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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.
Condolences: Judith Ann Norton
Condolences are extended to Rev. Ivan Norton and family, whose wife, Judy Norton passed away October 3, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Condolences: Reverend John Parsons
Condolences are extended to the family of Rev. John Parsons who passed away October 3, 2026. The obituary can be viewed here.
Covenanting Service
A Covenanting Service for the Tatamagouche Pastoral Charge (Sharon United Church, Brule Union Church, Bayhead Union Church), Rev. Dr. Dale Skinner and the Bermuda Nova Scotia Regional Council will be held on Sunday October 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM. The service will be hosted at Sharon United Church (15 Church Street, Tatamagouche). Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto will be the Guest Preacher. A reception will follow in the hall downstairs following the service.
Church Property Network gathering on Wednesday, October 14 at 7pm (Eastern)
The Church Property Network is an initiative led by The United Church of Canada and United Property Resource Corporation (UPRC) to support Communities of Faith with property solutions.
Looking to secure funding for your church property? The Church Property Network is here to help! This monthly webinar series explores practical strategies to enhance your church’s sustainability while aligning with your congregation’s mission.
Next Session: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Topic: Insurance Requirements
Join our upcoming webinar to learn about essential insurance requirements, explore the new UCC Protect resources, and get your policy questions answered.
Find more information and register at CHURCHx.
United Church Foundation Grants, Fall Application Open Until October 15 2026
Our Fall 2026 grant round is open with an application deadline of October 15th.
Learn more about our various grants – and apply here.
Explore Seeds of Hope traditional grant or the small grants form for those Seeds of Hope requests under $2000. Our trust-based stream, United, We returns and also the
the Promotion Project Fund. You can read about what Woodcliff United in Calgary did with a ten-thousand-dollar promotion grant.
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 1S3 (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.
UNJPPI Annual Meeting
The United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel annual meeting will be head virtually on Zoom at 5:00 pm Atlantic on October 19th. This is an excellent opportunity to discover more about the work and mission of the network and ways that you can support theirf work.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Growth and Stewardship Ideas: Keep Thanking
Please click here to read the Growth and Stewardship Ideas from Sharon Ballantyne, Growth and Stewardship Animator, for October 7, 2026.
Contact your growth and stewardship animator Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca
2026 Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Gathering: Holding Space October 23 & 24, 2026 Regional Council Office, Sackville, NB
If you are a LLWL, studying to be licensed, or interested in learning more about the program, join us at the Regional Offices for a time of learning, fellowship and spiritual renewal on Friday October 23rd 11:30 AM – Saturday 24th at 3:00 PM.
This event is available for those who are interested from Bermuda- Nova Scotia and Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters. Our theme is: Holding Space. We will be exploring EPIC Worship Planning and the Season of Advent.
Please see attached link to the registration form.
Accommodations at the Coastal Inn (if required) will be booked by the Office at a discounted rate.
If you have questions, please contact :
BNS – Sandi Irving Sandrapauletteirving@gmail.com , or Betty Ann Watts bettyannwatts6@gmail.com
FSLDW- Barbara Prowse barbara.prowse@gmail.com , or Heather Donnelly oldfarm1867@gmail.com
Worship 101: Webinar Resources for Lay Leaders
Are you a lay leader looking for increased understanding and resources when leading worship? Worship 101 Webinar Series is for you. Join experienced clergy and lay leaders as they share their knowledge. There will be 5 sessions Monday evenings 7-8:30 commencing October 26. Cost is $50/participant. Zoom links will be provided as confirmation to registration. All sessions will be recorded. Information on sessions and presenters can be found here.
Register here.
Minute for Ecological Justice
Minute for Ecological Justice
United for Ecological Justice: Creation is not simply where we live, it is God’s gift, our shared home, and our sacred responsibility. As people of faith, we are called to love our neighbors, protect the vulnerable, and care for the earth that sustains all life. Ecological justice is therefore not only an environmental concern; it is a matter of faith, discipleship, justice, and love. We invite congregations to join us in becoming United for Ecological Justice; a growing movement of communities committed to listening to creation, learning from Indigenous wisdom, reducing harm, and taking faithful action for a more just and sustainable world. Together, let us move from concern to action, from consumption to stewardship, and from fear to hope, building a world where creation can flourish and future generations can thrive. Will your congregation join us? Faith in action. Justice for creation. Hope for generations to come. Hallelujah! For more information, click here.
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
Mission and Service Thanksgiving Campaign
“Come in, come in and sit down.” Community is one of God’s greatest gifts: gathering around a table, sharing what we have, and making room for each other.
This Thanksgiving, The United Church of Canada Foundation is inviting us to celebrate that gift by supporting Mission and Service. Our generosity helps uplift community meals, breakfast clubs, Out of the Cold programs, and other initiatives that bring people together and offer welcome, care, and connection throughout the year.
Please consider making a Thanksgiving gift today and helping share the abundance of community: unitedchurchfoundation.ca/thanksgiving.
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
Brunswick Street Mission is counting on your support!
Join us for our 20th Annual Mission Breakfast!
Your ticket includes breakfast and an address from our keynote speaker, Dr. El Jones. All proceeds support critical services for our community including our food bank, breakfast program, laundry services, free café, and social work supports.
This year’s Mission Breakfast is on Wednesday, October 14: 7:30am to 9:00am at Pier 21. Tickets are $145 each or $1,250 for a table of 10. $45 from each ticket covers our costs–the remaining portion is considered a donation for which you will receive a donation receipt.
More Info
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.
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
Planning for Health Emergencies
Has your community of faith in Nova Scotia created a plan for health emergencies? If so, I would like to get in touch. Health Canada and the General Council of UCC have asked faith communities to prepare for a health emergency such as a measles outbreak. I am taking the lead in preparing a plan for St. John’s United Church, Fall River, NS. Please contact me if you have already created a plan or would like to share resources–Nova Scotia communities of faith only, please, as jurisdictions have different regulations. Thanks, Lois E. Miller – loisemiller45@gmail.com
Now Hiring: ASL Interpreter
Position: ASL Interpreter – Part-Time
St. John’s United Church, Fall River (3360 Highway #2, Fall River)
Our church is seeking an ASL Interpreter to support accessible and inclusive worship. The position involves providing ASL interpretation throughout the worship service on Sunday mornings. The time commitment is 2 hours, every second Sunday, with occasional additional services such as Christmas Eve. The rate is $87.50 per Sunday (which includes travel and prep time). Interested applicants are invited to contact the church office for more information: 902-860-4000, office@sjucfr.ca
Job Posting – Office Administrator – Grace United Church, Dartmouth, NS
Grace United Church, in the heart of downtown Dartmouth, is seeking a permanent, part- time Office Administrator to provide reception, clerical and administrative support, and to ensure efficient running of the office in an active, volunteer-driven, and community-oriented congregation and busy building.
The person in this position must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people; be flexible and adaptable with an ability to manage interruptions and drop- ins; and be comfortable working alone without daily supervision. The ability to multi-task while effectively managing time with attention to detail and good organizational skills are essential.
For more information about the job and how to apply, please visit our website. Competition closes at midnight, Oct 15/26.
Upcoming event at Bethany United, Halifax
Books & Bakes Sale Fundraiser – October 17, 2026, 10am-2pm
2669 Joseph Howe Drive
(Parking at 7171 Clinton Avenue)
The Sunday School ministry at Bethany United invites you to support this Saturday sale. Our young folks, are hoping to host a meaningful all-ages experience that centers on community.
Good reads and sweet treats in abundance.
Pick out a puzzle and stay for the chowder.
Find a fun game or press your luck on our raffles.
Stop by for the best of all these things and the smiles are free!
Admission $2, children 12 and under free.
Young Adult Night: Cozy Fall Night
Come enjoy a cozy fall evening with supper, faith conversations, and some Halloween fun, including pumpkin carving! All young adults are welcome. Come as you are, bring a friend, and join us for a relaxed night together. RSVP here.
Canada Summer Jobs 2027– Explore Possibilities and Be Ready to Apply
The Canada Summer Jobs 2027 employer application window opens on October 27, 2026, and closes on December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. You can review program updates and apply through the Canada Summer Jobs Official Portal. Explore hiring a student with your leadership. Help a student and help your community of faith. Get creative about what you might offer a student next summer. Supporting community engagement, invitation and outreach, pilots of programs for children, youth and family, all-ages, seniors or whatever makes sense in your context such as VBS, day camps, invite experts events, perhaps a student could interview and create video visits with people, coordinating guest speaker series or “how to” events? Supporting your tech, online presence, website and social media, marketing and promotion, filing and archiving could be some other areas of need? Decluttering spaces, painting and sprucing up inside and outside your buildings might be another direction? If you are part of one hundred tables, could the student coordinate uses for your picnic table in 2027? These or other ideas might resonate. Your community of faith might work with other communities of faith, (United, ecumenical or multifaith) or community partners as fits your needs to help hire a student. Reach out to explore possibilities. Contact your growth and stewardship animator Sharon, sballantyne@united-church.ca
