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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: Thelma Blaikie
Condolences are extended to the family of Thelma Blaikie who passed away on August 31, 2026. Thelma was the office administrator at Grace Dartmouth for the last 33 years. The obituary can be viewed here.
Covenanting Service at St. John’s United Church, Fall River
Everyone is invited on Sunday, Sept. 20th, 2pm at St. John’s United Church, Fall River for the covenanting service for Rev. Emily Duggan and Rev. Jenny Eisener. Guest preacher Rev. Dr. Linda Yates. All are welcome to come celebrate the official start of our team ministry at SJUC, reception provided by the UCW to follow the service. 3360 Highway #2 Fall River, NS.
Contact: office@sjucfr.ca for more details.
Covenanting Service
A Covenanting Service for the newly formed Collaborative Ministry between the Churches of The Petite Riviere Pastoral Charge, West Side United of The LaHave New Dublin Pastoral Charge, Rev. Donna Kelly, Rev. Neil McEwen and the Bermuda Nova Scotia Regional Council will be held on Sunday October 4, 2026 at 2 PM. The service will be hosted at Wesley United Church (22 Drews Hill Road in Petite Riviere NS). Rev. Carol Smith will be the Guest Preacher and David Hewitt will be representing the BNS Regional Council. Since the service is being held on World Wide Communion Sunday we will be celebrating Communion. A Time of Community will follow in the hall downstairs following the service.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Pastoral Relations News – September 2026
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Ruth Gamble, retired, with Cumberland Pastoral Charge, 5 hours/week, September 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Dale Crawford, retired, with Baddeck Pastoral Charge, 20 hours/week, June 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Norma Mills, retired, with Waterview Pastoral Charge, 15 hours/week, September 8 to December 31, 2026.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Darlene Brewer with St. James United Church, Dartmouth, 40 hours/week, October 27, 2026 to May 3, 2027.
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Martha Martin, retired, with Bethany United Church, Halifax, 25 hours/week, September 1 to December 31, 2026
- Approved the Supply Appointment of Brenda McKay, retired, with Stairs Memorial United Church, Dartmouth, 16 hours/week, October 1 to December 31, 2026.
- Moved that Bermuda Nova Scotia Region approve the position description for 2 days/week Supply leadership with Stairs Memorial United Church, Dartmouth, during the medical leave of their minister.
- Moved that Bermuda Nova Scotia Region approve the position descriptions for 20 hours/week Supply youth leadership with Orchard Valley United Church, and authorize Search.
- Next meeting: Friday, October 16. For more information please contact Regional Minister David Hewitt dhewitt@united-church.ca
Growth and Stewardship Ideas: Neighbours, Needs and Connection
Please click here to read the Growth and Stewardship Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth and Stewardship Animator, for September 16, 2026.
Contact your growth and stewardship animator Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca
Dedication Of “Alison’s Music Pod” — Queen Elizabeth Park, Glace Bay
In memory of Rev. Alison Etter (1982-2024), the Cape Breton Regional Municipality will be hosting an informal, on-site gathering on Monday, September 21, at 10:30 a.m. to dedicate “Alison’s Music Pod” in the playground in Queen Elizabeth Park, Glace Bay. Everyone is welcome. Alison’s Music Pod consists of outdoor, permanent musical instruments. The sign reads “Alison loved this community and wanted to see everyone thrive.”
HRM Affirming Cluster Meeting September 23
The Affirming United Communities of Faith in the Halifax Regional Municipality are invited to a Potluck meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm, at Halifax United (Coburg/Robie). Representatives from all Affirming (and not-yet Affirming) faith communities within HRM are encouraged to attend. Contact Robyn at robynlbh@gmail.com. We will be sharing stories, ideas, and planning for CANADA PRIDE HALIFAX 2027. Veggie chili will be provided. Bring a side, salad, or appetite.
Road Trip! Anniversary service at Trinity United, Riverview
Sixty years goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute you are turning the sod for a new church and the next you are celebrating 60 years of God’s faithfulness. One minute you are gathering for a baptism, and the next you are remembering a life well lived.
You are invited to celebrate all these faithful moments with Trinity United Church on Old Coach Road, Riverview NB. Previous members, ministers, and those looking to worship and celebrate the faithfulness of God, and the grace of Jesus, are invited to the anniversary service on Sunday, September 20th at 11am. Lunch will be served (of course!)
What’s Happening in Growth and Stewardship
Please click here to see the communication from, and about, the Growth and Stewardship Animators; Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne and Rev. Rob Shearer.
Tuesday virtual lunch Weekly Zoom Drop-in with UCC East Growth and Stewardship Animators Rob and Sharon
This thirty-ish minute weekly Zoom drop-in gathering is piloting a NEW time and day beginning on Tuesday September 15 starting at 11:45 Atlantic. Everyone across UCC-East is invited. Meeting in September, October and November, we will revisit interest for 2027. Both Growth and Stewardship Animators, Rob and Sharon hope to see you there! join our Tuesday lunch bunch. Come chat about whatever might be on your hearts. Enjoy your lunch at our virtual table, or just drop in to visit. Let’s keep connected. Hold Rob in prayer September 7 to 17, as he will be traveling west coast to east coast driving belongings, as he moves to Atlantic Canada from BC. Rob hopes to join Tues. September 22 and future Tuesdays. Contact Sharon for the zoom link at sballantyne@United-church.ca.
Old Time Gospel Singalong
Aylesford United Church, at 2414 Hwy 1, invites you on Sunday, Sept. 20th at 2:00 pm to an Old Time Gospel Singalong. This event is part of “Sing for Unity”, a global effort bringing people together to sing for world peace and unity at 2;00 pm local time.
Join us as we add our voices to the wave of music travelling from time zone to time zone in recognition of the United Nation’s International Day of Peace. The Free Will offering will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.
Young Adult Fall Kickoff!
All Young adults in the HRM & Beyond are invited to join us for a fun night of Activate & Appies!
Thursday, September 24 • 6:30 PM
Activate Halifax (72 Finnian Row)
We’ll start with some fun at Activate, then head to Moxies for appies, conversation, and a chance to dream together about what’s ahead for our Young Adult community.
Everyone is welcome! Whether you’ve joined us before or this is your first time, come as you are, bring a friend, and meet some new people!
Sign up here.
Feel free to share this with other young adults who might like to join us!
HRM Youth Cluster September 27th
Sunday, September 27 • 5:30–8:00 PM
St. John’s United Church, Fall River
United Church youth in Grades 6/7–12 are invited to an evening of food, games, activities, conversation, and faith!
Whether you’re part of a youth group, your church doesn’t have one, or you’re just looking to meet some new people — you’re welcome!
🍕 Supper included
🎲 Games & activities
💬 Good conversation
✨ Space to explore questions of faith
Come as you are, bring a friend, and let’s get connected!
RSVP here
Questions? Paige Fraser
paige.fraser@bedfordunited.com | (902) 835-8497 ext. 6
📍 St. John’s United Church
3360 NS-2, Fall River, NS B2T 1J2
Transitional President Search-Saskatoon Theological Union
St. Andrew’s College and Lutheran Theological Seminary are seeking a Transitional President to provide leadership as the two schools become one institution. Applications are open until September 20, 2026.
Learn more about the role and view the full posting at: https://standrews.ca/lead-the-creation-of-a-new-theological-school/
ChurchHub – Update
An invitation to ChurchHub is on its way to you (as the Ministry and Personnel Chair of your pastoral charge). Please check your inbox (or junk/spam folder) for a “welcome to ChurchHub” email.
ChurchHub access gives you the opportunity to work on behalf of your Community of Faith on various tasks such as:
Community of Faith profile:
https://ch.united-church.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/7240602413453-Community-of-Faith-Profile-on-ChurchHub
Finding a New Minister:
https://ch.united-church.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/7240534796301-Communities-of-Faith-How-to-Find-a-New-Minister
Pulpit supply list:
https://ch.united-church.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/18447444644493-Pulpit-Supply-List
Record of call or appointment form:
https://ch.united-church.ca/hc/en-ca/articles/47917798635405-COMMUNITIES-OF-FAITH-HOW-TO-USE-RECORD-OF-CALL-OR-APPOINTMENT-FORM-2026
You can find further ChurchHub resources at this link:https://ch.united-church.ca/hc/en-ca
And if you need further assistance you can always email helpdesk@united-church.ca
Office Administrator Job Posting
Are you an organized, compassionate, and community-minded individual who enjoys connecting with people and helping organizations thrive?
Bridgewater United Church is seeking a full-time Office Administrator to help support the day-to-day operations of our faith community. This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity to serve as a key connector between the church, congregation, and broader community while supporting worship services, communications, events, and office administration.
For More Info click here.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and experience!
Email: info@bridgewaterunited.ca
Check out our website to learn more about us!
