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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: Reverend Eric W. Pace
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Eric W. Pace, who passed away on January 13, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Donald Sterling Morrison MacAlpine
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine-Gillis, whose father, Donald Sterling Morrison MacAlpine, passed away on January 10, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
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.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – January 2026
- Approved the Renewal of Appointment of Carol Joy Shatford with West Bay Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of David Hann, retired, with Waverley Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Lynda MacCulloch with Riverview United Church, Elmsdale, 13 hours/week, January 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Bill Gibson, retired, with Beacon United Church, Yarmouth, 15 hours/week, January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Approved the Profiles and position description for the collaborative ministry of Baddeck Pastoral Charge and St. Ann’s Bay Pastoral Charge and that Search be authorized. Roberta Phillips, Liaison.
- Approved the conclusion of Interim Ministry at Port Wallis United Church, Dartmouth. Profile work may begin.
- Approved the Profile and position description from Onslow-Belmont Pastoral Charge and that Search be authorized to begin. Harvey Gullon, Liaison.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations for the purposes of Retirement from Alex Constable of the Annapolis Granville Pastoral Charge, effective June 30, 2026.
- Next meeting: Friday, February 20, 2026.
- For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt dhewitt@united-church.ca.
Growth Ideas 101: Intergenerational Conversations
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for January 21, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
The Manual, 2026
The Manual, 2026, can now be found under the Resources tab on the Regional website.
Songs ‘n’ Stories: A United Church Retrospective, Sunday,
Jan. 25th, 2pm
Songs ‘n’ Stories, January 25th at 2 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Meet Your Feet outreach program of Orchard Valley United Church. Come and sing a song from every UCC hymn book that’s ever been produced! Come and enjoy short sketches recalling episodes in United Church history. Come with a friend for coffee/tea and homemade goodies. Pay What You Can ($20 suggested). Reservations: 902.681.0366 ext.1. Donations welcome: treasurer@orchardvalleyunited.ca. Location: 130 Cornwallis Street, New Minas. Share the attached poster!
Let’s Talk About MAID – January 29, 7:00pm
End-of-life decisions can be deeply personal and often difficult to talk about. St. James United Church, Dartmouth is offering a thoughtful, compassionate conversation about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), exploring what it is, why it matters, and how we can support one another with care and respect. This event is open to all.
Join us for a Children & Youth Ministry Workshop with The GO Project
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 from 9:30am to 12pm, Alana Martin, Minister with The Go Project, is coming to Bethany United Church, Halifax, to deliver a workshop focusing on the evolution and significance of children and youth ministry. Registration deadline is January 31st 2026. Please click here for the entire announcement.
Stewardship
Stewardship Seconds January 28, Second Sunday after Epiphany
In Jesus you are loved and made holy, enriched in many ways: not lacking in any spiritual gift; ready and willing to share generously; called by God, as disciples of Jesus.
How do YOU see yourself as a disciple of Jesus?
As people of faith good is a constant presence in our life.
Please click here for information on a Bequests and Estate Giving course and click here for information on a Getting Started in Stewardship course.
Please share – Breaking the Silence Guatemala Internships
The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, partner of the Justice, Mission and Outreach Committee, is pleased to announce our July-December 2026 Internship Program announcement, in collaboration with the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation. Please share this with any young person who may value this opportunity.
Save the Date for Rural Routes
Rural Routes Through the Holy will hold its 2026 gathering from June 11 – 13th. This year our rotation takes us to PEI, and we’ll come together at Central Queen’s United Church in Hunter River, PEI. More information will be rolling out in February, but we wanted you to have the dates so you can book accommodation early. You can always find us here.
Property Inventory Update
The BNS property inventory list has been updated, this inventory lists property (buildings, cemeteries, lands) currently registered to your pastoral charge. All forms and amendments received up to December 23, 2025 are included. Pastoral charges who do not hold property will not appear on the list. Please take a moment to review and ensure your pastoral charge details are correct, you can review by A-Z property name or by postal code using the link below and submit a form if there are any additions or amendments.
