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THE BISHOP'S OFFICESchedule Thursday, October 9 – Founding Parties Meeting for the Atlantic School of Theology (am), Autism Education Session for Diocesan Staff (am) Friday, October 10 – Online and in-person meetings Sunday, October 12 - Parish Visit, Musquodoboit & Ship Harbour Monday, October 13 - Day Off (Thanksgiving Holiday) Tuesday, October 14 - Day Off Wednesday, October 15 – Online and in-person meetings (am), Monthly Meeting with Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator (pm) Openings Rector, The Parish of Saint George, Halifax Rector, full-time, The Parish of The Resurrection Rector, full-time, Apostles Halifax Shared Ministry - Parish of St. John's Crapaud and the Parish of Milton and Rustico, 3/4 time |
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FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE |
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Appointment of Director for Parish RelationsDear Friends, I am pleased to announce that Mike MacKenzie has accepted my offer of appointment as our Director for Parish Relations, effective November 3rd, 2025. Mike brings a unique mix of employment, education, and ministry experience to this role. Throughout almost a decade of employment at StFX University, he has been responsible for stakeholder relations and outreach, communications planning and implementation, and initiatives such as project administration and change management. He holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Master of Adult Education from StFX University, and a Master of Theological Studies from Wycliffe College. Currently, he is a PhD Candidate in Theological Studies at the University of Torontos Emmanuel College, where his dissertation research focuses on how affective expressions of doubt shape lived theologies within churches and communities of faith. I'm sure if you ask him, he'd be happy to say more about his research! Mike has also fulfilled a variety of ministries at parish, diocesan, national, and international levels. He has served on numerous committees and working groups within our diocese and was previously a member of the board of directors for PWRDF/Alongside Hope, as well as a facilitator for the Mapping Exercise, which prompts churches to confront the legacy of residential schools and ongoing anti-Indigenous racism across Canada. In 2023, Mike was appointed as the Canadian representative to the Anglican Alliances global board of trustees, helping to oversee the Alliances work to support sustainable development and disaster relief projects across the Anglican Communion. Originally from Sydney, Cape Breton, Mike now lives in Kentville, Nova Scotia with his wife Kris and their two young sons. I am excited to welcome Mike to this diocesan ministry and look forward to him joining our diocesan staff team. I am confident that the diocese will benefit from the wide range of skills, gifts, and experiences he brings from both within and beyond the Anglican Churchas well as from the personal qualities he embodies. Mike spoke about this position as the fulfilment of a vocational calling, and I know that he is approaching it with much grace and humility. Please join me in warmly welcoming Mike as our new Director for Parish Relations. Yours faithfully, + Sandra The Right Reverend Sandra Fyfe, Diocesan Bishop
About the role The Director for Parish Relations serves as a vital conduit between the Bishop, Archdeacons, Regional Deans, clergy, lay leaders, and parisheshelping to ensure that our Diocesan vision, mission, and governance are lived out faithfully across diverse communities with unique needs. Key Responsibilities include: - Providing pastoral care, leadership development, and conflict resolution support and training to clergy and parish lay leaders, in-person or virtually. - Promoting clergy wellness through regular check-ins and connecting them with appropriate resources. - Serving as spokesperson for the Diocese with news media, when requested by the Bishop. - Advising the Bishop on operational matters, ensuring policies are applied effectively and supporting the overall wellbeing of the Diocese. - Supporting Archdeacons and parishes during leadership transitions, visioning exercises, and other challenges. - Fostering healthy parish dynamics and strengthening support for local ministries. - Providing field support and guidance to parishes, as appropriate. - In collaboration with our Regional Deans, working with, and acting as the main contact for parishes and other entities in administrative matters, providing advice and interpretation on canonical and policy issues, and making decisions within the mandate provided by the Bishop. - Overseeing diocesan initiatives, particularly the Engage program, to ensure alignment with our vision of building Christ-centered, mission-minded, ministering communities of faith. |
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MISSION, MINISTRY and WORSHIP |
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6-Minute Study - #432Smaller congregations have strengths and growth possibilities when leaders focus on a few important priorities. God has positioned our rural and smaller churches in neighbourhoods because each has ministry to do there. Read about a few principles and strategies to inspire flourishing in these cherished faith communities.
A New Way to View Small Church Vitality, a Lewis Center for Church Leadership article, adapted teaching by Dr. Lewis A. Parks.
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Support wanted for Prison MinistryI have recently been hired to provide chaplaincy services at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville, NS (Valley Region).
There are roughly a dozen young people in the facility at one time. Several have expressed
interest in crosses to wear - only wooden crosses are permitted.
I would also like to have a few copies of the Message translation of the New Testament, and would love to have a copy of the First Nations Bible.
Lastly, the chapel itself is dark and unattractive, and I would like very much to have some colourful, meditative, inspirational, or uplifting art posters (Christian or otherwise).
If you have anything you would like to donate, or helpful suggestions, please contact Ken MacIntosh 1kenmacintosh@gmail.com
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DIOCESAN EVENTS |
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Youth and Family Ministry |
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Halloween Resources for ParishesWe’re just putting the finishing touches on a resource to support parishes in marking Halloween with their community. It’s not quite ready yet, but if you fill out this form, we will send it to you as soon as it is! |
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Finance Office |
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE DIOCESE |
