silence, story and play to make meaning. All learning takes place in a prayerful and playful atmosphere with creative and experienced Godly Play trainers.
$350 CDN to register for all sessions. Space is limited to 12 people.
For more information or to register, click here.
Growth Ideas 101: Sharing Festive Fun
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for December 10, 2025.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
Changes Coming to Prayer Bench
Please click here to read an important update about changes to Prayer Bench effective December 31, 2025.
SAVE THE DATE !
Regional Representatives and Clergy are asked to mark your calendars save the date for initial Regional Cluster Gatherings in your area in the coming year
Southeast Cluster – Moncton – JANUARY 20, 2026
Southwest Cluster – Saint John – March 17, 2026
Further details will follow early in the new year with regard to location, times and agenda.
We hope to see as many of you there as possible !
Apply to Be a Discipleship Leader for Collective 2026
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for Discipleship Leaders for Collective 2026, happening August 2026!
Collective 2026: (em)brace for Impact | The United Church of Canada is a powerful space where youth, young adults and leaders will come together to grow, learn, and encounter God in meaningful community. Discipleship Leaders will play a vital role in shaping that experience—guiding small groups and helping create an environment where faith can flourish.
If you have a heart for mentoring, serving, and walking alongside others in their spiritual journey, we would love for you to prayerfully consider applying.
Learn more and apply here: Discipleship Groups — Collective 2026
Please share this with anyone you believe would be a great fit!
Deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.
The GO Project – Con-Ed Workshops
The GO Project is excited to announce workshops for clergy and ministry personnel next year. Looking for a way to use a part of your con-ed in 2026?
The GO Project is offering four different workshops to help support your ministry with children, youth and families.
1) Working with a supervising Gen Z
2) Reimagining all-ages/children’s time in worship
3) Nurturing long-lasting spirituality in children, youth, and young adults
4) Leading meaningful intergenerational worship
More info and registration here.
Communities of Faith 2024 Annual Reports
A reminder that there are some outstanding 2024 Annual Reports. If available, please email to Regional Council office using the following email: fsldw@united-church.ca
If you are unable to submit by email, please mail one copy of your report to:
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council
21 Wright Street
Sackville NB E4L 4P8
If you have already submitted your Annual Report, there is no need to resend.
“Oliver’s Polish Christmas: A Cape Breton Story” (new children’s book)
The main character in the new children’s book “Oliver’s Polish Christmas: A Cape Breton Story” is Oliver Urbaniak, the three-and-a-half-year-old son of the late Rev. Alison Etter (1982-2024), United Church minister in Nova Scotia. The book is “about finding light and love in a Polish Cape Breton Christmas” and comes with important spiritual messages as it weaves through real places, customs, and community events. It is written by Alison’s husband, Tom, and illustrated by Tammy Krasniqi. It’s a companion book to “You Are Loved,” released last Christmas, which tells Oliver about his late mom and her beautiful soul.
“Oliver’s Polish Christmas: A Cape Breton Story” — dedicated to the memory of Oliver’s grandparents (Tom’s parents), who passed away just after Alison — is now available at some bookstores and through the major on-line booksellers, or by emailing Tom. Tom can also provide information about upcoming readings and book-signings. All the royalties are supporting Cape Breton’s St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society (longstanding cultural organization).
