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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 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 – Rev. Dr. J. Henry Tye
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Dr. J. Henry Tye, who passed away on December 28, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences – Glenda Butt
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Pix Butt, and family, whose sister, Glenda Butt, passed away in Halifax on January 3, 2026.
Condolences – Leanne Candace Johnson
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Michelle Armstrong, and family, whose sister, Leanne Candace Johnson, passed away on December 10, 2025. The obituary can be viewed here.
Planning for Health Emergencies
We have been asked to share this information so that our communities of faith can be prepared and so that we continue to be good neighbours in our local communities. Health Canada and General Council are asking Faith communities to err on the side of caution and be prepared in the event of a Health Emergency in the Faith Community. A document, found here, has been provided that details what the risks may be and what Congregations can do to be prepared and manage any risks.
Covenanting Service for Rev. Judith M.C. Perry – St. Matthew’s United Church, Halifax
Bermuda Nova Scotia Region Pastoral Relations Committee approved the Supply Appointment of Judith Perry, retired, with St. Matthew’s United Church, Halifax, full time, from September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
A Covenanting Service for Rev. Perry will take place on Sunday, January 11th, at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Church, 1479 Barrington Street, Halifax. A reception will follow. All are welcome.
Covenanting Service Invitation
A Covenanting Service recognizing the ministry relationship in BNS Regional Council between Rev. Rhonda Schofield and St. John’s United Church, Halifax, will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 4:00pm. The service will be held at St. John’s, 6025 Stanley Street, Halifax. Guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett. A reception will follow worship. All are welcome to attend.
Join the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Youth @ Region Planning Team!
To help ensure that our 2026 Youth @ Region event is a safe, fun, and faith-filled environment for all. We are looking for interested individuals to join the planning team.
Youth @ Region 2026 will take place May 28th to May 31st, 2026 at Acadia University, Wolfville, NS. There will also be a 1-day in-person training event held late-April/early May. Please ensure you are available for all days of the event! There are a number of roles available, check out the list of roles here Youth @ Region Roles and Responsibilities.
Please express your interest in any of these roles by filling out the form here: Youth @ Region Planning Team Application. Please submit your response by January 28th.
If you have any questions, please contact Y@R co-directors, James O’Connell or Rev. Alicia Cox, or Rev. Catherine Stuart.
A Unique Ministry Moment
A Unique Ministry Moment: Pictured are Rev. Glen MacLean and Margaret MacLean on the occasion of Rev. Glen’s last service at Trinity United Church (Onslow-Belmont) before his retirement. Also pictured are George and Jean Ellis, who were present 58 years earlier to hear Rev. Glen’s first sermon, at St. James United Church in Sheet Harbour. What are the chances those who heard your first sermon at the beginning of your ministry are there to hear your last before retirement? Congratulations, thank you, and best wishes to all!
Growth Ideas 101: Promote, Invite, Share Experience
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for January 7, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
HRM Youth Gathering
Who: United Church youth in Grades (6)7–12 – whether you have a youth group or not!
What: Pizza, games, activities, conversation, and a chance to connect with others and explore questions of faith
When: Sunday, January 18th, 5:30–7:30pm
Where: Bedford United Church (1200 Bedford Highway)
Registration link: https://forms.gle/nsrk2jhpaabinEKk7
This gathering is also a great chance to learn more about Rendez-Vous 2026 (this year called Collective 2026) and get inspired for upcoming Regional youth events including Youth@Region, meet new youth, and have a fun night together!
Ministry coaching, visioning and facilitation with former Moderator Carmen Landsdowne
Are you interested in leading your community of faith into a place of new flourishing? Sharpening your skills in visioning, facilitation and ministry in general? Former Moderator Carmen Landsdowne is offering a continuing education opportunity, to help you take your community to the next level! Book your free 30 min consultation to connect and see if it’s a mutual good fit!
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.
