Deadline for submissions is Tuesdays by 5:00 pm. Please Email Trisha at office@nspeidiocese.ca with your requests. 

Thank you.

Schedule

Thursday February 8 – Sexual Misconduct Policy Workshop with Synod Office Staff, EV Charging Stations Meeting and Pastoral Visit

Friday February 9 – Reading, Writing, and Planning Day and Diocesan Council Meeting (evening - online)

Sunday, February 11 – Parish Visit – Holy Trinity Emmanuel

Monday February 12 – Day off; Mission to Seafarers Board Meeting (evening)

Tuesday February 13 – Computer Software Training with Synod Office Staff; Gathering with Confirmation Candidates – (evening)

Wednesday February 14 – Ash Wednesday services; Leadership Team Meeting

Announcements

Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointment of The Rev’d Canon Trudy Lebans as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Blandford effective February 1st to April 30th, 2024.

LENT: Forty Days and Forty Nights 
 We are preparing to enter the holy season of Lent next week. It is a time of solemn reflection, giving, study and prayer practices. It can be a challenging season, but not a burden. 
 
What are some ways we can approach this wilderness time with Jesus? How can we deepen our faith with some fresh spiritual disciplines?  

Read, from Virginia Theological Seminiary, This Lent, Add Instead of Subtract, written by Carolyn Moomaw Chilton.

- Is God is prompting you to try something new? 
- Do you long to connect with your neighbours? 
- Would you like to learn how to be the hands, feet and heart of Christ in your community? 
- Are you experiencing the deep satisfaction of knowing that God is using you to make a difference? 
 

The Connectors SIX is a missional learning cohort that nurtures lay and clergy participants in discovering fresh possibilities in their neighbourhoods. 

Applications are open for up to ten people to explore prayer, discernment, learning and engaging in missional ministry. Skills are fostered in spiritual gifts, understanding our neighbours, seeing the community with fresh eyes, how to nurture authentic discipleship and building loving relationships with new people. The Connectors is hosted over a year through 10, two-day sessions. Six sessions are hosted in Debert, N.S., and four are on Zoom.  

This supportive network of peers mutually encourage one another, while being held accountable to missional goals. The Connectors involves study, discussion, goal-setting, trying new approaches to ministry, guest speakers and mutual peer support. Emphasis is on experimental ministry. Cohort members who have completed the year say they now have clarity about their sense of call and more leadership confidence.  

Any Anglicans in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia can apply. Expenses are paid by the diocese.  Curious? Know someone from your church who would be? 

DEADLINE is February 23th.  

Got questions?  E-mail lvaughn@nspeidiocese.ca  

REGISTRATION is OPEN!
Early Bird DISCOUNT Rate! 

See also - Special Rate for Hotel guest rooms too.
And there is FUNDING SUPPORT for Anglicans from PEI and NS.

DETAILS and to REGISTER:   https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/pages/vital-church-martimes-2024-conference

VCM 2024 conference features the story arc of mission – from Acts 2, through to the present realities of Churchland today. Participants will explore their church’s missional beginnings and reflect on emerging growth possibilities.

Keynote speaker David Robinson guides leaders from ‘What is,’ to ‘What could be’, on to ‘What will be.’
A congregational consultant for more than 30 years, Dave has been on the leading edge of mission in the Canadian Anglican church. He has worked in the Dioceses of Toronto, Rupert’s Land (Manitoba) and Montreal. He specializes in priority planning, church planting (starting new congregations), rural ministry support, congregational health, and youth ministry.

Vital Church Maritimes includes talks on understanding our cultural context, leadership and gifting, working within ministry teams and more! There will be plenty of practical resources and applicable takeaways for parishes of all shapes and sizes.

The Diocesan Synod Office Staff will be away from the office on Thursday, February 15th, for a team development day. We will respond to emails on the following business day. Thank you for your understanding.

Celebrate, learn and recognize the history and culture of people of African descent during the month of February (and other times during the year).

Click below for several links to activities, worship ideas and other resources to help congregation members learn and embrace African heritage.

HURRY TO REGISTER! - FUNERAL WORKSHOPS 
GUIDING LIGHT: A Workshop on Funeral Ministry

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

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

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 a HANDBOOK - 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. 

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

FORT SACKVILLE REGION         - Feb. 10       - St. Nicholas', Westwood Hills/Tantallon
EASTERN SHORE                  - Feb 17      - Tangier Fire Hall, Tangier.
CHIGNECTO REGION             - March 9   - St. James', Shubenacadie
(Feb. 24 is reserved for a STORM date)

Zoom Series - Just 45 minutes each.
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

This spiritual enrichment series continues in the new year with dynamic guests and engaging topics.

Next SOUL FOOD? sessions feature options for Lenten Spiritual Disciplines.

• Tuesday, Feb. 13 – HOW TO START A MEDITATION GROUP: Several of our congregations host meditation/contemplation sessions to learn and practice this sacred prayer practice. Explore the steps and options for establishing your own group. Guest speakers: T.B.A.  

Our Diocesan SOUL FOOD? series offers 45-minute learning sessions on Zoom, including a short presentation, followed by open group sharing.

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

February 14th. marks this solemn season's beginning - Ash Wednesday.
Special worship times, activities for all ages and faith stages, devotions, studies and more, are listed on our Diocesan website. 
Visit these pages and explore lots of ideas. 
New items to be added weekly. 

Lent Devotions & Study Resources 

Lent & Holy Week Worship Resources

Wanted, by St Andrew's Church, Indian Harbour in the Parish of St Peter's, Hackett's Cove.

Multi-colour altar vestments to fit 52-54 " long altar.
If you have any to give, please contact reverendspp@eastlink.ca

Embrace the season of Lent with the February edition of the Diocesan Times! Delve into heartwarming stories of compassion, explore the beauty of community service, and find inspiration in the messages of love and hope.

Click the link below to read the February

 If so, on behalf of a national partnership between the Flourishing Congregations Institute and Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, you are invited to participate in a ten-to-fifteen minute online survey. This survey will explore the experiences of Canadian congregants living with mental illness or mental health challenges, attitudes towards and beliefs about mental illness and mental health challenges in Canadian Christian churches, and the congregational supports and resources related to supporting mental health and wellbeing.

The theological student, Blane Finnie, is offering an opportunity to share in exploring environmental issues, how they relate to theology and how this involves the church. He has offered similar material in other church communities, and his background in horticulture brings a richness to this subject. Currently we are planning to conduct the sessions on Thursday evenings through Lent, but would like to know how many people would like to attend and if Thursdays work.

Please contact him by email him at: finnoik@protonmail.com

Thinking about Lent? Join the diocesan Lenten book study.

We'll be looking at Bishop Michael Marshall's, Lent with the Beloved Disciple.

About the book: As the only disciple to have stayed close to Jesus at every stage from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion at Calvary, this eagle-eyed eyewitness intentionally records certain subtle details and signs which, when perceived with the eyes of faith, indicate a deeper and far lasting significance.

See Full Information Here

Monday, June 10 -Friday, June 14, 2024

Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre, Stanley Bridge, PEI 
 

Theme: "Reclaiming Joy"  

Retreat Leader: the Rev. Dr. Joanne Mercer

Faculty of Theology, Queen's College,
St. John's, Newfoundland
 

For Further Information: Rev. Fran Boutilier

boutilierfrances@gmail.com 

This, one of a kind course, will feature content experts on Black History, Theology and Culture within the Canadian Church. It will open up conversations that are at the heart of issues of diversity, inclusion and future ministry in Canada.

Due to the importance of this course’s content, we have decided to open up FREE REGISTRATION to all auditing students!

The course will run over six weeks, beginning on Tuesday January 30th, from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. EASTERN TIME via Zoom. It will hosted by Irene Moore Davis and The Rev. Steve Greene with guest presentations by The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields, Br. Reginald Crenshaw, The Rev. Michael Blair and The Rev. Wilson Akinwale.

For more information on this unique course, or to register, visit: https://huronatwestern.ca/programs/theology/life-long-learning/

There are many churches and other faith based buildings that have parking lots that would be convenient locations for EV charging.

The Diocesan Environmental Network (DEN) is inviting parishes in our diocese and other interested faith communities information about the possiblity of installing EV charging stations in church parking lots as part of our outreach to the communities we serve and the churches’ commitment to respond to climate change.

These Zoom meetings will provide updates about the response by government to our offer and will provide information about funding possibilities.

The Zoom meeting for PEI will be held during the day at a time TBA on Feb. 20
The Zoom meeting for NS will be held at 6:30 on Feb 21. 

To register for the meeting and obtain the link please email endionspei@gmail.com

The Global Citizenship Certificate encourages youth (15-18) to explore connections to their local and international communities and empowers young people to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth from across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens.
The time commitment required to complete the program is 12-15 hours over three months.

Call for a day of prayer and fasting for Israel/Gaza and Ukraine - In Full Communion (anglicanlutheran.ca)

For all requirements please go to https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply/applyorganization/

The March 15th deadline is required to allow the committee and Diocesan Council time to review and choose the applications to submit.

Do not complete the online form.

Email your completed form to execsecsynod@nspeidiocese.ca

Please complete the Grant Application Checklist to insure your application is complete.

Join us to celebrate the Carnival season before Lent and raise funds for Capella Regalis! After the Sundays at Four Evensong in the Cathedral Church of All Saints sung by the Men, Boys, and Girls of Capella Regalis, simply head over to The Great Hall next door, where food and festivity will await you! This is a limited capacity event, reservations required by February 5.

$150 ticket includes $75 tax receipt, full dinner of catered Brazilian fare, one featured Brazilian cocktail, and live Brazilian music provided by the Halleys and friends. Dancing is encouraged! Cash bar for additional beverages.

This is a family-friendly event: $35 children’s tickets available. On-site babysitting in the Cathedral Nursery is also available for small children, for $10/child.

All proceeds benefit Capella Regalis Choirs. 

Tickets & info: capellaregalis.com/events.

Parishes around the Diocese will be hosting Pancake suppers for Shrove Tuesday, here are just a few.

(Click on the link for more details.)

St. Timothy's Hatchet Lake

St. Margaret of Scotland, Halifax

St. Peter's Hackett's Cove

St. John's Westphal

St. Andrews, Timberlea

What is Shrove Tuesday?

Celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday (also called “Pancake Tuesday” or “Pancake Day”) is the final day before the 40-day period of Lent begins. This year it falls on February 13.

Shrove Tuesday also became a day for pre-fasting indulgence. In particular, the need to use up rich ingredients such as butter, milk, sugar and eggs before Lent gave rise to the tradition of eating pancakes on this day.

St. Andrew's Anglican Church
8 Locks Road

Dartmouth, NS Will be having a Fish Chowder on February 16th, 2024.
$12 includes Chowder, 2 tea biscuits & carrot cake for desert.
Last Date to order is February 11th at 6 pm.
Pick Up Times for February 16th are 11:30am, 11:45 am and 12 pm.
Contact Mabena Combden  902-435-5394 or email mabenas@ns.sympatico.ca.

The Dartmouth Region is running a Marriage Success program on 13 April 2024. The course is designed to meet the requirements of marriage preparation in the Anglican Church of Canada, but is also useful to couples looking to improve communication. This program supports marriage equality and welcomes participants from the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
 
Registration forms are due by March 28 - (we must have at least 4 couples to offer the course). Cost $60 per couple (covers lunch, snacks and printing costs). 

Contact marriagesuccess@outlook.com for more information.

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 February 03, 2023 - February 09, 2023

Nova Scotia                    $1.1478

Prince Edward Island   $1.1478