SCHEDULE
Thursday March 16th - Appointments out of the office
Friday March 17th - Online meetings and Connectors Five Gathering (online)
Monday March 20th – Appointments out of the office
Tuesday March 21st - Meeting with Executive Secretary of Synod and Parish meetings
Wednesday March 22nd – Reading and Writing; Staff Meeting
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Purcell as Executive Secretary of Synod effective March 1st, 2023. Dawn is a parishioner in the Parish of St. Timothy’s Hatchet Lake and St. Paul’s Terence Bay. 
 
The Right Reverend David Torraville has been appointed Priest in Charge of the Parish of Chester effective March 16th while the Reverend Ian Wissler is on leave. 
 
ORDINATION
Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the ordination of The Reverend Dawn-Lea Greer to the Sacred Order of Priests on the Feast of the Annunciation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday, March 25th, 2023, at 2 p.m. at The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, NS. Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers are invited to vest and process. The liturgical colour is white. Please keep Dawn-Lea and her family in your prayers during this time of preparation and transition. 

PARISH OF NEW GLASGOW

The Parish of St George’s in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, is seeking an experienced full-time Interim Rector with strong management, people, and pastoral skills for a two-year contract position.  As an interim priest and transformational leader, St. George's is an exciting opportunity for you to join this community of faith as we take an intentional time to seek spiritual and organizational renewal, to rediscover our identity, and to revitalize our mission. 

PARISH OF KENTVILLE

The Parish of St. James Kentville is located in the beautiful progressive town of Kentville, NS which sits in the heart of the vibrant and growing County of Kings in the Annapolis Valley. We are looking for a priest whose defining characteristic is an overwhelming love for God and his children. A loving, caring, compassionate priest whose listening skills are as equally well developed as his/her speaking skills, and is a true team player. He/she loves the Anglican sacramental liturgies but is also open and supportive of other types of worship and at other times and with shared leadership. Love will be the foundation and evident in every part of worship; in the prayers, the homily, the music, regardless of the liturgy.

PARISH OF SEAFORTH

Welcome to the Parish of Seaforth!   

The Parish of Seaforth is a warm and inviting faith family who strivesto be inclusive, supporting, and affirming with each other and those in need. We are excited to embark upon a creative relationship with our new Rector. We are blessed with the natural brightness of the design of our church, All Apostles by the Sea, which is spiritually uplifting. Worship is engaging with various musicians and a variety of liturgy and music creates an environment of family, fellowship, and enjoyment.

PARISHES OF AYLESFORD AND BERWICK

Considering a move to one of the most beautiful areas of our province? A place that is close to all amenities with the potential for lots of great adventures? Then the Parishes of Aylesford and Berwick may have just the right opportunity for you! Our churches, which also includes the bayside Christ Church in Morden, are located in the heart of the beautiful Annapolis Valley and we need a new priest! The area is fast-growing; we're located close to many schools, community college campuses, a university, amazing restaurants, cideries, wineries and craft breweries. We have an abundance of trails, with lakes in close driving distance, and of course close proximity to the Bay of Fundy! Farm markets abound, as does great shopping. If you are a theater buff, or just love lots of opportunities for entertainment, then discover them here.

"Do you see that glow among the ashes? Can you feel the ember’s radiant heat? The fire is not out. In fact, it’s the strongest it’s ever been. Fire is sacred in the bible; symbolizing both life and death. God intentionally uses fire in all kinds of ways; from burning bushes and pillars of fire, to the gentle crackle of a campfire in the wilderness. The roaring flames usually get the most attention. But, there are also important stories to be found in what comes before and after. 

Our stories and faith journeys are a lot like fire too. There’s the hard stuff, ashes. There are exciting parts, sparks. There are chaotic times, flames. And there is the quiet and calm, embers. Each of these are holy and vital parts of life. Whatever place you find yourself in, God is right there with you." (Clay 2023 website)

Every few years, hundreds of Canadian Lutheran and Anglican youth (ages 14-19) gather from across the country at CLAY.

The Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY) is a program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) where we gather to hear from guest speakers, be involved in leadership development, activities, worship and have fellowship together in national community. And Clay is so much fun!

This summer, the first CLAY since the pandemic is being held in Waterloo Ontario with the theme of Ashes & Embers. And we would love to send a home team from the Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI on an epic road trip to join this August. 

Are you interested in joining us for CLAY 2023 as a leader or youth participant? Contact youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca by March 28th.

(For more information on Clay check out: https://claygathering.ca/hometeams/ )

Vital Church Maritimes 2023 Conference is only a few weeks away! 

Keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis is preparing 4 dynamic, interactive and practical talks for participants at this year's event.  WATCH VIDEO HERE:   https://youtu.be/8HEwIylULPI

'Setting Sail!' is this year's theme, as we learn and discern our next steps for future flourishing missional ministry.

Another special guest is Stephen Doucet-Campbell, Registered Psychotherapist (ON) / Counsellor Therapist (NS). He will lead two sessions on leadership mental health and resilience. 

Take advantage of the Early Bird rate, then be sure to reserve your guest room.   

• WHAT: Three days of learning, sharing ideas and best practices for flourishing missional communities. 
• WHEN: April 27 - April 29
• WHERE: Inn on Prince, Truro, NS  (+ Zoom option)
• KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis, from Huron University College, London, ON (and St. Luke's Dartmouth)

VCM 2023 conference is open to anyone - laity or clergy. It features relevant and inspiring presentations, lots of discussion and sharing time, creative worship, prayer and more. Conference registration includes materials and most meals.  (Hotel guest room costs are separate.)

Funding support is available for Laity, Deacons, Associate/Retired Priests and Rectors who are from our Diocese. MORE DETAILS:    VCM 2023 on Web Page

REGISTER:    Eventbrite - VCM 2023 Conference

RESERVE HOTEL ROOM: 

Ask for the Anglican Diocesan SPECIAL RATE - $121/night.   www.innonprince.com   Call: 902-895-1651

Contact:    E-mail: lvaughn@nspeidiocese.ca  or  call 902-789-4840.

Members and officers on Parish Council are called to so much more than just managing the business of the faith community. Although oversight of day-to-day matters of the organization and property is important, the role of council members as spiritual leaders situates the congregation well for flourishing. Working with their clergy, Council (sometimes called Vestry) can act as a discernment team, helping to respond to the Spirit's guidance. 

Read, Cultivating a Culture of Discernment, by Rev. Blair Pogue, rector of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.

https://www.ecfvp.org/vestry-papers/article/20/cultivating-a-culture-of-discernment

Program Overview

This summer the Community Roots Program is returning to run our diocesan summer day-camps across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Applications are now open for parishes to host camps and we are hiring for our Program Architect position.

This is a flexible full-time position, May through August 2023. 

This position involves planning, promoting, and facilitating programs for summer day camps across the Nova Scotia and PEI Anglican Diocese.

The Program Architect will primarily be responsible for the planning and delivery of summer camp programs throughout the diocese. They will work closely with the Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator and the Youth and Family Ministry Vision Strategy and Support Team in the development of programming and preparing communities to host camps. The Program Architect will collaborate with and supervise local volunteers in the facilitation of the camp programming throughout July and August. 

To apply, please send your resume and 3 references to Leah Marshall, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator., at (youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca)

For more info on the Community Roots Program check out https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/pages/participate-in-community-roots-day-camp 

To learn more about this position contact the Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator.

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

The Financial Management and Development VSST is inviting those who provide financial leadership in parishes (treasurers, chairs of finance, envelope secretaries, wardens, etc.) to a virtual open house. Join us on Zoom for a chance to ask questions, share information, and support one another. Please see the Zoom link below for details. Questions may be sent to the Team Lead,  Rev. Matthew Sponagle: rector@stlukesdartmouth.ca

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81007379079?pwd=a3QwWkQvaEFHWUxCVjYxMHhvK2c0QT09

Meeting ID: 810 0737 9079  Passcode: 784758

After a fantastic season last summer, the Community Roots Program is preparing to come to parishes across our diocese for July and August 2023. 

The Community Roots Day Camp Program is primarily designed to do two things - first, to encourage young people to grow in their faith, or to learn about Christianity for the first time, and second, to develop leadership capacity in communities so that meaningful, local ministry can continue to happen there for children and youth. 

Our program staff works to develop and help facilitate a fun, engaging, and creative day camp program. This summer they will travel throughout the diocese, bringing all of the supplies needed for a week of camp with them to churches just like yours.

If your parish is interested in hosting one of our day camps this summer, you can find more information on how to apply at:  Community Roots Program 

We are also now hiring for our Program Administrator position. For more information, please contact youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca and check out our diocesan web page for more details as posted. 

Saturday April 1st, 2023 , 9am - 4pm - * Registration is Required

For More Info Contact: marriagesuccess@outlook.com

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdOyppz8rHNKiEe0aZvfg8Xv4RzZDw8Gf

Mid-week services: Thursday, 16, 23, 30. We will have a service of Holy Communion each Thursday in March at 10:30 am, led by Rev. Ed. Coleman. 

Bible Study: Following the Thursday communion service, about 11:15 am, led by Avon Fancy. 

Topic: The Old Testament: Why do we Read it?

March 16: What does John do with the Old Testament?

March 23: What does Paul do with the Old Testament?

March 30: What does Luke do with the Old Testament? 

Releasing Your Creativity: Acrylic Painting Classes with Ed. Emmanuel Parish Hall, Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30, Feb. 28-March 28. There is a cost to this. For more info or to register, call Ed, 782-409-1870 

PWRDF Appeal: We will once again be raising money for the PWRDF. They do great work on behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada all around the world, with relief, development, education, food security, environmental action and more. Get your boxes, hearts or envelopes or simply write a cheque to Emmanuel with PWRDF on the memo line. 

Monday, April 17^th and April 24^th via Zoom - 8:00 pm ADT/7:00 pm Eastern $20 per person plus Eventbrite Fee

Two evening sessions with Russ Daye and Rob Fennell, co-authors of Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities. Join these two pastor-scholars to learn about their research on thriving churches, and their most recent reflections on church life in the COVID era. These sessions will be interactive and will not be recorded.These sessions are geared towards anyone who wants to learn how churches can thrive in the post-COVID era.

The first 40 registrants will receive a FREE paperback copy, by post, of the book, Turning Ourselves Inside Out: Thriving Christian Communities. Register soon!

To learn more about this book, go to: https://www.fortresspress.com/store/product/9781506470023/Turning-Ourselves-Inside-Out

To attend, please register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/turning-ourselves-inside-out-late-covid-reflections-on-thriving-churches-tickets-532118449607

‘PASSION: Music of A Thousand Years’ is a concert presentation of a millennium’s worth of stunningly beautiful choral music that will take place in Halifax on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 4:00 pm. Directed by Paul Halley, members of The Cathedral Choir of All Saints Cathedral in Halifax will
showcase choral works in a fluid choreography that will surround the audience with powerful and ethereal music, sung from various locations within the grand, landmark historic building that is the Cathedral Church of All Saints. The music presented in this concert was written at points throughout
the last one thousand years in commemoration of the forty days leading up to Easter, a period in the Church year known as Lent. Over the centuries, poets and composers have taken inspiration from the biblical narratives of the Passion, the Psalms, and Old Testament prophets, to create works of
astonishing depth and beauty. The dramatic power of these texts has drawn out the most exquisite music from some of the greatest musicians over the last 1,000 years. From 11th century Gregorian chant, through Tallis and Byrd, and Shaker songs and African American Spirituals, to Poulenc and
contemporary composers, the works on this program represent an enormous range of expression.

‘PASSION: Music of A Thousand Years’ takes place on Sunday, April 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Halifax. A single show is scheduled, and seating is limited, so audiences are advised to get tickets early. Information and tickets may be found online at: https://passion-music-of-a-thousand-years.eventbrite.ca

Cost - $12.00/person Includes Chowder, 2 Biscuits and Carrot Cake 

Date -  Friday March 24th, 2023. Pick Up Time - 11:30, 11:45 & Noon. 

Contact Sue at 902-435-6769 to order. Leave message if no answer.  Last day to order is March 21st.   

Lunch includes - Hearty Beef Irish Stew, Fresh Roll & Dessert $15.00

Please order by March 22nd (902) 422-7790 or hglenn@missiontoseafarershalifax.ca 

Our parish is seeking to fill the part-time (~40%) ministry position of Parish Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper/Cemetery Administrator.

Are you seeking a part-time position where you can use your excellent interpersonal and communication skills when dealing with the general public, parishioners, parish staff, grieving families, funeral home personnel, facility renters, contractors, and clergy persons? If you have an understanding of the dynamics of parish life and cemetery operations, and ease of use with common desktop word processing, spreadsheet, website, and accounting software or the aptitude to learn and be proficient quickly, we would like to hear from you.

For further information, please contact us and include your contact information or, to apply, please send your contact information with resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to administrator@stjohnshalifax.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 March 12th to 17th, 2023

Nova Scotia                    $1.2529

Prince Edward Island   $1.2500