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THE BISHOP'S OFFICE
Schedule Thur. Jan. 16 – Staff Meeting and Epiphany Party (Office will be closed from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm); Parish online meeting, Planning for The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine visit, and Diocesan Times Meeting (evening) Fri. Jan. 17 – Appointments in office; monthly meeting with Director of Mission and Ministry Development Sun. Jan. 19 – The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at 4:00 pm. Guest Preacher: The Most Reverend Brian Dunn, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth Mon. Jan. 20 – Day off Tues. Jan 21 – Vacation Day/Travel Wed. Jan. 22 – Funeral for the Rev’d Canon Dr. Eric Beresford, Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Toronto. Obituary can be found here. Bishop Sandra’s Itinerary January 19 The Cathedral Church of All Saints for The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at 4:00 pm. Guest Preacher: The Most Reverend Brian Dunn, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth January 26 Saint Benedict Roman Catholic Parish (45 Radcliffe Drive) for The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at 3:00 pm. Guest Preacher: The Right Reverend Sandra Fyfe February 2 Parish of Annapolis Royal February 9 Parish of New Germany February 23 Parish of Rawdon March 2 Parish of Horton Announcements Bishop Sandra has accepted the resignation of the Rev'd Mark Marshall as Rector of The Church of the Apostles effective March 31, 2025. At this time Mark will move into retirement. Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the following appointments: The Rev'd LCol Bev Kean-Newhook as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of St. John's Halifax effective January 12, 2025. Openings Rector, 3/4 tme, Parishes of Musquodoboit and Ship Harbour Rector, full-time, The Parish of St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville |
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FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE
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Synod Resolution Deadline
This is a reminder that the deadline for submitting a Resolution for the Synod this May is Thursday, January 23rd, at 5:00 PM.
Please refer to this document for detailed instructions on writing a resolution.
All resolutions must be submitted to Dawn Purcell, Executive Secretary of Synod, at execsecsynod@nspeidiocese.ca (or mailed to the Synod Office, Attention Dawn Purcell)
For more infomation visit:
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MISSION, MINISTRY and WORSHIP
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New Year. New Start.6-Minute Study - #406 NEW YEAR. NEW START
Congregations in 2025 will see an evolution of ministry in a number of interesting ways. Whether it is collaborative partnerships, creative technologies or leveraging church property, there are changes emerging. Read more from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership's article, 7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2025, written by Jessica L. Anschutz, Ann A. Michel and Doug Powe.
For more infomation visit:
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CHARITABLE RECEIPTS: 'THANKS FOR GIVING'Tax receipt time is a fabulous opportunity to communicate well with your congregation's givers.
Tax receipt time is a fabulous opportunity to communicate well with your congregation's givers.
Be sure to THANK PEOPLE for their generosity. You are preparing and sending out an envelope anyway, why not include an inspiring message and continue to build the relationship?
Tell donors how your church makes a difference in the community, region and the world! Express your gratitude for their gift. Share about your ministry dreams for 2025 and explain how they can easily continue to support your efforts. This may also be a time to encourage your PAR (monthly electronic transactions) folks to consider an increase in their giving. Send along the information required to do that. Also, CanadaHelps has safe, easy, trackable regular giving options too. www.canadahelps.org
(NOTE: Make giving to your church as EASY as possible. Provide simple instructions about 'how'. Give them several options.)
Read about best practices for charitable receipts in, How to Write The Best Thank-You Letter for Donations + Three Templates and Samples, written by Tatiana Morand.
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The Connectors SEVENTHE CONNECTORS SEVEN – RECEIVING APPLICATIONS! (new details!)
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!
This peer learning community begins in early 2025 for lay and clergy participants who want to explore discerning prayer, deep dive discussions, engaging readings, goal-setting, mutual support and encouragement. The Connectors SEVEN 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. Facilitators are: Kim Lively, Parish of Oakfield & Fall River; Bishop Ron Cutler (retd); Lisa Vaughn, Director of Mission and Ministry Development. 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 SEVEN is Friday, February 28, 2025. INFO & SIGN-UP HERE: http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ConnectorsSEVEN (Got questions? E-mail: missiondirector@nspeidiocese.ca or call: 902-789-4840.)
For more infomation visit:
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Good Grief - Guiding Light TrainingUnderstanding Grief and Post-Funeral Supports Tuesday, January 21 - GRIEF with Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke, Professor of Pastoral Studies, Atlantic School of Theology. (90 minutes) During the evening, we will look at how grief moves and lives in our lives as people with some responsibility for the spiritual health of our communities and in the lives of those with whom we minister. We will examine popular myths about grief, uncover those events in life that cause grief to come flooding back, and how we can respond to loss with empathy and grace. Tuesday, January 28 - FUNERAL FOLLOW-UP & MISSION Join Rev. Canon Lisa Vaughn (60 minutes), Director of Mission and Ministry Development, to explore ways to support grieving families and their loved ones after a recent death. Hear about simple and low-cost approaches to continue to minister to those who mourn. From special church gatherings, to compassionate greetings, grief-support groups and more, learn about best practices and resources for funeral follow-ups. |
APP honours a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Anglicans Powering Potential encourage a heightened sense of ecumenism in January and February, as we honour the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18 - 25, and World Interfaith Harmony Week, February 1 - 7. Consider the potential for good of Christian denominations and global faiths working together in the quest for a world characterized by peace, justice, and dignity for all. The words of Micah (6:8) to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God are an invitation to advocacy and a call to action, irrespective of faith orientation. When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart. by, Howard Thurman
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DIOCESAN EVENTS
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DIOCESAN RETREATPathways to Peace: Seeking the Spirit Want to bless one of your church leaders for their hard work? Or gift yourself with a refreshing time away? Step into a sacred pause from the busyness of life and join us for Pathways to Peace: Seeking the Spirit. This weekend retreat is designed as a space to refresh your spirit, soothe your soul, and grow in your spiritual journey. Through contemplative prayer practices, short talks, plenty of silence, and reflection, you will have the opportunity to deepen your faith, strengthen your connection to our loving God, and cultivate transformative spiritual disciplines. Open to everyone—whether you are laity, clergy, or a ministry professional—this retreat invites you to experience God’s presence. DATES: Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2025. LOCATION: Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S. INCLUDED: 5 meals (Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast), 2 nights' accommodations, retreat program and materials. FEATURES: Plenty of quiet time, short talks on spirituality and prayer practices, healthy food, worship that refreshes the soul, and new friendships. OPTIONS: walking in beautiful settings, small group Bible study and more! SPECIAL EARLY RATE! $160 / person (Those staying off-site - $110) For more infomation visit:
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Praying with the DEN Community
Praying with the DEN Community, Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) For more information contact DEN at: endionspei@gmail.com For more infomation visit: https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/ministries/diocesan-environment-network
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YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
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Calling All Potential Youth Delegates for Diocesan Synod!
Got questions about Synod and what it's like to be a youth delegate? Join us for an informal Q+A with Bishop Sandra, Archdeacon Katherine Bourbonniere, and Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator Allie Colp on zoom to hear more of what Synod is all about and the role that youth play within it. Bring whatever questions you've got and we will find you some answers. This session is open to youth, parents/guardians, clergy, and lay leaders. |
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Community Roots Info Sessions
Curious about whether the Community Roots Day Camp program might be a good fit for your parish this year? Join us for an information session on zoom to hear more about the program and ask any questions you may have! The session will be about an hour, with time to hear a bit more about the program and also to ask any questions that you may have! We're offering three opportunities for you to join the conversation (Click the link to register for one that works for you!): If you want to come but none of these work for you please email youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca. |
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Welcoming Families Monthly Chat
Join us for an informal opportunity to connect with others who are finding ways to intentionally welcome families into the life of their churches! Bring your stories, your questions, your ideas, your challenges, bring whatever you've got! No need to commit to every month, but we'd love to have you there whenever you can make it! Our first one is February 6 at 2 pm – hope to see you there! |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE DIOCESE
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Family FeudSaturday, January 18, 7:00pm Join St. Luke's Hubbards for a night of Family Feud. Prizes avaliable! Admission by donation. Contact clairmacinnis@yahoo.ca for more details. For more infomation visit:
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Food Handler’s Certificate In-PersonSaturday, January 18, 9:00am-2:00pm Want to do the Food Handler's Course in-person instead of online? We will be hosting the course on Jan. 18, 2025 (9:00am-2:00pm). Snacks and hot beverages provided. If interested please email us at stjohntheeveangelist902@gmail.com St. John the Evangelist, Parish Hall For more infomation visit: http://nspeidiocese.ca/events/food-handler-s-certificate/2025-01-18
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A Robert Burns TributeSt. Margaret of Scotland Church - Saturday, January 18, 7:00pm JOIN US FOR A SCOTTISH EVENING Featuring:
Come and “tak a cup o’kindness yet For auld lang syne!” For more infomation visit: http://nspeidiocese.ca/events/a-robert-burns-tribute/2025-01-18
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January Take-Out LunchSaturday January 25th, (12:00-1:30pm) St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville Pick up Saturday January 25th. Please call Elaine at 902-865-4727 before Monday January 20th to place your order. Adults $15 Children $8 (under 12) Fish Chowder (no shellfish) or Hamburger Soup (16 ounces), biscuit and dessert.
For more infomation visit:
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world. The universal week of prayer encourages Christians of all denominations to meet, to participate in various liturgical and other activities, and to pray together that all may be one, as Christ desires. In Halifax four ecumenical services and a public lecture have been planned for the week 19-16 January 2025. This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
Sunday 19 January at 4pm - Anglican Cathedral Church of All Saints (1330 Cathedral Lane)
Guest Preacher: The Most Reverend Brian Dunn, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth
Monday 20 January at 7pm Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (2096 Windsor Street)
Public Lecture by Dr. David Deane, Associate Professor of Theology at Atlantic School of Theology Nicaea as a cornerstone of Christian Ecumenism see www.daviddeane.ca/new-events
Tuesday 21 January at 7pm Saint John’s United Church (6025 Stanley Street)
Guest Preacher: Sister Donna Geernaert, SC, Canadian Council of Churches
Thursday 23 January at 2pm Northwood Halifax Campus (2515 Northwood Terrace)
Guest Preacher: the Rev Antonio Siracusa, Presbyterian Church of Saint David
Sunday 26 January 3pm Saint Benedict Catholic Parish (45 Radcliffe Drive)
Guest Preacher: The Right Reverend Sandra Fyfe, Anglican Bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island For more infomation visit: http://nspeidiocese.ca/news/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity--965
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Saint Paul's 275th Anniversary WelcomesGuest Speaker The Most Rev'd Brian Dunn - Sunday, January 26, 2025 As part of our 275th Celebration and Speaker Series, St. Paul’s is pleased to have The Most Rev’d Brian Dunn (RC Archbishop, Archdiocese of Halifax – Yarmouth) join our 10am Eucharist, with Parish Lunch to follow! Visitors Warmly Welcomed For more infomation visit: http://nspeidiocese.ca/events/saint-pauls-275th-anniversary-welcomes/2025-01-26
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Valentine's Day Community PotluckFriday, February 14, 6:00pm Join St. Luke's Hubbards for their Community Potluck on Valentine's Day! On Friday, February 14th at 6pm at the Parish Hall, 10 Shore Club Rd in Hubbards. All are Welcome! Free Admission. Please bring your favourite dish to share. For more infomation visit: http://nspeidiocese.ca/events/valentines-day-community-potluck/2025-02-14
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Marriage Success CourseSaturday April 5th 9am-4pm The Dartmouth Region is running a Marriage Success program on April 5th 2025. 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. Folks from other regions are welcome to attend.
Registration forms are due by March 22 -
Cost $60 per couple (covers lunch, snacks and printing costs).
Contact marriagesuccess@outlook.com for more information.
For more infomation visit: https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/events/marriage-success-course--908
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Looking for Parish to Host Halifax fundraiser for GazaSupport families sheltering in overcrowded conditions in a school building in Gaza. How it works: Our volunteers prepare a simple Palestinian lunch, with a minimum suggested donation of $10 per person. Many of our neighbors in Halifax have family members in Gaza who are enduring extreme hardship, facing severe food shortages and the threat of starvation. A Palestinian Nova Scotian from Gaza shares the harrowing realities their family members are facing in an overcrowded school building. You have an opportunity to help these families in dire need. We are looking for churches to host this fundraiser in their space at a time and date convenient for them. Please contact me - Linda Scherzinger with a date and time if you can help. Contact: Linda - lindakseven@gmail.com, Kairos Halifax |
Diocesan Heating Oil Program
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. Sharon Williston by name at 1-888-310-1924 or by email Sharon.Williston@irvingoil.com The Furnace Oil price for the period - January 11 to January 17, 2025. Nova Scotia - $1.0813 Prince Edward Island - $1.0813 For more infomation visit:
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FAITH & FELLOWSHIP ACROSS CANADA
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Churches Discipling Children: What Is and Is not Working.FREE WEBINAR - Jan 31, 2:30pm (Atlantic time) On Jan. 31, join with other church leaders across the country to hear recent in-depth, Canadian research - looking at the faith transmission and spiritual formation of children. It is an interactive half-hour webinar – 15-minute research presentation & 15-minute Q/A, then an optional 15-minutes for networking and discussion.
PRESENTER: Arch Wong, Professor of Practical Theology at Ambrose University and Associate Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute, Calgary, AB.
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Niagara School for Missional LeadershipWinter Classes Deepen your faith and engage in meaningful learning through the following upcoming courses: -Adaptive Leadership- (January 13 – March 3, 2025) This course introduces a practice of leadership that mobilizes people to tackle tough challenges and thrive. It builds on the past, connects us to our core values, involves experimentation, values diversity and inclusion of alternative views, and mobilizes the resources already present in the community. Teacher Practitioner: Archbishop Colin Johnson To register please click HERE -Missional Preaching-(January 14 – March 4, 2025) This course explores how we can connect God’s mission and the mission of the Church with the culture in which we live. -Reimagining Church-(January 14 – March 4, 2025) A course designed for anyone eager to explore Christian faith in a fresh way—both ancient and relevant to today's world. Teacher Practitioner: Dr. John Bowen To Register Please Click HERE For more infomation visit: https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/news/niagara-school-for-missional-leadership--969
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Missional Imagination ConferenceA conference on diving deep for the missionally minded. "Do you sense God inviting the Church to explore more creative approaches to mission but feel uncertain about the steps to take?"
“Are you involved in a new or innovative form of mission and seeking a community of support and fresh inspiration to sustain or expand your ministry?"
All people who feel called to innovative mission by the Holy Spirit are invited to take part in this exciting new conference, which aims to equip Anglicans and other Christians — both lay and ordained — to understand and engage with the need for imaginative and sustainable mission within our Church.
For more infomation visit: https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/events/missional-imagination-conference
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