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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.
Annual Meeting Registration is Open
Registration is open for the annual meeting. Please read the memo sent from the Executive Minister. Visit the annual meeting webpage regularly for the latest updates and information on the upcoming meeting. Reminder, if you require meals and/or accommodations, they must be registered for separately. To read the welcome letter from Acadia University, with meal/accommodations information, please click here.
Youth@Region 2026!
Calling all Youth, between grades 6-12!
Registration is now open for Youth@Region!
Y@R is a place of community and a place of faith where United Church youth, between grade 6 and grade 12, meet from across Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council. It will take place during the Annual Meeting for Bermuda-Nova Scotia, held at Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, from May 28-31, 2026. The theme for this year’s event is Church 101.
The group creates an inclusive, diverse and safe community for youth in the name of Christ. We provide a place for youth to explore their faith and to learn more about the United Church of Canada while sharing in music, worship and fun in a spirit-filled community.
We hope to see you there!
If you have any questions, please email Catherine Stuart.
Annual Meeting Teller Volunteers Needed
Coming to the Annual Meeting at Acadia University (Wolfville, NS)? Do you like to be involved and active while still being present at the meeting? Then please consider being a teller, where you’ll get to help with activities like voting, distributing materials and taking up the offering. No experience necessary. Please fill out the form to let us know of your interest. Note that only three teller spaces are available, as soon as those spaces are full we will take down the form.
Elected Members to Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council
Please click here for a memo from Faith March-MacCuish, Executive Minister, with information regarding elected members to the Regional Council.
Nominations are Open for President-Elect
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council is seeking nominations for President-Elect. This position is for a total of three years: one year as President-Elect, one year as President, and the last year as Past-President. The President-Elect will serve as a member of the Regional Executive, leading our Region in its work and ministry, within the bounds of the Region. Serving the Region in this way offers many unique and exciting opportunities to engage in its work and life. More information on the role of President-Elect, President, and Past-President can be found here.
The election will take place at the Annual meeting. In order to post bios of the nominees and allow for printing of meeting materials, please submit nominations by May 1, 2026 at midnight. Nominations can also come from the floor of the meeting at which time nominations will close at the close of the Friday night session. Nominations are open to all members of the Regional Council, including ministry personnel and lay members. To submit your nomination, please fill out the form here.
Each nomination must include the names of two people who will move the nomination. These people must be members of Regional Council. The nomination does not need to come from the governing body of your local community of faith, it just needs to be two members of the Region who support the nomination.
If you have any questions, please contact the Regional Council Office.
Sunday Service May 31, 2026 – Annual Meeting
The Region is sharing a “Congregation Take Home Full Service” for use on Annual Meeting Sunday, May 31, 2026. This has been posted near the bottom of the Annual Meeting webpage under the heading “Sunday Worship Service” in both PDF and Word files.
Bermuda Nova Scotia Ministry and Personnel Committee workshop
M&P 101
An introductory workshop for lay members of Ministry and Personnel Committees will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, 86 Main St, Springhill, NS B0M 1X0. Lunch will be provided at no cost. Freewill donation appreciated. The workshop will be facilitated by Regional Minister David Hewitt. Topics will include:
• Purpose and function of M&P Committee
• Confidentiality and Accountability
• Record keeping
• Annual Reviews
• Conflict
• Leaves
• Resources
• Q&A
Please register to assist in planning and meal preparation. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 10, 2026.
Please direct questions to Regional Minister David Hewitt.
Share an Inspiring Easter Appeal with M and S
Easter is fast approaching, as is an annual time of generosity for our communities. Inspire and Invite gifts to Mission and Service this year with these helpful resources.
🐰Use the pre-made Script and Slideshow to make an Easter Appeal as part of your worship services this Easter.
🌷Share the 2026 Mission and Service Easter Video in your newsletter or on social media.
🐣Include the new God of the Wild Wilderness prayer from Mission and Service in your worship.
And, as always, don’t forget to Thank the amazing donors who make the work of Mission and Service possible.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – March 2026
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Darlene Brewer, Disciples of Christ, with Clifton Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, March 2 to June 28, 2026, while Profile work continues.
- Approved the Call of Emily Duggan with Waverley Pastoral Charge, full time, effective August 1, 2026. Kathy McKay, Liaison.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Carolyn Rushton, retired, with Tatamagouche Pastoral Charge, 12 hours/week, April 15 to May 31, 2026.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations for the purposes of retirement of Ross Bartlett of Atlantic School of Theology, effective July 31, 2026.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of Emily Duggan of Louisbourg Pastoral Charge, effective July 31, 2026.
- Approved the ending of the collaborative ministry of LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge with Bridgewater Pastoral Charge, effective June 30, 2026.
- Approved the collaborative ministry agreement of Petite Riviere Pastoral Charge and LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge, effective July 1, 2026.
- Approved the Request for Change of Pastoral Relations of Neil McEwen of the collaborative ministry of LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge and Bridgewater United Church, effective June 30, 2026.
- Approved the position description for half-time Supply ministry with Musquodoboit Harbour Pastoral Charge, and authorize Search.
- Approved the Profile and position description for Bethany United Church, Halifax, and authorize Search for full time ministry personnel. David Hewitt, Liaison.
- Approved the Ordained Supply Appointment of John den Hollander, Wesleyan Church, with Clyde Carleton Pastoral Charge, 12 hours/week, July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, during which Rev. den Hollander is required to take one of the United Church Admission courses at Atlantic School of Theology.
- Approved the collaborative ministry agreement of Shelburne Pastoral Charge and Lockeport Pastoral Charge.
- Approved the revised Appointment of Angela Clifton with Shelburne Pastoral Charge, to include one (1) hour per week with Lockeport Pastoral Charge.
- Approved the Profile and position description for Upper Stewiacke Springside Pastoral Charge, and authorize Search for 6-8 hours/week ministry personnel.
- Received the Interim Ministry Progress Report from Knox United Church, Lower Sackville.
- Next Meeting: Friday, May 1, 2026. For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt.
Growth Ideas 101: Bump up to Breakfast
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for April 1, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
Devotional for 50 days of Eastertide
Reflect and pray each day this Easter
Growth Animator Sharon Ballantyne (Atlantic Regions), has created a 50-day Eastertide devotional. These seven weeks of prompts focus on sharing the story of Resurrection, ministry as a community, and living a life of discipleship. Explore it personally or as part of a group.
📖 Access the booklet formatted PDF (Printing instructions: select double-sided, print on long-edge)
📄Access the simple Word Doc version
Staff Change
As of the 15th of March, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson has been appointed as the Director of Emerging Ministry Leadership and Co-Director of the Office of Vocation with the General Council Office. Temporary coverage for the Vocation Minister work is in the process of being arranged. The position of Office of Vocation Minister for the Atlantic Regions has been posted on the United Church web page with a closing date of April 16th.
General Secretary Selection Committee
The United Church of Canada is embarking on a search process for its next General Secretary. A Selection Committee supported by an executive search professional will recommend the next General Secretary to be appointed by the General Council Executive.
- Vacancies: 2–3 vacancies (members-at-large)
- Key skills: Deep understanding of the United Church or experience and understanding of the role of the senior executive in other large complex organizations.
- Meeting expectations: Two to four online meetings per month and at least one in-person meeting anticipated for September or October. First online meeting to occur May 11 or 12.
Please click here to read more details in English and here for the French version.
To express interest or nominate someone please use this form. Closing date for expressions of interest is April 20, 2026.
Need for Easter Sunday April 5th and April 12th worship Minister
Stairs Memorial ,44 Hester Street Dartmouth is in urgent need of Supply Minister to lead worship on Easter Sunday April 5th and April 12th while our Reverend Kym Burke is on medical leave. A sample of last years Eastern worship bulletin can be provided to assist those interested.
Hunter Church Building Fund application forms revised
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Hunter Church Building Fund. It awards United Church of Canada congregations / communities of faith in Nova Scotia matching grants (up to 50%) towards approved building and property repairs/upgrades.
Application forms, with guidelines, are available at the Region’s website: ‘Other Funding’. Completed forms are submitted to the Region’s Property Committee. N.B. Application forms older than “Revised Sept 2025” will be returned to the applicant.
Forms Related to Retirees and Jubilarians
Please click here for a memo from Faith March-MacCuish, Executive Minister, with information regarding forms related to Retirees and Jubilarians.
Co-operative Ministry Event
Shared Way, Shared Witness: A Gathering on Ministry for a Collaborative Church in Montreal, May 19–22, 2026.
This three day gathering for leaders in the Anglican and United Churches of Canada focuses on developing the skills, relationships, and theological imagination needed for collaborative ministry in a rapidly changing church. Together, we will explore two central questions: What is the church for, now? and What ministry do we need to sustain a vital Christian presence in communities across Canada? Through keynote presentations, workshops, and structured conversations, participants will engage emerging models of church and ministry that move beyond the colonial, Christendom patterns we have inherited.
More information is available at www.sharedway.ca. The early registration deadline is March 20.
Breaking the Silence delegation to Guatemala Nov. 7th-20th
Join us for the Breaking the Silence 2026 Delegation to Guatemala! Sat. Nov. 7th – Fri. Nov. 20th. You’ll have the opportunity to build international solidarity and learn from our Rabinal partners: the New Hope Foundation’s culturally relevant, bilingual Maya Achí-Spanish high school and the Community Legal Clinic that seeks justice for genocide-cases and other crimes committed against communities in the Rabinal area during the Internal Armed Conflict. A meaningful part of the delegation will be an overnight visit to the community of Río Negro to learn about its history and how it has rebuilt following a campaign of destruction during the 1980s. You will have the chance to spend time with our mining justice partners resisting a Canadian silver mining project: the Xinka Parliament and the Diocesan Commission for the Defense of Nature.
Applicants must attend the delegation orientation Thurs., June 25th 7 p.m. to Fri., June 26th 5 p.m. at the Dorje Denma Ling Centre (between Truro and Tatamagouche.) To learn more about the 2026 Delegation to Guatemala, please contact Kathryn Anderson.
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 March 31, 2026 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.
ASL Interpreter for Worship
St. John’s United Church, Fall River is pleased to welcome Emily Gilroy, our new ASL interpreter. Emily will work closely with Spiritual Oversight to provide interpretation every other week for our worship service.
Interpretation will be available:
April 5, 11am – Easter
April 19, 10am
May 3, 10am
May 17, 10am – Victoria Day
3360 Highway #2, Fall River, NS 902-860-4000 sjucfr.ca
Volunteer Food Handler’s Course
Volunteer Food Handlers Course
When? April 6 1-4 pm
Where? Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax
When preparing and serving food to the public, we need to ensure that we are following the basic practices for safe food. The Volunteer Level Course is based on the four fundamental safety principles of cleaning/sanitizing, separating, chilling, and cooking. We will talk about these principles during the course and discuss their importance in the preparation and serving of food that is safe for all to consume.
Learn about the temperature Danger Zone and why it is so important in safe food preparation. What is a PHF and what do we need to know about them? At what stage in food preparation is the highest risk for cross-contamination? Does a food borne illness always happen within hours after we consume contaminated food?
We will learn the answers to these questions and many more.
This course is 3 hours and only qualifies for individuals who do not work for pay in the food industry and or in a inspected /permitted kitchen. The cost is $30. For more information, and to register, please contact Denise Hirtle.
Bethany United Church – Springtide Sale – Seeking Vendors
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Springtide Sale happening on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Bethany United Church, 10am – 2pm, 2669 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax. This event will bring together a variety of vendors and attract a wide audience eager to discover new to them items, great deals, and local crafts.
Please click here to read the full details.
Transform Your Church by Transforming Your Conversations
Conversations Worth Having Workshop for Spiritual Leaders is a webinar for clergy and lay leaders (M&P members, Church Board leaders etc.) focused on building trust, improving meetings, and navigating difficult conversations with greater clarity and life-giving impact.
Dates: April 29 & May 1, 2026
Interested? For more information and to Register click here.
Facilitator: Todd McDonald (Rev. Dr.) is a former Pastoral Relations Minister in Shining Waters Regional Council. Todd’s work seeks to support the health, joy, and excellence of faith leaders – both clergy and lay leaders.
Faithful Footprints Grant
The Faithful Footprints Grant supports United Church communities with funding for building retrofit projects that reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of church buildings. The 2026 funding cycle is now open and accepting expressions of interest until April 30, 2026. Please click here for more information.
