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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 Centre for Christian Studies please click here.
Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Committee Volunteer form.
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.
Ministry & Personnel Workshop Saturday October 17th
A Ministry and Personnel Workshop will be held on Saturday October 17th from 10:00 – 3:00 Good for those new to M&P roles and also a refresher for those with experience with this committee.
Location: 5303 Tobin Street, Halifax B3H (formerly Fort Massey United Church) – corner of Queen and Tobin Streets
Workshop facilitated by Regional Minister, David Hewitt with the Goals:
1.To review the purpose and function of the M&P Committee
2.To review resources for M&P Committees
3.To address questions and challenges faced by committee members
Lunch will be provided; with free will offering gladly received for cost recovery
Please register to assist in planning and meal preparation. The deadline for registration is Monday, October 12, 2026.
Children, Youth and Young Adults Survey
The Regional Minister for Children, Youth, and Young Adults would like to hear from you! Whether you are a leader, a minister, a parent/guardian, a grand-parent, a youth, a young adult or someone interested in knowing more, I’d like to know what you think is needed for ministry with these age groups in the region.
Please feel free to print this survey and mail the completed copy to the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council Office, 21 Wright Street, Sackville NB E4L 4P8, c/o Rev. Catherine Stuart, or complete it online. Share it with folks in your community of faith, camp, campus ministry or after school program. Share it with neighbours who may have been connected with one of these ministries. The deadline for submission is October 30, 2026.
Questions or concerns? Email Catherine Stuart cstuart@united-church.ca
Funding for Campus Chaplaincy activities
The Children, Youth and Young Adult Committee is happy to share news of their new Campus Chaplaincy Grant!
This grant is being offered to both new and existing campus ministries, and will contribute up to $500 towards projects. In return, we ask that you report back to the committee on the success of your program. For more information, contact Paige Fraser at paige.fraser@bedfordunited.com
Growth and Stewardship Ideas: Faith Story and a Will
Please click here to read the Growth and Stewardship Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth and Stewardship Animator, for September 30, 2026.
Contact your growth and stewardship animator Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca
Share a Story of Your Community of Faith in the National Blog Round the Table
Atlantic Canada has wonderful stories of hope, resilience and the new things God is up to in communities of faith across our regions. A blog entry is up to eight hundred words and wonderful if it is supported with a picture or two. Reach out to Sharon, your growth and stewardship animator sballantyne@united-church.ca for Bermuda Nova Scotia Regional Council and let’s work together to co-create a story celebrating what God is doing in your community of faith. Here is a recent blog about Sackville United in Sackville, NB, and another about Caledonia United in Caledonia NS.
Full-Time Position for Ministry Personnel (2-Year Term)
The Clifton Pastoral Charge is an Affirming charge that is seeking an energetic, visionary full-time ministry leader for a two-year term to guide us through an exciting season of renewal and rebuilding. We are looking for a collaborative leader who can connect with people of all ages using both traditional and innovative approaches to worship and communication. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational and administrative skills, a background in leadership or management, and the ability to help us identify and embrace new opportunities for growth. Rooted in a rural setting, our congregations value a visible, active presence in the wider community. We are looking for someone who feels at home in the country, enjoys participating in community life, and is eager to walk alongside us in faith and fellowship.
Make Your Values Known – Provincial Budget Consultation
Many of you have no doubt received a flyer in the mail regarding the provincial budget consultation. The government wants to know what matters most to us. It is no secret that Nova Scotia is in rather a difficult financial situation and that the next budget will contain cuts to services. As Christians we are called to care for the people on the margins. As churches we have been filling the gaps where provincial support is inadequate. In 2025, 30% of people who came to food banks had social/income assistance as their primary source of income. We need to make our priorities clear. No deadline was provided for feedback, but the last public session is October 8.
Grace United Church in Dartmouth has developed a 2-page backgrounder as well as more information here. We are focusing on homelessness and the employment support and income assistance programs. We understand that people may have different priorities, but we want to take the opportunity to do what we can to protect the people on the margins and allow them to live their lives with dignity.
MAiD: Myths, Facts and Respectful Dialogue
A community information session on Medical Assistance in Dying
Sat, Oct 17 – 1:30 – 3:30 pm at Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax
Presenter: John McCarthy, Program Lead for the Medial Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Program, Nova Scotia Health
This event offers a safe, respectful space to explore the realities of MAiD, separate misconception from truth and understand the current legal framework. Bring your questions and your curiosity. Whether you are seeking clarity for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn, you are welcome here. Let’s engage in a thoughtful, open dialogue together. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by contacting the church office at 902-443-2947, or office@hillsideunited.org
