Schedule

Thursday, February 5 - Atlantic School of Theology Founding Parties Meeting 

Friday, February 6 - Diocesan Executive Council Meeting (online - pm)

Sunday, February 8 - Parish visit - St. Andrew's Locks Rd.

Monday, February 9 - Day off

Tuesday, February 10 - Administration/Catch up (am), Senior Leadership Team Meeting (pm)

Wednesday, February 11 - Monthly Meeting with Director of Mission and Ministry Development, Canadian Compass Rose Society Board Meeting (online), Parish Meeting (evening)

Appointments/Resignations

Northumbria Region - The Reverend Jeanne Hunter has been appointed as Archdeacon, effective February 1, 2026.

Openings

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

Diocesan Archivist

Full-Time Rector - Parish of Christ Church, Amherst

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

**Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from the Executive Secretary of Synod acknowledging its receipt**

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

In an increasingly divided world, conversations feel more tense and spiritual leaders often carry the weight of polarization. The essential question is not just what we should do, but what we believe—and how we actively live those beliefs.  Our guiding spiritual truths form a framework that grounds communities in Christ, offering stability, hope, and faithfulness amid cultural tension.

Read more in this article published on Substack, Spiritual Truths That Ground Us in Polarizing Times, written by Ruth Haley Barton.

 - I took away the need to remain in the present and let God direct the future.”

 - My heart is a little lighter; my soul has been troubled, but now I feel peace.”

 - I was in awe of how interconnected the talks and activities were—like God was weaving a story.”

These are a few of the comments we received from participants at last year's Diocesan retreat.

Find rest and spiritual refreshment at the PATHWAYS TO PEACE RETREAT 2026

Theme: Deepening Faith

Dates: Thursday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31

Location: Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB

Join us for a transformative weekend featuring inspiring presenters—lay leaders and clergy—sharing practical disciplines and rhythms for a vibrant spiritual life.

HURRY! Attendance is limited to the first 120 people who register.

Early Bird Rate Only $175!    

Includes 2 nights accommodations, 5 delicious meals, retreat program, chapel worship, materials, and more!

Offsite rate: $100

Student rate: Contact  missiondirector@nspeidiocese.ca

Register:   https://dnspeidatabase.elvanto.eu/form/177f127a-97f6-4515-a7b9-8e89457e60a0

Throughout the weekend, you’ll discover practices that can enrich your daily life and be shared within your parish and community. As we grow in faith, we also learn how to bring that deepening back home—offering encouragement, hope, and inspiration to others. Join us on this journey of discovery, where every step opens new pathways to grace and growth.

As we approach Black History Month, also known as African Heritage Month, we encourage congregational leaders to explore the many resources available for learning and worship. This month offers an important opportunity to recognize the histories and contributions of African Nova Scotian and Black Prince Edward Islander communities, whose stories continue to shape our region.

Engaging with these resources is a meaningful way to welcome, include, celebrate, and educate within our congregations. By acknowledging and uplifting these communities, we deepen our understanding, strengthen relationships, and embody the hospitality and justice to which we are called.

Visit our diocesan webpage for links to activities, worship ideas and other resources:  https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/pages/african-heritage-month 

Two FREE online sessions in February offers opportunities to explore and connect around local congregational partnerships, Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM). 

On Feb. 12, a learning session introduces newcomers to ecumenical shared ministry. 

On Feb. 26, a networking session supports those already serving in partnerships. 

Both sessions are hosted by the Lutheran-Anglican-Moravian Commission via Zoom and will include special guest speakers.

REGISTER FOR Feb. 12 , Feb. 26 

Join a weekly Zoom book study exploring Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Gregory Boyle, a moving reflection on love, compassion, and building an inclusive Beloved Community. Beginning the week of February 19 and running through April 20 (with a break for Holy Week), participants will read and discuss one chapter per week in 60-minute sessions.

Through Boyle’s wisdom-filled stories and insights, this series invites thoughtful conversation on how love can heal divisions and foster genuine belonging in our world. 

REGISTER HERE

As Lent approaches, beginning on Feb. 18th with Ash Wednesday, we invite congregational leaders to explore the wide range of resources available on our Diocesan website. You’ll find ideas for meaningful worship, activities for all ages and stages of faith, devotional practices, studies, and creative options to help your community enter this season with intention and depth.

Visit these pages often and try something new this year. Fresh resources will be added weekly, offering ongoing inspiration for Lent and Holy Week. Whether you’re planning in-person services, online events, intergenerational activities, or you are seeking personal spiritual practices, these tools are designed to support and enrich your ministry throughout this sacred season.

Lent Devotions & Study Resources

Lent & Holy Week Worship Resources

You are warmly invited to a special learning event on Saturday, March 21 at St. John’s Halifax, 2187 Larry Uteck Blvd, (West) Bedford.

TIME: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A light breakfast is provided.

In a time when social media promises connection yet so often leaves us feeling isolated, we find ourselves living through what many describe as a loneliness epidemic. The Church, however, is uniquely placed to respond with compassion, presence, and hope.

Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson, Vocation Minister (Atlantic) for The United Church of Canada, from Summerside, PE, will lead us in a thoughtful and engaging exploration of the Church’s crucial mission of “befriending.”

Through two inspiring talks—

• Befriending Each Other
• Befriending the World
  —we will reflect on how Christian communities can offer genuine relationships and meaningful connection both within the church family and in the wider world.

THE MISSION OF FRIENDSHIP workshop is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

SIGN UP HERE:   www.surveymonkey.com/r/BEFRIENDING
(Deadline is midnight March 15)

All are welcome— bring a friend!

This event is sponsored by the Diocese, through The Connectors REUNION group.

Got questions?  E-mail missiondirector@nspeidiocese.ca or text/call 902-789-4840.

As we are drawing ever nearer to Lent, we've closed sign-ups for families to contribute a picture and a prayer to our at-home prayer practice resource, but still have space for families to sign up to receive a package! 

Families are invited to join with others across the diocese in a fun and creative Lent project! Lent is often a time when people give something up to make room for God, but it can also be a time to take something on to help you draw nearer to God. Each day throughout Lent, your family can take a moment to look at the picture, reflect on the word for that day, and pray together. Just a few minutes to connect with one another, and with God, every day.

And it's totally free. 

Find more info and sign up here. 

Community Roots is our diocesan travelling day camp program and we are getting ready for another fantastic summer of ministry! Our staff team travels aorund the diocese, bringing with them all the supplies needed for a fun and engaging week of day camp with two main goals - to provide meaningful and free programming for kids in the community, and to equip and empower local leaders to do children's and family ministry. 

If you know all about it and your parish is ready to apply to participate this year, you can do that right here. 

If you're curious and would like more information before diving right in, we're holding several informaiton sessions over the next few weeks, and we'd love to have you there! You can find the details and registration for those here. 

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

Honouring African Heritage Month: As we reflect on Nova Scotia's theme for African Heritage Month, Strength in Unity: Moving Forward with Purpose, Prosperity, Power and Progress, it is worth reflecting on the writings of bell hooks: “To build community requires vigilant awareness of the work we must continually do to undermine all the socialization that leads us to behave in ways that perpetuate domination” (Teaching Community). More on bell hooks next week and why the lower case letters for her name - stay tuned!

Misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): APP presented the resolution about NDA misuse at Synod 2025 that was unanimously passed. The quest to have legislation (already a reality in PEI!) that prevents NDAs from being used in cases of mistreatment, harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct and other civil rights violations is led by Dr. Julie Macfarlane of Can't Buy My Silence. Meet Dr. Macfarlane and learn more about the misuse of NDAs in this excellent video: https://youtu.be/LZonLCwuEwo

NDA Support Group: If a 6 week (starting Thurs.,  Feb. 5; 6:30 - 8:00 pm AST) Peer-to-Peer Support Group, offered virtually and facilitated by registered psychologist, Dr. Angela Grace, for those who have experienced the signing of an NDA, is something you are interested in, email Stacey (stacey@cantbuymysilence.com). Registration is limited. The sessions will be confidential, trauma-informed, and survivor-centred.  

Human Trafficking: The hidden-in-plain-sight modern slavery reality of human trafficking is a significant challenge in Nova Scotia. APP is inviting you to support NSTAY (Nova Scotia Transition and Advocacy for Youth), a survivor-led, trauma-informed program through the YWCA Halifax for youth who’ve experienced trafficking and exploitation. A huge thank you to those who have made a  donation. Here's how to do so: 

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.

*UPDATED*

The Cathedral Church of All Saints is compiling a series of reflections for each weekday in Lent written by members of the Cathedral congregation. These will be posted daily throughout Lent on the Cathedral’s website and social media. If you would like to receive this by email each morning, please sign up here. 

Applications are opening soon for ACIC’s 2026 International Youth Internship Program, which will place interns with BTS partners in Guatemala. Open from February 1–15, the program offers Canadian youth aged 18–30 the chance to engage in Indigenous-led work focused on human rights, transitional justice, education, food sovereignty, and permaculture. Interns receive full program coverage, a monthly living stipend, and mentorship, with placements running from July to November 2026. An information webinar will be held on Monday, February 2 at 4 p.m. ATL.

The Dartmouth Region's Marriage Success Course is offered as a marriage preparation course for couples of all genders and sexual orientations. Topics covered include: Communication, Conflict, Finances, Spirituality, Family of Origin and Sexuality. You do not have to reside in the Dartmouth region to participate. Marriage Success will be held Saturday, 2 May 2026,  at St. Luke's Church, 9 Veterans Avenue, Dartmouth. The course will only be offered if a minimum of 4 couples register. Cost: $60 per couple (materials and food provided) Registration deadline is 31 March 2026. See registration form or e-mail marriagesuccess@outlook.com for more information.

The Government of Canada is inviting rural Canadians to take part in a public consultation to help shape a new Rural Development Action Plan. This is an opportunity for individuals and communities across Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for strengthening rural life.

Learn more and participate here

Reimagining Church is just that: thinking in fresh ways about church and how it connects with today’s world. Come willing to be stretched, challenged, and refreshed!

Wednesday Evenings 7-9 PM EST

January 14 – March 4, 2026

Instructor: Dr. John Bowen

Are you frustrated by the decline in church attendance and participation at your parish? Perhaps you’re hearing the buzz around terms like “missional church,” “discipleship,” and “fresh expressions,” but are baffled about what those mean or how they might relate to your own parish. Or perhaps you are simply curious about whether a new perspective might help you and your parish engage differently with the gospel and with parish ministry. 

The course is for anyone eager and willing to explore Christian faith in a fresh way that is at the same time ancient and yet relevant to today’s world. It is being hosted by the Niagara School for Missional Leadership.

For more information and to register: https://nsml.ca/reimagining-church/

St. John’s is beginning a search for a new Finance and Office Clerk to support our Parish Council, administrative, financial and communication needs of our parish, St. John’s Cemetery and St. Nicholas. This part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week at $35.00 per hour) is essential to the smooth functioning of our worship life, pastoral ministries and community engagement.

We invite applications from individuals with experience in bookkeeping, office administration, and working in a collaborative environment. A full job description is available by request.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to administrator@st.johnshalif.

Applications are open until February 15 or until the position is filled. Please keep this hiring process in your prayers as we seek a person gifted for this ministry.

“Being With” is a ten-session course to explore the Christian faith – for the first time, or to go deeper after many years of churchgoing. Meaning, Prayer, Story, Suffering, Resurrection are among the topics covered. We have just finished an in-person course, and Rev. Kate will offer one on Zoom this winter, most likely on Monday evenings. One participant from our last round wrote: “Being With helped me build a more peaceful and grounded inner life. It encouraged me to reflect regularly, to learn to notice God’s goodness, and to become more grateful. This has made my faith journey feel more alive and my experience of church more intimate and supportive.” Click here to sign up; email Rev. Kate if you’d like to know more. 

St. James Church (the Yellow Church) in Boutiliers Point invites the community to enjoy live music with Gloria Butler and Friends on Saturday, February 14, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This free, community-focused afternoon of music is open to all.

A freewill offering will be received in support of the church’s Helping Hands fund, assisting community members in need. Join us at 6991 St. Margarets Bay Road for music, fellowship, and an opportunity to share the love.

All Saints' Church Hall, 521 Pleasant St., Kingston

St. Francis by the Lakes, 192 First Lake Drive, Lower Sackville

St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 3751 Robie Street (Church Hall)

St. John's Anglican Church, Westphal (Corner of Lake Major Rd. & #7 Highway)

St. Luke’s is hosting a Clothing Swap on Friday, February 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 10 Shore Club Road, Hubbards, during our Lenten Soup Lunch.

Gently used clothing donations will be accepted on Thursday, February 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday morning, February 20, at the hall. Any remaining clothing after the swap will be donated to Mission Mart.

All are welcome to participate—come share, swap, and support our community.

The Parish of French Village will be offering a Lenten Study at St. George’s Church, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay, held on five Saturday mornings during Lent. This year’s program invites participants into a thoughtful exploration of faith, mystery, and human experience.

The study will use The Mystery of Everything by Hilary Brand, alongside the film The Theory of Everything, which portrays the life of physicist Stephen Hawking. Over five sessions, participants will reflect on themes including the experience of wonder, weakness and frailty, the complexity of relationships, and hope beyond brokenness.

More details, including dates and times, will be shared on the parish website at www.parishoffrenchvillage.ca and on the Parish of French Village Facebook page.

Start your Saturday right! Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 45 Main Street, Middleton, invites everyone to a Community Breakfast on Saturday, February 28, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Enjoy a hearty meal with a free will offering, and bring your friends and family—all are welcome!

St. Francis By The Lakes Anglican Church is hosting a Roast Beef Take-Out Meal on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with pick-up available from 4:00–5:30 p.m. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring roast beef, potatoes, carrots, turnip, peas, a dinner roll, gravy, and dessert.

Meals are $18 for adults and $8 for children. Orders must be placed by February 23 by calling Elaine L. at 902-865-4727, ordering through the church website at stfrancisbythelakes.ca, or emailing stfrancistakeout@gmail.com.

Join us for Lenten Soup Lunches, held Fridays during Lent from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Each lunch includes a choice of soup, a biscuit or roll, dessert, and tea or coffee. Admission is by donation, and all are welcome.

Upcoming dates and locations:

• Friday, February 20 – St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 10 Shore Club Road, Hubbards

• Friday, February 27 – St. Andrews/St. Marks United Church, 7629 St. Margarets Bay Road, Ingramport

• Friday, March 6 – Parish of French Village, St. James Anglican Church, 6991 St. Margarets Bay Road, Boutiliers Point

• Friday, March 13 – Hubbards Lions Club, 43 Lions Club Road, Fox Point

• Friday, March 20 – St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 10243 St. Margarets Bay Road, Hubbards

Come enjoy a simple meal, warm hospitality, and community fellowship throughout the Lenten season.

The Cathedral is launching an alternative worship service – dinner church, which will be held on Wednesday evenings. The eucharist, with a Jesus story, conversation and prayer, all unfolds in the context of an evening meal. This is particularly designed as space for people who are curious about faith or wanting to explore Christian community – who will you invite? Invitation cards are available, or forward the flyer here. 

Atlantic School of Theology invites the community to a relevant and practical workshop on eldercare on March 3, 2026, exploring how families and faith communities can respond faithfully and effectively to the needs of aging loved ones and parishioners. Led by Patrick Cassidy, KC, the session draws on both professional expertise and personal experience to address the challenges of navigating and sustaining eldercare.

The workshop takes place at 1:30 p.m. in the AST Chapel with a Zoom option available. Cost is $25, and free for students. All are welcome, with a special invitation extended to students and clergy.

Register here

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  - Jan. 31, 2026 - Feb. 06, 2026

Nova Scotia - $1.0572 Prince Edward Island - $1.0572