SCHEDULE

Thursday February 2nd – Appointments in office, monthly meeting with Parish Vitality Coordinator and Zoom Webinar - Collaborative Ministry Leadership 

Friday February 3rd – Reading, writing and preparation for evening Diocesan Council meeting

Sunday February 5th – Dartmouth Regional Confirmation

Monday February 6th - Day off

Tuesday February 7th - Meetings in office

Wednesday February 8th - Leadership Team Meeting

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointments of:

The Reverend John Saynor as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Weymouth effective February 1st, 2023.

The Reverend Debra Burleson as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Tangier effective February 1st, 2023.

MEMORIALS

We are sad to share the news that Ruth Eva Langston Rafuse, mother of the Reverend Peter Rafuse, died on January 25th, 2023, at the age of 99. Please keep Peter and his family in your prayers in the coming days. An obituary can be found at: https://www.clcurry.com/obituaries/168136   May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

PARISH OF EASTERN PASSAGE

The Anglican Parish of Eastern Passage is looking for a full-time Rector. This is a two point Parish consisting of St Peter’s Church, Eastern Passage and Christ Church, Cow Bay. The rectory is located next door to St Peters and five minutes from Christ Church. There is a 9 AM service at Christ Church and a 1030 service at St Peters weekly. We are a thriving Parish that is strongly connected with the community.

As you know, Canada’s winter conditions can present some unique hazards, with heavy snow accumulation and melting snow leading to possible flooding. Weather patterns change quickly, and storms often bring ice, fluctuating temperatures and strong winds. It is important for organizations to protect their property and consider the safety of others. Ecclesiastical’s Risk Control Specialists have prepared some materials to assist, and we would appreciate you sharing these with our mutual customers. 

Averting Some Common Winter-Related Losses This bulletin outlines snow and ice removal best practices designed to reduce the risk of personal injury or damage to your property. This general assistance guide describes steps to hire a snow removal contractor, how to work with volunteers in the process, and action needed to clear the walkways, footpaths, stairs, ramps, and other common foot traffic areas.

Prepare for Winter, Protect your Property In this bulletin, we give advice on how to protect properties from major winter risks, such as ruptured pipes, ice dams, roof failure and hazards on the ground. Understanding how a comprehensive risk management and property maintenance program with clearly defined policies and procedures can significantly reduce property damage is outlined.

Avoiding Freeze-Ups & Malfunctions of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems This bulletin outlines common issues with sprinkler systems and how to mitigate possible loss or damage. Appropriate installation, inspection and regular maintenance are key components of maintaining fire sprinkler systems.

Make Sure That Your Snow/Ice Removal is on “par” In this bulletin, we give advice on how to protect properties from major winter risks, such as ruptured pipes, ice dams, roof failure and hazards on the ground. Understanding how a comprehensive risk management and property maintenance program with clearly defined policies and procedures can significantly reduce property damage is outlined.

Cold Weather Slip and Fall Prevention This bulletin demonstrates how to develop a Snow and Ice Clearing Program and offers tips to help ensure your property is a safe place for staff and visitors. Advice includes floor maintenance, lighting, accessibility assistance, education and spring maintenance. 

The Diocese of Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island is seeking an experienced full-time Administrative Assistant.    

Reporting to the Diocesan Executive Administrator, the Administrative Assistant provides confidential, administrative services to assist and support senior management in ensuring the efficient and effective operation and administration of the Synod Office. The Administrative Assistant, plays an instrumental role in the effective functioning of the Diocesan office by ensuring high-quality standards are met and maintained with regards to documentation and communications. We are looking for a thoughtful candidate who has enthusiasm for helping people, is an expert multitasker with excellent written and oral communication skills and has an upbeat attitude. As an integral member of the team, the Administrative Assistant is the face of the Diocesan Office, demonstrating a superior level of customer service. Expert level proficiency in all MS Office applications. Proven office and personnel management skills, with equal ability in lead and support roles. This position will appeal to a self-starter who loves to interact with a wide variety of people and produce quality work.

For a complete job description please email Jana Gauthier, Diocesan Executive Administrator at bishopsoffice@nspeidiocese.ca 

The Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is committed to employment equity and welcomes applications from individuals in traditionally marginalized groups. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.  We encourage applicants to self-identify in their cover letter if they are a member of a marginalized community. 

Expressions of interest for this part-time position are encouraged. A position description is available upon request.

Please email Jana Gauthier at bishopsoffice@nspeidiocese.ca for more information.

 The Anglican Church Women Diocesan Board reminds all Anglicans that the first week of February (Feb. 1 - 7) is World Interfaith Harmony Week, as declared by the UN in 2010. World Interfaith Harmony Week recognizes that ‘Love of the Good, and Love of the Neighbour’ includes all people of goodwill. It includes those of other faiths, and those with no faith.

The hope of this initiative is to provide a focal point from which all people of goodwill can recognize that the common values they hold far outweigh the differences they have, and thus provide a strong dosage of peace and harmony to their communities.

Regardless of faith, or none at all, let's extend Love of One's Neighbour beyond the first week of February and make it just the way we do things.  

Listen. Learn. Experiment. Connect. 

The Connectors is a group that journeys over the course of 12 months to explore fresh approaches to flourishing ministry. It involves reflection, prayer, discussion, study, goal-setting, trying out missional initiatives, mutual peer support and more!

    *Do you sense that God is nudging you to try something new?
    *Do you wish to reach out to people who might never come to Sunday worship?
    *Do you desire to be the hands, feet and heart of Christ to your community?

This peer learning community begins in early 2023 for lay and clergy participants who want to explore discerning prayer, deep dive discussions, engaging readings, goal-setting, mutual support and encouragement. 

The Connectors FIVE is a group of up to 10 eager pioneering-type people who gather monthly for 10, two-day sessions (a mixture of residential retreats and Zoom meetings). This is a skill-building environment for faithful Anglicans who want to reach out to others, but aren’t sure how. Participants in this cohort are a gift and asset to a local parish and their community. All costs are covered by the Diocese.

ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS …

... are willing to lean into their growing edges and take risks.

... commit to participating in all the sessions and an average of 3 hours per month of study, reflection and discernment/visioning for themselves and their congregation(s). Additional time required for missional initiatives.

Application deadline for The Connectors FIVE is Monday, February 13, 2023.

(Got questions?    E-mail:   lvaughn@nspeidiocese.ca   or  call:  902-789-4840.)

Lay and clergy leaders in our parishes are navigating huge shifts in ministry in 2023. As we emerge from our annual meetings and ask important questions about where our faith community is going, leaders will find it helpful to begin with a look in the mirror. 

Author and experienced minister, Mike Bonem, in a recent article published by Lewis Centre for Church Leadership, says self-reflection and personal growth are keys to helping our congregations take the next steps. Read, To Lead Change, Leaders Need the Courage to Change Themselves.

https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/to-lead-change-leaders-need-the-courage-to-change-themselves/?utm_source=CC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=LI20230125

With the move to a new quarterly grants cycle, and the introduction of new categories of grants and fundraising partnerships, the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is making its funding programs more accessible than ever. Please sign up for one of these 30-minute webinars so that you can learn more about how AFC can help to fund transformational ministry. Current webinar availability ranges from Feb. 28-Mar. 10.

The Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is requesting proposals from parishes and not-for profit community groups that are seeking support following Hurricane Fiona that touched down in the Diocese on September 24, 2022.

This initiative is being funded by donations received in response to the PWRDF Hurricane Fiona Appeal from last Fall. Anglicans across Canada donated generously resulting in a total of $50,000 being available to fund projects. PWRDF has entered into an agreement with the Diocese to administer and deliver this fund.

The strategic goal or overarching objective of this fund is to help parishes/communities take steps or measures to make them more resilient and resistant to future major weather events.

This Request for Proposal seeks to attract projects that may fill gaps as to what may not have been funded through other recovery and relief programs that are currently available in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It is important that projects do not duplicate efforts or existing funding streams but, rather, leverage and collaborate with other programs and funding initiatives.

Project proposals will be evaluated on how closely they align with the following three criteria:

1) Does the project proposal demonstrate a clear case for support, with goods, services and training that responds to an identified need and significant community interest;

2) To what extent does the proposed initiative support mid to longer term needs for planning; and

3) Does the proposal demonstrate availability and commitment of proponents of the application to implement the project efficiently and effectively, leveraging other sources of funding and in-kind resources as possible and available from government and other sources.

Examples of inputs and activities for projects that would be considered are: 

•    Awareness and Preparedness trainings for Emergencies;

•    Readiness of warming stations should there be power outages or other damage;

•    Purchase of generators for such emergency use;

•     Community gatherings for processing and preparing for weather / climate related events including hurricanes, storm surges, etc.; and

•    Counseling and supports for those impacted by an emergency

Please note that the maximum amount of funding per project is $8,000. The deadline for project applications is Friday, March 17, 2023 and projects must be completed by Friday, October 20, 2023.

For more information on the Hurricane Fiona Resilience Response Fund or to receive an application form please email: Chris Pharo, PWRDF Diocesan Representative cpharo@eastlink.ca

Join our volunteer team and help welcome over 5,000 Indigenous athletes to Kjipuktuk (Halifax) for 8 days of sport and culture celebrations.

The North American Indigenous Games 2023 (July 2023) has started training sessions for volunteers.
You can volunteer and register for training sessions at https://naig2023.com/opportunities/
The design for the medals was recently released at https://naig2023.com/news/archive/2023-north-american-indigenous-games-host-society-officially-unveils-medal-design/

As we prepare to select applicants for refugee sponsorship for the 2023 year, we invite parishes interested in sponsoring an individual or family to contact Sarah Cooper, Refugee Sponsorship Coordinator, at the Diocese. The parish will need to a connection to the refugee(s) overseas. For example, they may have a parishioner or community member who has requested assistance with sponsorship.

If you are interested and/or with to discuss this further, please contact Sarah Cooper at anglicanrefugees@nspeidiocese by February 15, 2023.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that we will have enough spots to sponsor all applicants. Thank you for your interest in supporting refugees! 

The Parish of Trinity, Halifax, is currently searching for a new Director of Music. The Music Director we seek will strive to build up a church music program that is sensitive to classical Anglicanism and the Prayerbook tradition, by drawing upon the richness of Christian sacred music and hymnody, both evangelical and catholic, and the best of contemporary hymn-writing. The ideal candidate will be a competent organist and musician with the ability to teach, who can elevate our liturgy through the use of music (instrumental and choral), so that the whole congregation is encouraged to participate in worship that is vital, transformative, reverent and beautiful.  

For a detailed job description and to apply please touch base with our parish office (trinity.church@ns.aliantzinc.ca) Applications are being received until the end of February, and should include a cover letter and resumé.

Summary

Christ Church is a longstanding and inclusive Anglican church, located in downtown Dartmouth, welcoming all people united in justice and love. The office of the coordinator is a distinct and identifiable ministry that is separate from, and in addition to the Pastoral care of the Rector.

Job Description

The coordinator needs be highly organized with the ability to organize a team of volunteers, delegating tasks among the team while also taking on pastoral work themselves.

The coordinator, will be responsible for overseeing and encouraging the pastoral care of the church under the direction of the Rector. The coordinator will be responsible for the oversight of the pastoral care volunteer team.

The role involves ensuring the care and connection of individuals who engage with our services and activities, have an ability to engage people on sensitive and spirituality issues, and includes welcoming new persons, as well as deepening relationships with existing members of the congregation and the community at large.

Please submit your cv/resume with a cover letter by email to christchurch@christchurchdartmouth.com by February 10, 2023 for consideration

St. Francis by the Lakes Anglican Church, Lr. Sackville, is seeking a part time Music Director and pianist to join their faith family. Post pandemic, we wish someone with energy to restore and rebuild our music program and are open to new and creative ways to expand our music ministry within the parish and community.  It is estimated that this part time position will require 6-8 hours a week, depending on level of experience of the successful candidate.  The parish is currently equipped with a 22-year-old Suzuki digital piano.  

The appointee will be required to plan, select, communicate worship plans and play music for the 10am Sunday service, to align with the Sundays and festivals of the liturgical year in accordance with the Revised Common Lectionary.  The successful applicant will also be expected to play for special services requested including, but not limited to, Confirmation, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.  Collaboration with the Priest and Wardens will be essential.  The Music Director will submit annual music budget requests to Parish Council.  

We have a small, dedicated group of individuals that would like to return to weekly choir practice.  Additionally, we are hopeful the successful candidate will encourage others to share in music ministry in new and creative ways.  

The appointee must comply with SaFeR church requirements including submission of a valid Vulnerable Sector Check. Applications will be treated in strictest confidence, and will be received until January 31, 2023 or until the post is filled.  Start date is negotiable. Please direct inquiries or applications to stfrancisministryresources@gmail.com with “Wardens” in the subject line.  Additional information about our parish is available on the parish website (www.stfrancisbythelakes.ca)  or Facebook page. 

St. Andrews Timberlea - 2553 St. Margaret's Bay Road

Pancake Supper includes;

Pancakes and Sausage, Tea, Coffee, Juice, Punch and Dessert!

With your choice of:

Traditional Syrup or Warm Blueberry Topping

Eat in or Take Out available

Adults: $10.00  Children (5-12 yrs.): $5.00  Under 5: Free

Used Books for Sale!

Canteen on Site

St. Margaret of Scotland Church Hall

3751 Robie St. (Just north of Leeds)

Come out and see the new fashion trends from Frenchy’s. Special Guest is Auntie Mame with her latest fashions.  It promises to be a lot of FUN! 

Tea and coffee and sweets will be served. 

* We are trying to raise money for our winter expenses. 

 FREE WILL OFFERING. 

Any more info contact: Lorrie @ 902-760-0729    

All Saints Church Kingston NS 521 Pleasant St.  

To Order call Ellen at 902-817-8457 before Monday, February 13th

Drive-thru pickup between 430pm - 6pm on Saturday, February 18th, 2023

~Supper complete with delicious, succulent roast pork, potatoes, carrots, peas, dressing, fresh dinner roll, gravy and chocolate cake.

Adult - $18.00     Child (5-12) - $8.00

You may also pre-order a package of 12 homemade mini brownie bites for $4.00 (sold frozen)

Thank you for your support!

An energetic and gifted lay leader doing missional ministry in a very rural area needs some HELP.  She is seeking donations of the following used equipment: 

•   Computer with Microsoft 
•   Printer 
•   Smart TV with big screen 
•   White board  

 Several programs are planned for the wider community. If you can help, e-mail:  lvaughn@nspeidiocese.ca 

The Diocese of NS and PEI Heating Oil Program with Irving Oil offers Churches of the Diocese and eligible Diocesan Clergy and Diocesan Staff a discounted rate based on non-profit status. This rate is not offered to individual Anglican parishioners. For more information, please contact: The Centralized Commercial Account Manager for the Diocesan Heating Oil Program, Ms. Jennifer Bishop by name at 1-888-310-1924 or by email at Jennifer.Bishop@IrvingOil.com

The Furnace Oil price for the period Jan. 28th to Feb. 3rd, 2023

Nova Scotia                    $1.6451

Prince Edward Island   $1.6422