Schedule

Rector, full-time, Apostles Halifax

Shared Ministry - Parish of St. John's Crapaud and the Parish of Milton and Rustico, 3/4 time

God willing and the people consenting on the Feast of St. Nicholas, 

Saturday, December 6^th, at 2:00 p.m. at The Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax

Bishop Sandra will ordain: Blane Finnie and Ruth MacNeil to the Sacred Order of Priests

and Wade Seymour and Christopher Tidd to the Sacred Order of Deacons

Your prayers and presence are requested for Blane, Ruth, Wade, and Christopher

as they prepare for their ordination and the vows and promises they will

each make before God and the gathered community.

Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers are invited to vest and process. 

The liturgical colour is white.

Children and youth are also invited to be part of the procession, and are encouraged to wear red and white.

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us,

Please Beware of Fraud Emails

We have been made aware of cloned or fraudulent emails claiming to be from Bishop Sandra. Please note that these emails are not from her, and she would never send such messages. (asking to carry out a task as an example) If you receive one, please report it if possible and delete it immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our office at office@nspeidiocese.ca

The next Anglican Foundation Grant deadlines are December 17^th 2025, April 24^th 2026,  October 9th, 2026.

Complete applications must be received by the Executive Secretary of Synod by those dates. execsecsynod@nspeidiocese.ca

Information for our Diocese in addition to the requirements from the Anglican Foundation

• The motion to move forward with this initiative from the minutes of council are required
• The Bishop does not compose her letter of support until after Diocesan Executive Council votes to forward the application.  This is taken care of within the Synod Office.
• The deadlines for applying are earlier than the dates on the Anglican Foundation website, as our applications must vetted by the committee, then brought to Diocesan Executive Council before they are sent to the foundation. Our dates are based on the dates the Diocesan Executive Council meets.
• If the grant application includes working with youth your vulnerable sector policies must be included in the application. 

To apply for a grant please go to the website  https://www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply/ 

and download all of the information to insure your application is complete.

Please feel free to send any questions to the

Executive Secretary of Synod, execsecsynod@nspeidiocese.ca

The season of Advent is only a few weeks away. It is not too soon to prepare for special seasonal programs, studies and activities. Help parishioners and interested community members engage this preparation time meaningfully this year. 

Visit our Diocesan website for a wide variety of resources

The Flourishing Congregations Institute is hosting another interactive webinar titled, The Spiritual Discipline of Deconstruction.  

On Friday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. (AST)  join Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor of Christian Courier Magazine, for an interactive 45-minute webinar – 20-minute research presentation, 10-minute Q/A, & 15-minute guided conversation with a church leader respondent (optional 15-minutes after for networking) – about her recently released book Blessed are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada.

The Flourishing Congregations Institute is based in Calgary, AB, and its mandate is offering 'Canadian Data for Canadian Church Leaders'.  

For information and to register:   https://flourishingcongregations.org/the-spiritual-discipline-of-deconstruction/

Our new Diocesan Home Communion ministry training course is available now!

Written resources, checklists, templates and video teaching resources are all downloadable from our Diocesan website. They are suitable for individual or group use. 

The first file, 'Introduction', includes suggestions on how this training may be rolled out in a parish or a region. 

Visit the page HERE

See what your parish offers in the way of prayer programs, contemplative gatherings, or quiet prayer times.

 Explore prayer gatherings from other parishes, perhaps not available at your church, or held at a time more convenient for your schedule; in person and on ZOOM.

Godly Play is a storytelling-based children’s ministry curriculum and program that encourages wonder, reflection, and exploration. At this day-long workshop, you’ll have time to experience Godly Play, hear about available resources and supports, and talk about how you might be able to use Godly Play in your parish!

Bring a bagged lunch and join us for this free workshop at St. John's Anglican Church in Truro (23 Church St., Truro NS).

Scroll down to download a poster for this event to share with your congregation!

NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for October, but had to be postponed due to illness. 

This October our diocesan rep team and mapping exercise facilitators were together in Toronto for the Alongside Hope National Gathering. Together with diocesan representatives from across Canada and the Alongside Hope staff team, we spent the weekend hearing from and learning more about Alongside Hope’s partners and projects in Canada and around the World. This year our theme was “Living in Right Relationship”, and we shared the weekend with our partners the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP); hearing from the wisdom of Archdeacon Rosalyn Elm, Archbishop Christopher Harper, and Archdeacon Travis Enright. Throughout the weekend we had the opportunity to hear about the context of truth and reconciliation in the Anglican church of Canada, and where we can go from here in partnership walking alongside ACIP.

“We were invited to come and listen, see our differences but walk with open hands and open hearts. And don’t stop learning.” (Gillian Power)

Hear Gillian tell her experience of the National Gathering HERE

 Alongside Hope NS & PEI

Giving gifts for the holidays is for many a special time of being thankful for what we have and of sharing with others; but with The World of Gifts Catalogue it can also be an easy way to tackle some of the complex global challenges and injustices that can seem so overwhelming.

This Christmas, give the gift of clean water, good soil, food security, healthy babies, dignity for women and girls, emergency response and peace. Every gift supports specific projects and partners. Check out the world of Gifts catalogue this Christmas to give a gift that truly has an impact on communities and families across the world.

The finance team will send out scholarships for post-secondary students, and bursaries to school age children, over the next few weeks. If you received a scholarship or bursary in January, there is no need to re-apply. However, if you have not received a scholarship or bursary before, please contact Lawrence at financialcontroller@nspeidiocese.ca to apply.

Sat. Nov. 29 - St. George's, Halifax - Community Advent Sale

Sun. Nov 30 - St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church - The Star, A Journey to Christmas

Sun, Nov. 30 - St. James’ Yellow Church, Boutilier’s Point - Family Carol Sing & Advent Tree Lighting

Mon. Dec. 8 - Chebucto Region Advent Gathering - Cathedral Church of All Saints

Dec. 7 - Memorial Carol Sing - St. Paul's Church, Charolottetown

Dec. 11 - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Carol Concert - All Saints Church, 521 Pleasant St., Kingston

Dec. 12 - Christmas Sing-a-long - St. John's Anglican Church, Westphal

Dec. 14 - Jubilate Singers and Friends' Festival of Carols - St. Mark's Church, 5522 Russell St., Halifax

Dec. 15 - Christmas on the Grand Parade - St. Paul's Church, Halifax

Dec. 18 - Christmas Carols at the Cafe - St. Luke's Parish Hall, Hubbards

Dec. 24 - O Night Divine: The light of Christmas - St. Paul's Church, Halifax

Looking for a midweek pick-me-up? Drop by St. James Anglican Church for an afternoon of fun, friendship, and refreshments at James Games & Café!

Bring your own cards, board games, or join in on the ones provided — there’s always laughter, good company, and a fresh pot of coffee waiting.

All are welcome — come play, chat, and unwind in a relaxed and friendly space!

You are invited to the opening of Barb's Cafe on November 28th, from 10 am to 12 pm.

A weekly community cafe at St. James' Parish Hall.

Come and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a little nibble, and the joy of community in honour of Rev. Barb

St. Francis by the Lakes is excited to present John Snyder live in concert! John, a proud inductee of the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame, will be joined by special guests for an afternoon of great music.

The concert takes place on Saturday, November 29, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and can also be purchased via e-transfer through our website stfrancisbythelakes.ca.

For more information or to arrange ticket sales, you can contact John Snyder at 902-430-0253 or Elaine Bishop at 902-864-3634. Don’t miss this wonderful afternoon of Nova Scotia country and Christmas music!

Join us on Sunday, November 30, from 2–4 p.m. at St. James Church for an afternoon of great music with The Appaloosa Band. Chip in what you can in support of the Parish Home Heating Fund.

After the show, enjoy tasty treats and warm drinks from 4–5 p.m., then stay for the festive fun with carol singing and a community tree lighting at 5 p.m.
All are welcome!

Join us for a joyful night of Christmas music with The Alive Band on Sunday, November 30th at 7:00pm

Come enjoy festive favourites, community spirit, and a beautiful start to the season.
Everyone is welcome — and we’ll gather for refreshments afterward!

Bring a friend, bring your holiday cheer, and settle in for a wonderful evening together.

Join us for a wonderful night featuring Peter Grant, Shaun Richards, and Mike Purdy!

Admission by donation – all proceeds support St. Luke’s Christmas Hamper Program

Enjoy great music, a cash bar, and a silent auction!
Presented by St. Luke’s Outreach Mission Group.

Kick off the holiday season with AST’s Christmas Lights Dedication!
Join us outside the AST residence on Thursday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. for our annual tree lighting, complete with hot cocoa, treats, and carolling.

You can honour or remember a loved one by sponsoring a light starting at $10. Dedications submitted by December 1 will appear in the event program and on the AST website.

Learn more or make your contribution here: (website link)

Proceeds support the AST Annual Fund and ministry students.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to advancement@astheology.ns.ca by December 1.

Get into the holiday spirit at the Atlantic Sound Machine "FUN"draiser Christmas Concert, supporting refugee sponsorship! Enjoy the big band sounds of Atlantic Sound Machine—and don’t be shy, dancing is encouraged!

Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM

Tickets: $10 – contact Alice at 902-440-6767 or purchase at the door.

During intermission, enjoy coffee, tea, and treats with a goodwill offering—donations are kindly accepted. A Silent Auction will also take place, with proceeds supporting the Mother’s Union 150th Anniversary.

Presented in partnership with St. James Anglican Church and St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, this promises to be a festive evening full of music, community, and fun!

St. Alban’s Anglican Church invites you to enjoy a delicious Christmas take-out dinner on Thursday, December 11th.

Pick-Up Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.            Tickets: $20.00

Your festive meal includes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce, a roll, and dessert — all ready to enjoy in the comfort of your home.

To order your dinner: Call Shirley at 902-463-6018, Email stalbans@bellaliant.com, or phone the church office at 902-463-2493.

Order deadline: December 8th

Celebrate the season with a taste of Christmas from St. Alban’s!

Save the date for our Annual Clergy Retreat: June 8th to June 12th at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre, Stanley Bridge, PEI, as we ponder God's gift of friendship and its many dimensions with the Rev. Dr. Dawna Wall.

Dorothy Day courageously stated that we all know the long loneliness. Living into our vocations means we are often holding a lot, and don't always have a safe place to put things down, or those whom we can examine the dimensions of the burdens. Others have been here before us, and through their stories offer us encouragement, tears of lament, laughter and understanding. Francis and Claire, David Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, Aelred and Ivo...to name just a few of those who compass us about, with spiritual friendship.

Registration opens in January 2026

Email questions to Rev. Tammy Hodge Orovec at: rev.tammyhodge@gmail.com

Please send resume to :  Reverend Dorothy Miller

dorothybmiller7@gmail.com

Halifax Parks & Recreation is hosting several free community development workshops this fall to train volunteers in the HRM region.  

These 2-hour seminars include:  

 - Neighbourhood Placemaking 101

 - Boards 101

 - Navigating Community Resources: Asset Mapping 101

 - Communication & Conflict Resolution

Workshops begin Oct. 1 and run several times with the final one being hosted on Dec. 3.

For more information visit:  https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/volunteering/leadership-community-training-opportunities

Two Education for Ministry (EfM) online groups are launching in the new year:
• Sunday Group with Rev. Paula Porter Leggett (Diocese of New Westminster) – 3:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. Atlantic
• Tuesday Group with David Harrison (Diocese of NS & PEI) – 7:00 p.m. Atlantic

EfM offers two study paths:
EfM Classic – a four-year, fully digital formation program exploring scripture, theology, and reflection.
EfM Wide Angle – a one-year program for newcomers or graduates continuing their faith journey.

EfM helps lay people deepen faith, discern vocation, and grow in discipleship within a supportive learning community.

For more info, contact David Harrison at djh@djharrison.ca
Visit efmcanada.ca
Recruiting now through January 4, 2026.

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  - Nov. 22, 2025 - Nov. 28, 2025.

Nova Scotia - $1.1099 Prince Edward Island - $1.1099