Schedule

Monday, June 9 to Friday June 13 - Finding Hope in Uncertain Times, Clergy Retreat at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Center, PEI

Sunday, June 15 – Parish Worship

Monday, June 16 – Day Off

Tuesday, June 17
• Morning: Off-site Meeting
• Afternoon: Office Appointments
• Evening: Growth for Ministry Fund Meeting

Wednesday, June 18 – Leadership Team Meeting

Thursday, June 19 –
• Community of Deacons Gathering
• Office Meetings

Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21 – Diocesan Council (in person)

Announcements

 Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev’d Dr. Kate Heichler as Assistant Priest for Congregational Life and Community Engagement for the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, effective July 1, 2025. Kate is coming to us from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. We look forward to her joining our Diocese.

Openings

Rector, full-time, Ecumenical Shared Ministry, The Anglican Parish of Tangier & The Sheet Harbour Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada

Rector, 3/4 tme, The Parishes of Musquodoboit and Ship Harbour

Rector, The Collieries Parish

Rector, The Parish of Saint George, Halifax

Dear Friends,

We are saddened to inform you of the death of Sister Barbara Bowser on April 14, 2025. As noted in her obituary “Sister Barbara, on behalf of the Anglican Church of Canada, attended several General and Diocesan Synods, was a lay minister for the Digby Weymouth Parish and co-hosted at Bethany Place Quiet Days, Retreatants, Christian events and travelled to several parishes in the diocese to promote the Society of Our Lady Saint Mary and the Anglican Religious Life in particular communities she spent time in namely The Sisterhood of Saint John the Divine, Toronto and the Community of the Sisters of the Church, Oakville, Ontario.” Her ministry of hospitality and prayer in that community and surrounding area touched many hearts and lives over the years, and she will be sadly missed. She was laid to rest on May 30 in Clementsport, at St. Edward’s Church.

Please keep Barbara’s sister in faith, Sr. Bonnie, sister Heather, and family in your prayers. May they find hope and strength in the bond of love that continues beyond death, and in Christ’s promise that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Advocate, will be with us always.

May Barbara’s soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Every blessing,

+Sandra

Sister Barbara Eleanor May Bowser

The Diocesan Times continues to publish a paper edition which is mailed to subscribers monthly from September to June. There is also a PDF version available online for those who prefer to read electronically.

We are now introducing a newsletter that will feature some of the stories in the latest edition of The Diocesan Times that will be emailed out via the Anglican Netnews list. This newsletter will allow you to browse the topics and then click a link to read more via the full PDF version. Read this newsletter here.

The Diocesan Times is a section of the Anglican Journal and is available for free to all identifiable givers in the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

If you would like to receive the paper copy of The Diocesan Times, please subscribe via the following link: https://anglicanjournal.com/subscriptions/

The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is inviting Anglicans across Canada to establish or expand community ministry partnerships in this year’s Request for Proposals (RFP). Having funded hundreds of community ministry projects across Canada, AFC knows what it takes to build successful partnerships in priority impact areas, such as food security, social justice, leadership and education, arts enrichment, and more. Through grant reports and testimonials, applicants are sharing with AFC their positive experiences working with a variety of partners, including other churches and faith groups, not-for-profit organizations, schools and community educators, and small businesses.

Click HERE for more information on criteria and to use the online application form.

We continue to strive to work towards reconciliation with First Peoples in Canada. There are several opportunities for our congregations and small groups to be intentional in this relationship-building, advocacy, education and inclusive worship. 

• June is National Indigenous History Month.

• June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day

• September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

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

For a variety of resources, check out our webpage

June is PRIDE month, but some communities observe this festive time in July and August too. Parish leaders can invite, embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ2+ family members, supporters and allies, incorporating special prayers and other acknowledgements during worship. Explore a variety of resources on our Diocesan page. (Scroll down)

A SURVEY SEEKING SPIRITUAL DIRECTORS/COMPANIONS has been prepared and can be accessed below. I ask for your assistance: fill it out for yourself, if you are currently serving or are open to serve as a Spiritual Director; as well as sharing it with others you know in the community who are ministering in this capacity.
We will be looking to know such details as availability (day/evenings/weekends); in-person/online/telephone; willingness to take new directees; and, interest in becoming part of a group for further training opportunities.

Click here for Survey

Are you curious about the role of the Primate and the process for the election of a new Primate?

On June 26, members of General Synod will elect the next Primate of The Anglican Church of Canada. But what is a Primate, and how are they elected? Two new videos on the General Synod 2025 website provide an overview of the Primate’s role and the election process.

To view the videos, please go here.

Praying with the DEN Community, Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) 

For more information contact DEN at: endionspei@gmail.com

Join us for a brief presentation and conversation about how to build sustainable structure into your ministries this fall, with time to share your hopes, ideas, dreams, and questions about what might happen in your parish!

Sign up here to get the link.

Tune In With Yourself, With One Another, and With God

For this year's Diocesan Youth Camp (DYC), we are headed off to Big Cove Camp in Sutherlands River, Nova Scotia, for a weekend full of climbing high and low ropes, exploring our creativity, talking about prayer, worshipping together, and having lots of fun!

DYC is for youth in grades 7 to 12, and while we are still figuring out the fine details, registration is open now!

Find more informaiton, and the registration form, here.

There is a glitch in the Vector training system causing automated email reminders to be sent to individuals to complete their Safe Faith training even though they have already done so. If you receive one of these and have already completed the training, you can ignore it. If you are unsure, feel free to send an email to Allie at saferchurch@nspeidiocese.ca

Applications for a summer position at Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax will be received until June 13, 2025. 

You could win a Tidal Bore Rafting Getaway

Prize pack includes a 1 night, 2 bedroom cottage rental, 4 person tidal bore rafting and mudsliding.

Tickets are $5.00 per ticket or 5 for $20.00

All proceeds will be donated to mission to seafarers.

Get your tickets for a Drawing for $150.00 Value of cooked lobsters (just in time for Father's day)

Tickets are $5.00 each or 3 of $10.00

For tickets please call Tracey @ 902-229-5690 or Ella @ 902-435-0357

Thank you for your support!

Looking for a relaxing afternoon of great music? Join us for a live performance by Full Circle at St. James Church on Saturday, June 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy a laid-back set of acoustic tunes featuring timeless hits from the 1960s and 70s—perfect for music lovers of all ages.

Admission is by freewill offering, and everyone is welcome. Come tap your toes, sing along, and enjoy the warm community atmosphere.

Join St. Luke's outreach mission group for a Father's Day Lunch

Lunch includes a pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw and a choice of pie slice with tea and coffee. 

Admission is by donation, proceeds for the HELM

Annual Yard Sale! 

Lots of great affordable items!

BBQ from 10am - 1pm (hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, water & pop)

St. George’s is honoured to be a venue for the 18^th annual EVERYSEEKER Festival taking place June 12-15. EVERYSEEKER is a celebration of genre-fluid music and experimental sound, aiming to create accessible entry points to the weird, wonderful, and delicious sonic landscapes of Halifax/Kjipuktuk and beyond. The festival curates works that encourage curiosity and showcases artists who challenge and subvert industry norms - highlighting the underground, the revolutionary, the emergent, and fringe dreamers. Please visit everyseeker.com for details about the concerts happening at St. George’s!

Rural Routes Through the Holy 2025, will be held June 12 – 14^th at   Sackville NB at the Regional Office, 21 Wright Avenue  The theme is Life, Land, and Leadership: Loving with Your Feet and it will be led by Rob Fennell and Shawna Lucas. 

Registration fees for this and the in person gathering are available on the website.  Please follow us to receive our news.

If you have questions, or need a paper registration form, you can reach me (Catherine) at ruralroutesatlantic@gmail.com

Atlantic School of Theology Credit Course: Pilgrimage and Retreat Leadership

If you would like to participate in Rural Routes and receive a university-level course credit, you can do so by registering for a course at Atlantic School of Theology, entitled, "Pilgrimage and Retreat Leadership." For more information, contact Prof. Rob Fennell at rob.fennell@astheology.ns.ca.

St. James, Armdale and St. Timothy's presents a "FUN"draiser concert in support of refugee sponsorship, starring the big band sounds of Atlantic Sound Machine! Dancing is encouraged!

Cost is $10 and there will be treats at intermission by goodwill offering, donations will be kindly accepted.

For tickets reach out to Alice Galpin at alicegalpin@eastlink.ca or Gillian Power at powergillian57@gmail.com.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

Looking for a fun and family friendly way to celebrate this Father’s Day?

Join us at St. George’s Round Church for live music and a BBQ. This community event features the folk music of parish warden, Matthew Joel VanderKwaak, and songs sung by the award winning St. George’s Junior Choir. Music begins at 3:30pm followed by a BBQ picnic (serving fresh-fried potato chips) and lawn games at 5:00pm.

Admission is by donation in support of the St. George’s Song School, a free program bringing music education to children in the HRM.

Music lovers are warmly invited to Resound the Glory, an inspiring concert by Scotia Brass under the direction of conductor Rod MacGillivray, in support of restoring the 105-year-old St. Mark’s Casavant Brothers organ — a treasured piece of local musical heritage.

Tickets are available at: $15 for adults $10 for students

Reserve your tickets by: Calling St. Mark’s Church at 902-454-0207, Through members of the Scotia Brass ensemble, or purchasing them at the door on the evening of the concert

Come and be part of this musical celebration that not only showcases exceptional talent but also supports a meaningful cause. Let’s resound the glory together!

Come and enjoy an afternoon of old-fashioned family fun at our Family Summer Fayre on Saturday, June 21, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm! With games, live music, BBQ, face painting, and strawberry tea, there’s something for everyone.

Free entry – all are welcome!
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with neighbours and celebrate summer together. Don’t miss the amazing live music and delicious strawberry shortcake – it’s sure to be a highlight!

Family Fun Day!

Bouncy castle, games, face painting, snacks and hotdogs. 

Event is FREE

Reverend Canon James Purchase will be celebrating his 60th Anniversary of the Ordination to the Priesthood on the feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the Apostles, transferred from June 29th. A Sung Eucharist will be held at the Anglican Church of the Apostles (6670 Bayers Road) on Monday, June 23rd at 10:30 am. Clergy are invited to vest and take part in the procession. Liturgical color will be red. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. All are invited. Best Wishes only. If you are unable to attend, please keep Jim in your thoughts and prayers on this very special occasion.

Saturday, June 28th - 9:00am to 1:00pm

Lots of great yard sale treasures, baked goods and plants to be found.

Cash Only - Come Rain or Shine. Please - No Early Birds

*Please bring your own reuseable shopping bags* Venue is Wheelchair accessible

Saturday, July 5, 2025.

Pick-up time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Each meal includes ham, potato salad, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sweet mixed pickles, a roll, and a slice of homemade pineapple upside-down cake with cream.

Tickets: Adults: $20, Children under 12: $12

Call Ella (902-435-0357) or Tracey (902-229-5690) to reserve your meal.

The church is wheelchair accessible. Don’t miss this tasty summer treat!

Christ Church Golf Tournament on July 12^th at The Links at Montague in Dartmouth. 

The Registration is located on our website christchurchdartmouth.com.  For more information, please contact the Parish Office at 902-466-4270 or email christchurch@christchurchdartmouth.com.

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  - June 07, 2025 - June 13, 2025.

Nova Scotia - $0.8325 Prince Edward Island - $0.8325