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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 Wm Dale Irving (Dale)
Our condolences are extended to the family of Rev. Dale Irving who passed away on June 9, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
2027 Mission and Service Grant Application
The 2027 Mission and Service Grant application is now available here. The deadline for completed application and supporting documentation is Friday, September 18, 2026 and can be forwarded to: jwhittemore@united-church.ca or mailed to the Regional Office.
United Church Worship Resources
Many Communities of Faith (CoF) find themselves where it is falling to lay members to support or lead worship. Lacking formal training, or having very little training, in leading worship these lay members often look for support in leading worship. Additionally, these CoF are often strapped for the funds, which limits their ability for training or support materials for their lay leaders. There are, however, many materials that are inexpensive or free that are available for use by CoFs and lay leaders. On June 22nd the Faith Formation and Leadership Development Committee of the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region is pleased to present a webinar to help CoFs and lay leaders find these resources. On June 22nd, Alydia Smith – Program Coordinator, Worship, Music and Spirituality at the General Council of the United Church of Canada – will lead our webinar. The session will be on June 22nd and start at 7pm (Atlantic Time) running for an hour with time at the end for questions and discussion. Registration is now open, click here: there is no registration fee for this webinar. Registration will close the morning of June 22nd.
Upon registration you will receive an automated email. A few days later you will receive a welcome email from the committee with the zoom link for the sessions. You will also receive a reminder email before the session.
Mental Health Working Group
The Justice, Mission and Outreach Committee is refreshing the Mental Health Working Group. If you’re interested in working with others to support mental health in our congregations and communities, please contact Rev. Shepherd Munikwa.
Youth and Young Adult Bus Pilgrimage to Collective this summer!
Collective is a national event for youth starting grade 9 in September, Young adults (19+) and leaders of youth and young adults.
Registration for the Collective event itself can be found here https://www.collective-gathering.ca/registration
Bermuda- Nova Scotia and Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regions will be hosting a Bus Pilgrimage to Collective 2026 in St. Catharine’s, Ontario.
The Bus will be leaving on August 11th in the morning and returning August 16th in the evening.
Please fill out the form to register for the bus and to receive more information including pick up locations, packing details and all things pilgrimage fun!
We look forward to journeying with you to Collective 2026!
Sharing the In Memoriam from Opening Worship at the Annual Meeting
The Worship Team for the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Annual Meeting is sharing the In Memoriam Poem and Memorial Slides from the Opening Worship at Annual Meeting as a beautiful tribute to the ministers that were remembered and as a meaningful way to honour their lives and ministry.
Growth Ideas 101: Narrative is Essential
Please click here to read the Growth Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth Animator, for June 17, 2026.
Share your ideas with your growth animator at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca.
Open House Celebration Honouring Rev. Emily Duggan
After thirteen years of faithful ministry, leadership, friendship, and service within the Louisbourg Pastoral Charge, Rev. Emily Duggan has accepted a new pastoral appointment and will soon begin the next chapter of her ministry journey. She and her family have been very active members of our church family, our communities, as well as active members of the United Church of Canada faith community at large. Through her involvement, whether in the role of a spiritual leader or as a community member, she has touched many people’s lives regardless of their religious affiliation or beliefs. Her departure will leave a void for many. Before she leaves, the congregations of the Louisbourg Pastoral Charge (MacMillan Memorial Church in Catalone and First United Church Louisbourg) invite friends, neighbours, colleagues, community partners, and members of congregations throughout the region to join us in expressing gratitude and sharing memories of her time among us at an Open House on June 27, 2026 from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Calvin Hall located at 3 Upper Warren Street in Louisbourg. Light refreshments will be served. This informal gathering will provide an opportunity to visit with Rev. Emily, offer good wishes, share stories, and celebrate the many ways her ministry has touched lives over the past thirteen years. For more information, please contact: Caroline 902-565-9183.
Bethany United Church Halifax
Bethany United Church, Halifax has posted their Living Faith story to ChurchHub in their search for a new minister. Please feel welcome to examine our story if, as ministry personnel with The United Church of Canada, you are looking for a new church home. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.
HRM Youth Ministry Summer Celebration
When: Sunday July 12th 5:30-8:00
Where: Bedford United Church (1200 Bedford Highway)
Who: United Church youth in Grades (6)7–12 — whether you have a youth group or not!
What: Supper, games, activities, conversation, and a chance to connect with others and explore questions of faith
Questions? contact paige.fraser@bedfordunited.com.
(902) 835-8497 x 6
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.
