Schedule

Wednesday, April 15th - Holy Eucharist at St. Thomas (9:15am), Fall River, followed by prep and participation in KD Lunch Program; one-on-one time with clergy (morning/lunch); Tour of Beacon House and then Shelter, Lower Sackville (afternoon); supper with regional clergy

Thursday, April 16th - Two Coves Cafe, St. Luke’s, Hubbards (9-11am); Emmaus Walk on Queensland Beach (11:30am to 12:45pm - Bring your own brown bag lunch/picnic); one-on-one time with clergy (afternoon); St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville (evening) - Finger Food Cafe Potluck and Questions for the Bishop; Candlelit Evensong/Taize Service (7:45pm) 

Friday, April 17th - one-on-one time with clergy (morning/afternoon); travel to Stewiacke for Diocesan Executive Council (evening)

Saturday, April 18^th - Diocesan Executive Council, Stewiacke

Sunday, April 19^th - Parish Visit, St. John's Halifax; travel to Ontario, Meetings with the National House of Bishop

Bishop Sandra will be away from the synod office from Monday, April 13 to Monday, May 4 inclusive for regional visits in Rivers to Trails and Cape Breton, Sunday parish visits, and to attend the national house of bishops’ spring gathering. During this time, she will not have regular access to email and will only be available for emergencies. Please direct all pastoral and administrative queries to your archdeacon or regional dean, or as necessary to Mike MacKenzie, director for parish relations, by emailing parishrelations@nspeidiocese.ca.   

Openings

Full-Time Rector - Parish of Christ Church, Amherst

Full-Time Incumbent - Parish of St. Luke's Hubbards & Parish of Blandford

Shared Ministry of the Parish of Digby, The Anglican Church of Canada and Rivers of Grace Pastoral Charge, The United Church of Canada

Full-Time Rector, Anglican Parishes of St. John's & St. Nicholas

PURPOSE: To provide for development and/or expansion in new growth areas at the parish, regional or diocesan level; to provide seed monies for experiential and/or new forms of ministry; to provide seed money for projects that foster engagement with the wider community and the gospel; to provide funding for Outreach Ministry which touches the lives of those in need in society in general.

AMOUNT: All grants and loans are subject to the availability of funds.

DEADLINE: April 30th

APPLICATION: Download form to be completed, including a budget. See Policy 2.2.9 Growth for Ministry Fund - Governing Regulations and Application for Funding (Revised February 2017) Please mail completed forms to the Synod Office or email to Tonia's attention at office@nspeidiocese.ca

The Diocese is developing a new five-year strategic plan, and we need your voice! As we enter this important season of discernment, we are exploring one central question: What future do we want to shape together for the Diocese, and what will it take to get there?

Parishioners, lay leaders, and clergy are invited to an in-person or on-line gatherings to reflect on day-to-day parish life and ensure our new strategic plan reflects local realities. Everyone is welcome. No special preparation or expertise is required—just your care for the future of the Church!

Why Attend? This is a space to imagine the future and name what we want to grow over the next five years. By attending, you will:

• Help shape the priorities and direction of the Diocese.

• Share your hopes and aspirations for parish life in your region.

• Share ideas on how the Diocese can be more connected and supportive.

• Discern together where God may be calling the Church next.

Your perspective is vital. Please join us in this hopeful, collaborative conversation!

To register by phone, call 902-420-0717. 

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact:
thereforewehavehope@gmail.com

More than just a party, what we celebrate in our congregations is a sign and signal of what we value. These moments in our faith communities reinforce our call to serve with commitment, love and a purpose greater than ourselves. Being intentional about our celebrations contributes to creating a culture of flourishing.  

Read more in this article from the Lewis Centre for Church Leadership called, What Gets Celebrated Gets Replicated: Why Joy Drives Leadership, written by Brad Aycock.

PATHWAYS TO PEACE RETREAT

EARLY BIRD RATE RUNS OUT SOON!

At Pathways to Peace Retreat, take time away and enter a quiet, beautiful setting where God’s presence restores and renews your spirit. Eat. Pray. Make friends.  

DETAILS: 

Theme: Deepening Faith

Dates: Friday (evening), May 29 – Sunday (morning), May 31

Location: Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB

Main talks feature teachings inspired by Henri Nouwen (1932–1996), the beloved spiritual writer and pastor who spent his final years at L’Arche Daybreak in Ontario. Bishop Sandra Fyfe, postulant Ken MacIntosh (Berwick), Rev. Cathy Pharo (Summerside), and postulant Rob Paddock (Dartmouth) lead the main sessions, joined by additional clergy and lay leaders throughout the weekend.

Break‑out session options are silent guided meditation; imaginative prayer led by a facilitator; and scripture reflection with shared insights. 

A beautiful worship, Service of Healing & Wholeness, is hosted on Saturday evening with Rev. Carl Fraser. All sessions are optional, allowing each person to shape the retreat to their own needs. 

HURRY!   Attendance is limited. 

Early Bird Rate Only $175 - until April 27

After April 27 - $195 (closes May 15)

>Offsite - $100

Registration Includes: 2 nights accommodations in a newly renovated residence, 5 delicious meals, retreat program, chapel worship, materials, and more!

Register Here   

Got questions?  Call 902-789-4840 or e-mail  missiondirector@nspeidiocese.ca 

Join the world-wide movement of prayer from 14th May - 24th May.

In these chaotic, turbulent and violent times, PRAYER is essential.

Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement to pray from Ascension to Pentecost. What started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Church of England has grown into an international call to prayer. This 10^th anniversary year's theme is 'God with us'. 

Visit the website for information, videos, and free resources.

Join in this 2-day conference and conversation designed to spark imagination and diolouge around the creative use of church buildings and land. 

Together we want to change the narrative of decline around Canada's church lands and properties, into storylines about the renewal of church communities through the reimagined use of assets for flourishing neighbourhoods and rural and urban well being.

Scan the QR code above to register.

www.reimagineclc.ca

We are upgrading our online learning system for Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy training, and our current system will go offline on April 28th. Unfortunately, there will be a gap between when our current system goes offline and when the new one is up and running, and any progress that has been made will not carry over to the new system. If you are currently signed up to complete that training, please be sure you do so before April 28 so that you don’t lose any progress that you have made. 

Please note that the Safe Faith training on the Vector learning system will not be affected by this change. 

If you have any questions, email Allie at saferchurch@nspeidiocese.ca.

We're headed off for a weekend with youth in grades 7 to 12 for a weekend of fun and learning about how to tune in with ourselves, with God, and with one another at Big Cove Camp in Sutherlands River, and registration for youth participants and leaders is NOW OPEN! You can find all the details here!

REGISTRATION is OPEN 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.

Click HERE for details and to register

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

Earth Day Celebration - All are welcome!

Join in an early celebration of Earth Day hosted by the Cathedral

Make a craft with recyclables, prepare a sign, enjoy chalk art, and more

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026; Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm; Place: Victoria Park, opposite the Cathedral (1330 Cathedral Lane) 

Donations are appreciated for the Cathedral & APP's Say Yes! to Kids project - a new Anchor Youth Space 

More about this joint Say Yes! to Kids project and how to support it in future NetNews issues!

Therefore We Have Hope Strategic Planning for our Diocese

Anglicans Powering Potential encourages all Anglicans to take part in the Therefore We Have Hope Strategic Planning Process. 

There are many ways to be involved, to have a voice: in-person, on-line, paper copy.  Don't miss out!

Help shape the future of the Diocese. 

https://www.nspeidiocese.ca/news/shape-our-future-diocesan-strategic-planning

Those who have already experienced an in-person opportunity have expressed great satisfaction. 

Red Dress Day - May 5

No More Stolen Sisters

Honour the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & 2S+

Join the Memorial March. All are welcome. Wear red.

12 noon. The short march loop starts at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre, 2021 Brunswick St.

Smudging, drumming, and food at the MNFC after the Memorial March 

Questions? E-mail: violenceprevention@mymnfc.com

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.

Lent/Spring update  

The Diocesan Environment Network will visit Prince Edward Island from April 19–22, meeting with parishes and community groups to promote environmental action and eco-spirituality.

An Earth Day service will be held April 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Church, Ellerslie, followed by a public gathering at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church Hall in Summerside. All are welcome.

Welcome to the 2026 Toast to Spring On-Line Auction which started Monday, April 13^th at 8 a.m.  Simply go to the URL and place your bids.   https://www.32auctions.com/ToastToSpring2026

You will note some new items:  First Choice Hair Gift Certificate valued at $50 and 2 $40 Gift Certificates from the Salt Shaker Deli & Inn in Lunenburg. 

Payment may be made by cheque or cash at MtS Halifax, 844 Marginal Road. 

Please feel free to share with family and friends.  Start your bids on Monday morning!

We are grateful to our community partners, friends of the Mission and volunteers who have donated these items so kindly.   

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Helen Glenn, Mission Manager, hglenn@missiontoseafarershalifax.ca, 902-456-1658

Jim Calvesbert, Chair, Toast to Spring Auction, jim.calvesbert@gmail.com,  902-440-2034

Women's Retreat on Saturday, April 25 from 10am-3pm, with Rev. Cathy Pharo, an Anglican priest serving parishes in Crapaud and in Alberton.  Her theme is Rooted in Love. Cost is $30. and to register, contact srgemma@eastlink.ca

If you wish to be licensed, you must have the approval of your parish council, but everyone is welcome to come for a refresher or just to explore Christianity through an Anglican lense. Chebucto Region is hosting an in person Lay Ministry Training Course. 

Are you interested in: Training to be a licensed lay minister? Curious to learn more about Christianity and the Anglican faith? Taking a lay ministry training refresher course?

First sessions of a 5 session course are :

Saturday April 18th 9-3pm lunch provided

Saturday April 25th  8:30-11am

Additional 3 sessions to be scheduled

Everyone is welcome  to attend but online registration required:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAO4_ak8_Z-r1Av4yKooQyh33b-w9VqnhsN-sLatW1zjKB2g/viewform?usp=header

An upcoming information session will offer community members the opportunity to learn more about hospice and palliative care services.

Titled “What is Hospice and Palliative Care?”, the session will be led by Tim Guest, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Hospice and Palliative Care Association. The event is open to all who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the support and services available in this area of care.

The session will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church Hall, located at 934 Old Sackville Road in Middle Sackville (B4E 1R3).

There is no admission fee, and light refreshments will be provided.

The St. Luke’s Earth Keepers are inviting individuals, families, and community groups to take part in an Earth Day Cleanup Challenge on Saturday, April 18, from 9 to 11 a.m., rain or shine.

Participants are encouraged to clean up an area in their community, with prizes awarded for the most unique and most valuable items collected. Bags and gloves will be provided, and all are welcome to join.

The Earth Keepers will gather at the Exit 6 carpool lot at 9 a.m. before heading out. Following the cleanup, participants are invited to St. Luke’s Parish Hall for refreshments and prize presentations at 11:30 a.m.

Come out, help keep the community clean, and celebrate Earth Day together.

St. John’s Anglican Church in Westphal is inviting the community to enjoy a comforting homemade meal later this month.

A take-out turkey soup and roll event will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with pickup available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church, located at 1215 Main Street in Westphal, at the corner of Lake Major Road and Highway 7.

Each serving, prepared “with love and spices,” is priced at $10. Tickets can be reserved by leaving a message at the church office at (902) 435-1880.

The location is wheelchair accessible.

All Saints Anglican Church in Kingston is hosting a Spring Ham Supper on Saturday, April 18, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to dine in or take their meal to go, with tickets priced at $15 per person.

The menu will feature ham, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, along with tea and coffee, and gingerbread for dessert. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal in a welcoming community atmosphere.

St. James Church, also known as the “Yellow Church,” is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of live, local music later this month.

The group FOG (Five Old Guys) will be performing on Saturday, April 18, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place at the church, located at 6991 St. Margaret’s Bay Road in Boutilier’s Point.

Attendees can look forward to an uplifting musical experience, while supporting a good cause. A free-will offering will be collected in support of the Marguerite Centre.

Cribbage enthusiasts are invited to a social afternoon of cards at St. Margaret of Scotland Church on Tuesday, April 21, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the church, located at 3751 Robie St., and is open to beginners, novice players, and seasoned regulars alike. Organizers are aiming to welcome up to 56 players.

Admission is $5.00, and all are encouraged to attend for an afternoon of friendly competition and community connection.

For more information or to register, contact Doug King at 902-237-5999.

St. John the Evangelist is inviting seniors in the community to take part in an upcoming Seniors Bible Camp focused on exploring the “Books of the Bible.”

The camp will run from April 20 to April 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day, and will be held at 934 Old Sackville Road in Middle Sackville. Participants can look forward to a welcoming environment filled with learning, fellowship, and fun.

The program promises “food, fun and friends,” with lunch and snacks provided daily. The building is fully accessible, and parking is available on site.

A $20 donation is appreciated. To register or for more information, contact the parish at 902-864-3154.

Join us. Thursday, April 23rd, for a celebration of Spring at our Spring Fling Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser! You can enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Rodd Charlottetown, immersed in springtime décor. There will be beautiful soft music (from our Director of Music Ministry, Dean Perry), and a lively silent auction. Our delicious meal will begin with minestrones soup. Then, on to the main course of roast chicken supreme Rockefeller with creamy whipped, chive potatoes and a garden vegetable medley. We will finish it off with ice cream crepe with berry coulis for dessert. Tickets are $110 on Eventbrite or $100 directly from the parish office. Call 902-892-1691 for more information (a portion of the proceeds will be charitable tax-receiptable). Doors open at 6:30 with the meal beginning at 7:00. 

When Archdeacon John Clarke was asked how he would like to celebrate his retirement, after his many years of dedication and service, he said he wanted us, “to gather and joyfully raise funds for the ongoing ministry of St. Paul's Church.”  We hope you will join us!

Are you ready to think outside of Sunday morning worship to engage the community in a journey of faith?
Do you want to know more?

Messy Church Canada wants to help!

A Getting Started with Messy Church ZOOM will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 3:00 PM.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4098204079

If you'd like to discuss with a team member of a Messy Church in our diocese previous to the zoom feel free to email dawnapurcell@gmail.com

Join Holy Trinity Anglican Church for a community breakfast on Saturday, April 25th from 8:00 am to 10:00 am.

Free will offering, All are welcome.

Join us for a fun and friendly Flea Market on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Margaret of Scotland Church (3751 Robie St., Halifax).

Looking to sell? Vendor tables are available for just $15 each! Call 902-453-6912 to reserve your spot.

Admission: Only $1
Canteen on site – grab a bite while you browse!

Come out, find some great deals, and support your community. We hope to see you there!

Discover the Anglican Tradition as consensus fidelium from the early Church through to the contemporary, through a consideration of ecclesiology, spiritual pilgrimage, liturgy, pastoralia, and theology. Teaching will be practical, will not assume previous theological study, and designed to help all of us contribute to the building up of our parishes in the Anglican Tradition: Catholic and Reformed.

Childcare will be provided. Please let Hannah Griffin know if you require childcare at hgriffin@capellaregalis.com.

You are invited to a fun and affordable afternoon at St. Peter’s Church’s upcoming “Dime Auction” on Saturday, April 25. Running from 1 to 4 p.m. at 3 Dakin Drive, the event offers a unique twist on traditional auctions, making it easy for everyone to participate.

Attendees can purchase $5 or $10 tickets for a chance to win a variety of items through the select auction format. In addition to the excitement of bidding, guests will enjoy a selection of delectable desserts along with coffee and tea.

For more information, please contact the church office at (902) 443-1969.

The Anglican Parish of French Village is preparing to host the “Ken Hubbard Memorial” 27th Annual Lobster Supper later this month.

The popular community event will take place on Saturday, April 25, with takeout orders available for pickup between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the St. Margaret’s Bay Legion, located at 11169 Route 333 in Seabright (Peggy’s Cove Road).

Guests can choose between a lobster dinner for $35 or a ham dinner for $18. Each meal includes homemade potato salad, coleslaw, and dessert, with gluten-free options available.

Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling Dorothy at 902-826-2305.

Get ready for the first MtS Take-Out Spring Special of 2026!

Orders are now being accepted for this delicious seasonal meal, scheduled for April 30. Be sure to place your order by April 23 to secure your spot.

This year’s menu features sweet and sour meatballs served with rice, vegetables, a roll, and dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. Meals are priced at $16 each.

To place an order, contact Susan at Picton902@gmail.com, call 902-483-4132, or reach out to Helen.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the upcoming Toast to Spring Online Auction, coming soon!

Join an open and affirming community from the Anglican Church of NS & PEI for an online conversation on Hope & Resilience in Times of Chaos, facilitated by Stephen Doucet Campbell, MA, RCT, RP. Taking place Thursday, April 30 from 7:00–8:30 PM (AST) on Zoom, this session will explore how to stay grounded, curious, and hopeful in an uncertain world. All are welcome to this safe, respectful space. Register at soulstirringconversations@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link. Supported by the Prospect Road Recreation Association.

Come out and enjoy the annual St. Luke’s Mayfest Indoor Yard and Bake Sale—a great community event happening rain or shine! Browse a wide selection of yard sale treasures and treat yourself to delicious homemade baked goods. There’s something for everyone.

• Please bring your own reusable shopping bags
• Cash only
• Please – no early birds
• Wheelchair accessible

For more information, visit twocoves.ca or follow @TwoCovesHubbards on social media.

Come find a bargain, enjoy some baking, and support a great community event!

We are joining with Spencer House to host a screening of a powerful short film about some of the losses involved in aging, A Soft Touch, and a community conversation about how we can build a region where older adults can thrive, stay connected, and continue to share their gifts and wisdom. Reservations welcome here. 

All Saints Cathedral is joining with Spencer House, an agency supporting seniors, to host a screening of a powerful short film about some of the losses involved in aging. A Soft Touch was recognized at the Toronto International Film Festival. Following the 20-minute film, we will have a community conversation about how we can build a region where older adults can thrive, stay connected, and continue to share their gifts and wisdom. Reservations welcome here. 

Gather, relax, and raise a glass to the Class! Join alumni, graduates, special guests, and families for a relaxed social gathering with light refreshments on the eve of Convocation. During this event, we will present student prizes and awards as well as the Rev. Alison Etter Memorial Fund grants, which support alumni projects that promote peace. We will also celebrate other accomplishments across the AST community. 

You are cordially invited to the 2026 Atlantic School of Theology Convocation. Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of our graduating class and the callings they are answering as they move into the world.

A reception will follow the ceremony. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Joining us from afar? A link for the YouTube Live Stream will be shared closer to the date for those who wish to join us online.

St. Andrew's Anglican Church is pleased to host: 

1st Annual Art Show and Sale, Friday evening, May 29, 7-9pm and Saturday, May 30, 10am - 5 pm.

Are you a local artist looking for a place to exhibit your work? If so, we would love to hear from you!

For more information contact Sylvia Knight @ 902-521-9471 or by email at sknight2013@icloud.com

Join us for our Annual Event

The Rural Routes Through the Holy Annual Gathering is more than an event—it’s a space for renewal, inspiration, and community.

We offer a haven of support for lay leadership, clergy and those all who offer their gifts in rural settings.

If you’re feeling isolated, fatigued, or looking for new ways to nurture your faith community, this 3-day gathering is for you.

Each year, we meet in a different province within the Maritimes, creating a welcoming environment where rural congregations can come together to share their stories, worship together, and explore new ideas for the future of the church.

Click HERE to register

AST has an opening for a full-time tenure-track position in

pastoral theology and contextual education. 

More details HERE

St Luke’s Parish in Hubbards has seven green adult choir robes and 14 youth choir/server albs (white) available for free to anyone who can use them. Contact Jerry Cavanaugh at jerry.thea@eastlink.ca or 902-497-8641

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  - Apr. 11, 2026 - Apr. 17, 2026

Nova Scotia - $1.6547 Prince Edward Island - $1.6547