Spring is a season of renewal, and across our region many communities of faith are celebrating new member Sundays, people joining the church through professions of faith, transfers of membership, and confirmation. These moments remind us that God is still stirring hearts and drawing people into community.
A special word of congratulations to Woodlawn United Church, Dartmouth, NS, who welcomed 35 new members on March 22. What a joyful sign of God at work.
Who has joined your community of faith this past year, or in 2026? I wonder, across UCC-East can we celebrate 101 new members together? You can help us discover the answer. Send Sharon the name of your pastoral charge, the date, and the number of people welcomed into membership in 2025 or 2026. Every story matters. One or two new members in many communities quickly becomes a powerful collective witness.
Are you holding a confirmation class this spring? Share how many participants are exploring faith with you. Good news inspires good news. Woodlawn invites all visitors to complete a contact form and the minister follows up that week with a call and invitation to visit. Others have a “go for coffee” ministry. Pray for people and opportunities to invite. Inspire people with shared interests. Practice generosity and thanking as we continue to experience God in our midst, doing something new, through us.
Someone’s first “yes” may not be on a Sunday morning, but it may still lead them into a life giving connection.
This week, choose one person to invite into something meaningful. Pray for opportunities. Notice spiritual hunger. Encourage generosity and gratitude. Trust that God is doing something new among us—and through us.
Let’s celebrate every sign of growth and keep sharing the good news.
Please contact me, Sharon Ballantyne, growth animator, at 506-306-0500 or by email at sballantyne@united-church.ca You are also invited to a virtual 30-minute drop-in conversation each Wednesday morning, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Atlantic (10:15 a.m. Newfoundland and Labrador). Contact Sharon for the Zoom link.
