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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. Gregory Bruce Williams
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Gregory Bruce Williams who passed away on May 6, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Nancy Patricia O’Brien
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Jane Doull and family, whose mother Nancy Patricia O’Brien, passed away on May 4, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Edgar Charles Sheffield
Our condolences are extended to Rev. Lori Beth Sheffield-Bowles and family, whose father Edgar Charles Sheffield, passed away on May 8, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Margaret Inez Jennings
Condolences are extended to the family of Margaret Inez Jennings who passed away on May 9, 2026. Margaret was a former presbytery representative, delegate to Conference and member of the Regional Council. The obituary can be viewed here.
Annual Meeting Shuttle
There will be a shuttle available to transport people between the meeting space and residences during our annual meeting May 28-31. To ensure that we have adequate service, please fill out the shuttle request form by Friday, May 15.
Annual Meeting Accommodations and Meals Deadline
Please note, the deadline to book annual meeting meals and accommodations through Acadia University is this Monday, May 18. Information for booking (or cancelling) can be found here and note, there are separate links for meals and accommodations. Acadia’s cancellation policy is 48 hrs prior to the start of the event.
BNS AGM — Join Growth Animator Sharon May 28 8:00 p.m. Room 139 Acadia University Wolfville
You are warmly invited to join me for a casual time of conversation and sharing, to learn more about growth animator work, how I come alongside communities of faith, and explore opportunities for working together, strengthening invitation, meeting our neighbours and extending beyond our walls in your context.
Bring your hopes, strategies, strengths, questions and concerns. Share stories
Be curious about how a picnic table might help you connect with neighbours
If you are a participant in the BNS AGM, or in the area of Wolfville, come meet with me Thursday night May 28 from 8 to 10 p.m., room 139 in our meeting building.
Don’t forget to also join me Every Wednesday morning for our virtual 30-minute coffee break on zoom
Connect with me directly for the zoom link if you want to book a meeting, Ask a question
Email me at sballantyne@united-church.ca
Please come find me at the AGM. Introduce yourself. Hope to see you Thursday night May 28 and throughout the AGM
AST Alumni Reception
All Alumni/ae of Atlantic School of Theology are invited!
Come spend time with your classmates and other AST grads on Thursday, May 28th during the Regional Council meeting at Acadia. Learn about what’s up at AST these days, upcoming continuing education events, and why you should recommend AST to everyone you know!
We’ll be in Fountain Commons, room 108 and we’re looking forward to being with you!
The UCC Foundation invites you for a pre-meeting gathering at the BNSRC Meeting
Sarah Charters of the United Church of Canada Foundation warmly invites you to a pre-meeting gathering at the BNSRC Meeting on Thursday, May 28 at 4:00 pm.
This gathering is a chance to connect with fellow participants, enjoy good conversation, and hear inspiring stories about how grants have made a meaningful impact in your region over the past year. There is much to celebrate in Bermuda-Nova Scotia! Foundation President Sarah Charters will share some brief insights and reflections on how the Foundation and Mission and Service can continue to support vital ministries in the Region.
We’ll wrap up in time for you to seamlessly join supper.
We’re excited to come together, celebrate the important work happening in BNSRC, and share some truly good news with you.
To RSVP for the gathering, please email.
Growth Ideas 101: The Power of a Picnic Table – One Hundred Tables Returns for Year Two
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for May 13, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
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.
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
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.
It is PAR-TY time this May!
Our communities of faith depend on monthly giving to support our life and work together. One of the ways people can give is through Pre-Authorized Remittance (or PAR). The month of May is dedicated to PAR and we have a number of resources to help you inspire, invite and thank your community to give. PAR month resources are available under Downloads at the bottom of the web page.
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.
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.
Getting Started in Stewardship Summer 2026 Free Webinar
June 18 and July 30, 2026 – Come on your own or come with a team and join United Church people from across the country to learn some stewardship first principles. At either 4 or 6:30ET., you can register on CHURCHx.
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.
