Bishop Sandra is currently on bereavement leave and her schedule for the next week is uncertain at this time.

Taking steps to move forward in flourishing ministry may seem like a daunting task.  However, a few focused priorities can make all the difference in our discernment of God's dream for our churches. Much of this work relates to knowing the narrative - God's story and our story. 

One of the most impactful ministries we have as Anglicans in our Diocese is funeral ministry. Our liturgies reflect a compassionate, inclusive tone, while providing an environment of pastoral care by our parish leaders. Funerals, whether in a church, funeral chapel or at a graveside, can connect people with a loving God and a warmhearted faith community.

Parish lay leaders, especially Licensed Lay Ministers, Vocational Deacons, and others, are being called to share in this pastoral office. As local ministers, they are often familiar with the families and communities. The Spirit is leading our Diocese to embrace more fully the ministry of all the baptized in this area.

Over the next few months, our Diocese is sponsoring, GUIDING LIGHT: A Workshop on Funeral Ministry. These free regional in-person training sessions are open to all Licensed Lay Ministers, any lay person who desires to know more (perhaps to be part of a funeral team), and any cleric who seeks a refresher session.

Facilitators are Rev’d. Debra Burleson, former Archdeacon and AST Formation Director, and Rev’d. Canon Lisa Vaughn, Parish Vitality Coordinator.

Some of the topics explored:

- Funeral planning with next of kin

- Burial options

- Words of Remembrance

- Homilies / Reflections

- Post-funeral follow-up

- FAQs 

Participants receive tip sheets and templates for planning. Woven into this training session, are the MISSIONAL opportunities that funerals present as we respond to the needs of those who are grieving. In some neighbourhoods, we are the only faith community.

This is an explorative workshop, thus there is no expectation that participation will require a commitment to funeral ministry. Diocesan protocols, policies and Bishop’s expectations are addressed. 

GUIDING LIGHT runs SATURDAYS, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND/DCS:     Oct. 28 - St. Mark’s, Kensington, PE

VALLEY REGION:                                    Nov. 4 - Christ Church, Berwick

NORTHUMBRIA REGION                      Nov. 18 - location T.B.A.

DARTMOUTH REGION                          Jan.27 - Christ Church, Dartmouth
 

Other Regions’ arrangements will be communicated as soon as they are finalized.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

SIGN UP HERE -   www.surveymonkey.com/r/GUIDINGLIGHT

Contact: Lisa for more information lvaughn@nspeidiocese.ca or 902-789-4840.

REGISTER NOW:  Wednesday, Oct. 4 – SMALL GROUPS: BIBLE STUDIES, TOPICAL COURSES, MOVIES & OTHER SERIES. Learn about recommended resources you can use for learning opportunities in your congregation. Share which programs have worked for you. 

HUNGRY? There is a craving for spiritual nourishment – both inside and outside our churches. Long-time parishioners and those not actively connected to a faith community may be seeking environments in which to ask questions and explore Christianity in various facets. What are some ways congregational leaders can offer opportunities for spiritual exploration and faith development? How can we hold safe space for folks to learn and grow as disciples?

Our Diocesan SOUL FOOD? series will offer 45-minute learning sessions on Zoom this autumn. These sessions include a short presentation, followed by open group sharing.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

•     Wednesday, Oct. 4 – SMALL GROUPS: BIBLE STUDIES, TOPICAL COURSES, MOVIES & OTHER SERIES.

•     Tuesday, Oct. 10 – SMALL GROUPS: best practices for inviting, discussion, and building relationships.

•     Tuesday, Oct. 17 – CAFÉ CHURCH: how it works and connects with newcomers.

REGISTER HERE:    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SoulFoodZooms

Future topics: Spiritual Direction, Daily Scripture Reading, Anglican Prayer Beads, Devotions Outdoors, Developing a Rule of Life and more!

Vital Church Maritimes 2023 Conference keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis emphasized, exploring spiritual disciplines is a great way to encourage people in their faith. It is key to flourishing congregations.

+++

Living into our Anglican commitments to work towards reconciliation with First Peoples in Canada means being intentional in our relationship-building, advocacy, education and inclusive worship. Several important days provide an opportune time to emphasize this ministry.
 
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

October 1 is Treaty Day, marking the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month (PEI & NS).

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
Month of June is National Indigenous History Month.

Here are some links to helpful resources:

Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI

Mi’kmawe’l Tan Teli-kina’muemk / Teaching About the Mi’kmaq (Debert, NS)

Diocesan webpage (SCROLL DOWN)

Click here to read the September and October Newletter

Lord, all things come from you,  

and of your own have we given you. 

- 1 Chronicles 29:14b NRSV 

Our buildings and property are a gift from generous God, for the benefit of the common good. A number of our parishes are dreaming and discerning how to develop, redevelop or wisely divest their facilities and real estate.  

Do you have a passion or interest in helping our faithful leaders with these property questions? 

Our Diocese is creating a TASK GROUP to oversee some of the aspects of supporting parishes in their faithful stewardship of properties. We are also looking for people who can provide some ADVICE or ASSISTANCE with a small project. Here are examples of ideas that our parish leaders are contemplating: 

Let us know by participating in this link:     www.surveymonkey.com/r/StewardProperty

Season of Creation begins Sept. 1. https://seasonofcreation.org/ 

Join the Global ecumenical prayer service on line. The link can be found at: https://www.oikoumene.org/news/online-global-ecumenical-prayer-marks-the-start-of-season-of-creation-2023

Please share with the Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) your parish's plans for Season of Creation. Email us at endionspei@gmail.com

The Mission to Seafarers Halifax is seeking a part-time Chaplain/Ship Visitor.

The position has a competitive salary and must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends.

The successful candidate will be required to pass and maintain a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector check.

Please submit your CV and cover letter by email. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Helen Glenn 902-422-7790, hglenn@missiontoseafarershalifax.ca Applications should be received no later than August 25, 2023

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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 Tangier

The Anglican Parish of Holy Trinity Tangier is seeking a half-time rector. Our parish is located on the scenic Marine Drive (Highway 7) on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.. Our Parish serves communities from East Ship Harbour in the west, to Sheet Harbour in the East, to Beaver Dam, and Mooseland in the North.

For more information please visit our career postings page HERE. 

The Parish of Holy Trinity Emmanuel, located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is seeking a half time rector. Holy Trinity Emmanuel has recently experienced new growth. We are an energetic, enthusiastic caring church family, a diverse parish, including and embracing all people, willing to try new and innovative expressions of ministry. We have a history of community involvement in Dartmouth North. We are looking for a Rector who is welcoming. A person who is interested in both the spiritual and physical growth of the church and the broader community.   Mission Statement: “We are a welcoming community, a people of God. Together we will live the gospel through our worship services, fellowship programs and outreach ministries.” 

For more information, please visit our career postings page HERE. 

Join leaders from across Atlantic Canada as we gather to be refreshed, renewed, and nourished in preparation for a new season.

Come and explore Godly Play practices for supporting children’s spirituality and creating a Godly Play environment. Experience Godly Play stories, tell a story by heart, and receive feedback as part of a supportive learning community.

More information to follow. To explore information and past events, see Godly Play Maritime 

I hope this message finds you well. The Diocese is committed to supporting our clergy and their families in various aspects of their lives, including education. We are pleased to offer financial assistance to the children of our clergy to help with the costs associated with their education.

To apply for this financial assistance, please find attached the "2023 Application for Financial Support for the Education of Children of Clergy." This form outlines the eligibility criteria, requirements, and the application process. We encourage all eligible clergy members to apply on behalf of their children, as we are committed to supporting as many children as possible.

Should you have any questions or need further clarification about the application process or eligibility criteria, please contact Lawrence at FinancialController@nspeidiocese.ca.

We look forward to receiving your applications and assisting you in providing the best educational opportunities for your children.

If you have any questions or need more information please let me know.

Lawrence

Courses: 

*2023 Nicholson Lectures

Ignorance as Bliss:

Ecclesial Disappointment and Ecclesial Joy in the Context of the Holy Spirit’s Work* 

Date: October 10 & 12, 2023

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Format: Online & In-Person

Cost: Free

*Biblical Foundations: Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
With Dr. Daniel Driver*

Dates: September 7th to December 7th

*Should I be grieving?: Disenfranchised Grief

and the Caring Professions* 

Tuesday, September 26th

See all courses Here: AST Continuing Education Courses

Events:

See AST Events Calendar Here AST Events Calendar

Click here to find out more details!

Join us this October 20-22nd at Camp Mockingee for our Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC)! 

We are so excited to gather for our weekend away for grades 7-12's from all across our Diocese this fall! I am happy to announce the theme for this year's DYC is Shelter from the Strom; You Are Enough.  We are planning a full weekend with campfires, workshops, crafts, games, and even an expedition to On-tree. If you have young adults in your life or community, save the date!

Our DYC youth registration is now live! check out our website for more details or register today here. DYC is an inclusive space for fellowship and whether you come from a faith tradition or not, all teens are welcome to join us for a fun and restful weekend!

- From the office of the Youth and family ministry VSST

Doorpersons are key figures in supporting children who gather in community. This workshop offers a unique way to encourage and support volunteers helping with children’s programs.

This 5-hour workshop will be offered at the Anglican Cathedral in Fredericton, NB. Leadership will be provided by experienced Godly Play trainers, Ven. Cathy Laskey and Anne Pirie.

We will explore the principles and practices of Godly Play especially for Doorpersons, and deepen and expand an experience of Godly Play particularly the role of Doorperson.  Participants may be part of a Godly Play program, and/or have an interest in leadership with children.

Written and Directed by Carol MacDonnell

$40 an evening of great entertainment with a delicious 3 course roast beef dinner (wine/beer available)

Performances

FRI.-Oct.20 and OCT.27 (Doors open 4:30 pm)

Sat-Oct.21 & Oct.28 (Doors open 2:30pm) 

Emmanuel Church Hall(Reserved seating)                                                                
(Call Roxanne-902 479-1431/880-4006)      

Can you have a home without community? One of the principles of Housing
First is social and community integration. Four panelists will present
their approaches to ending homelessness within community.

The *Face of Poverty Consultation* is a faith based group devoted to the
eradication of poverty in Nova Scotia.

As part of its commitment to support the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) has developed a program called, Mapping the Ground We Stand On. This interactive workshop known as the "Mapping Exercise" invites participants to explore the Indigenous presence on the map of Canada, the history of settlers' arrival, and their relationship to one another.

Participants will walk on the map, reflect on their own presence on it, and discuss how they might respond to what they have learned.

We are delighted to have Gillian Power, PWRDF facilitator, to present this workshop. All are invited to participate in this free workshop.

The workshop is approximately two hours long, with breaks, and is very interactive. Please wear comfy clothes and warm socks or bring slippers or indoor shoes, as we will be removing our outdoor footwear.

The map of truth and reconciliation in Canada is still very much incomplete. PWRDF remains committed to being part of the journey towards finding a more complete map. To learn more about Mapping the Ground We Stand On click here.

Is your neighbourhood ready for the impacts of Climate Change? 

Christ Church Dartmouth is holding a one day workshop devoted to mental and physical preparedness for the impacts of the climate crisis and how to build greater resilience in your neighbourhood.

Anxiety about the present and future in a changing climate

High Winds

Extreme heat

Heavy precipitation – rain – snow – ice

Floods

Poor air quality from wildfires

Power and telecommunication interruptions

Social isolation

0930 to 1530

Saturday October 28, 2023

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 September 30th to October 6th, 2023

Nova Scotia                    $1.2597

Prince Edward Island   $1.2597