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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.
Staffing Announcement – The Rev. Rob Shearer, FSLDW / FDEE Stewardship & Growth Animator
Please see the memo from Rev. Faith March-MacCuish, Executive Minister, regarding a staffing announcement.
Annual Meeting Webinars Reminder
Just a reminder that Webinar 1: Orientation and Proposals will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, and Webinar 2: Division Reports, 2025 Audited Statement and 2027 Budget will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. If you have registered for the annual meeting, you would have received a memo with the Zoom link. If you have not received the memo, please email the Regional office. For those who are unable to attend, the recording of the webinar will be posted by noon the following day.
Annual Meeting Proposals
The Annual Meeting Proposals will be posted to the Annual Meeting webpage by noon on Friday, May 8, 2026. Please take time to read them over prior to the webinar on Tuesday evening.
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.
Annual Pastoral Charge Information Form 2026
We are asking each pastoral charge to complete and submit the Annual Pastoral Charge Information Form as soon as possible after your 2026 annual meeting, noting the deadline was April 1st . This updates the Region with the names and contact information of your current leadership and regional council representatives (elected members). As a reminder, if we do not have the information for your elected members, they will not be able to vote at the Regional Annual Meeting. If you have any issues with completing the form, please contact Shari Kaster, 506-306-0496.
Invitation to the Justice, Mission & Outreach Grassroots Engagement Network
Are we truly connecting with our neighbors, or simply serving them from a distance?
Are our ministries transforming unjust systems, or only responding to their symptoms?
Are we creating spaces of belonging where all people; especially the marginalized, are seen, heard, and valued?
Are we living out reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and caring for creation in meaningful, tangible ways?
In a rapidly changing Canada society, how is your church being called to move from tradition into bold, life-giving mission?
For more information, please read the attached document; our vision is to offers a helpful pathway toward church growth and deeper community engagement.
If your congregation is already engaged in any of these grassroots activities, feels called to begin, or would like to grow further in this work, we invite you to get in touch.
Rev. Dr. Shepherd Munikwa
Minister for Justice, Mission & Outreach – UCC East
Email: smunikwa@united-church.ca
Phone: +1 506 306 0491
Temporary Vocation Minister Coverage
Rev. Ivan Gregan has been appointed as the interim Vocation Minister for the Atlantic Regions from May 01 until August 31. He will be working half time. Please email Ivan with any Office of Vocation related matters.
Invitation to our Open House
The William Black Pastoral Charge in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, invites you to their Open House/Reception on Sunday, May 24th from 2:00 till 4:00 to help celebrate 101 years of witnessing to the love of Jesus. May 31 will bring a close to our time as a congregation of The United Church of Canada. Formal greetings and remarks will begin by 3:10.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region Pastoral Relations News – May 2026
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Linda Marcotte, retired, with Orchard Valley United Church, 20 hours/week, April 20, 20206 to April 19, 2027, to cover pastoral care responsibilities during the medical leave of Max Martin.
- Approved the Call of Barbara Blois MacNaughton with United Protestant Church, Sydney River, full time, effective August 1, 2026. David Hewitt, Liaison.
- Approved the Renewal of Supply Appointment of Brenda McKay, retired, with Newport Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, April 15 to July 15, 2026.
- Approved the Appointment of Jim MacNaughton, retired, with Calvin United Church, New Waterford, 20 hours/week, August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2029. Donnie Morrison, Liaison.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Martha Martin, retired, with Bethany United Church, Halifax, full time, May 1 to June 30, 2026.
- Approved the Call of Neil McEwen with the collaborative ministry of Petite Riviere Pastoral Charge and LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge, full time, effective July 1, 2026.
- Approved the Provisional Call of Donna Kelly, ordinand, with the collaborative ministry of Petite Riviere Pastoral Charge and LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, effective July 1, 2026.
- Approved the Profile and position description for Port Wallis United Church, Dartmouth, and authorized Search for full time ministry personnel. David Hewitt, Liaison.
- Received notice from Carol Joy Shatford, retired, that she will not be seeking renewal of Appointment with West Bay Pastoral Charge, effective June 30, 2026.
- Approved the Profile and position description for Rawdon Pastoral Charge and authorized Search for half-time ministry personnel. Kevin Cox, Liaison.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of Barbara Blois MacNaughton of St. Mark’s United Church, Port Hawkesbury, effective July 13, 2026.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations of Jim MacNaughton, retired, of River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge, effective July 19, 2026.
- Approved Ste. Croix Ellershouse Pastoral Charge as a Supervised Ministry Education site.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations from Gary MacDougall, retired, of Noel Pastoral Charge, effective May 1, 2026.
- Approved the ministry plan for Middle River United Church, including approval for part time ministry personnel along with a Congregational Designated Ministry for worship leadership. Search is authorized.
- Approved the Request for Change in Pastoral Relations for the purposes of Retirement of Wendy Kean of Harmony Camden Pastoral Charge, effective November 23, 2026.
- Approved the Profile and position description for First United Church, Trenton and authorize Search for half-time ministry personnel. Also approved that Trenton Pastoral Charge promptly engage with Sharon Ballantyne for Growth and Stewardship work.
- Approved the Provisional Call of Ron Shaw, ordinand, with Trenton Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, effective July 1, 2026. Donna Tourneur, Liaison.
- Approved the Profile and position descriptions for Halifax (working name) United Church and authorized Search for 2 full-time ministry personnel. David Hewitt, Liaison.
- Approved the revised position description for the Family Minister of Waverley Pastoral Charge. Kathy McKay, Liaison.
- Approved the Call of Jenny Eisener with Waverley Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, effective July 1, 2026.
- Next meeting: Friday, June 5, 2026, 9:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt.
Order Breaking the Silence Fair Trade Coffee for Annual Meeting/Liturgical stoles
Churches can again order Just Us! Fair Trade Breaking the Silence Coffee boxes with 6 12oz. bags at the wholesale price of $76.50, to pick up at the Annual Meeting. The global price of coffee beans has reached its highest level ever, thus the price hike to ensure that small producers receive a fair price. Kathryn Anderson must receive orders for wholesale boxes by Thurs. May 21st.
By buying Breaking the Silence coffee you support small farmers and the courageous work of the Highlands Committee of Small Farmers (CCDA.) This is critically important right now, to help cover legal costs for CCDA leader Leocadio Juracan’s arrest on false charges in order to muzzle his defense of Mayan communities’ land rights. Ground or whole bean bags (12 oz, 2lb.) at the retail price, liturgical stoles and gorgeous crafts from a Guatemalan women’s cooperative will be on sale at the Breaking the Silence table.
View Beyond the Bean for more info on Breaking the Silence coffee, made by diaconal minister Hubert Den Draak.
Liturgical stoles sell out quickly, so you may wish to order in advance. ($50)
Colours: Rainbow – 1, Red – 1, Purple – 2, Green 3 – , Blue – 3
Growth Ideas 101: Me in a Minute
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for May 6, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
Stewardship
May is PAR month. Enjoy this video to have all your questions answered.
Inventions of Summer
Inventions of Summer is a simple, creative, theologically rich companion for a Summer Sabbath or Worship Series; it is a four-week, ready-to-use program with four different themes, read more about it here. The Region has purchased a license from Prayer Bench and want to offer this resource as a gift to support worship leaders and communities of faith in their ministry; therefore, there is no cost to receive the resource materials. Please sign-up for access to this resource using this link.
Godly Play Taster Day June 10th
Come experience the essential elements and founding principles of Godly Play. Join the circle, and become part of a full Godly Play session. Explore the deep care and compassion for the spirituality of the child. This one day workshop is open to all leaders regardless of their exposure level to Godly Play.
Wednesday, June 10th from 10am-3pm
Includes coffee break and lunch, no fee required
Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1C3
Registration is limited, please fill out this form by Wednesday, June 3rd.
Email Jenny Eisener for any questions.
Care for Creation Moment: Energy in the One Earth Community
The United Church of Canada recognizes that energy use lies at the heart of today’s ecological crisis. In 2000, the 37th General Council adopted the comprehensive energy policy statement: Energy in the One Earth Community, building upon its broader environmental vision.
This policy calls for a profound shift in how we think about energy. It challenges the assumption that economic growth and unlimited energy consumption are signs of progress. Instead, it asks us to consider the long-term consequences of our choices — especially for future generations.
We’re called to rethink power, responsibility, and progress. It invites us to choose pathways that sustain life rather than endanger it, guided by faith, justice, and care for all of Creation. Read about the transformative work our faith calls us to.
We’re Hiring! Office Administrator (30 hrs/week) (FSLDW)
Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown is seeking a friendly, organized Office Administrator to help support the day-to-day life of our vibrant, inclusive church community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people, communicating clearly, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Learn more here.
Applications should be received by May 13, 2026. Applications can be sent to jobs@parkroyalunited.ca or can be dropped-off in-person to:
Park Royal United Church
11 Christie Drive
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 5W6
902-894-9656
United Church Office Administrators Conference
The conference is planned for October 5-9, 2026, and will take place in Saskatoon, SK. All UCC administrators; whether you are a regional admin, executive assistant, or working in a local community of faith; all are welcome to attend! To view the agenda for the conference click here; to access the MP Support Letter click here; and to register click here.
