Schedule

Thursday, June 4 - In-person Mentors' Meeting, In-office Meeting (pm)

Friday, June 5 - Senior Leadership Team Meeting (am), Growth for Ministry Fund Meeting (pm), In-office Meeting 

Sunday, June 7 - Parish Visit - Parish of Alberton/O'Leary - St. Peter, Alberton (11:30am), Service of Confirmation - Parish of New London and Parish of St. Peter's Cathedral - St. Thomas' Spring Brook (3:00 pm), Parish Meeting (evening)

Monday, June 8 - Friday, June 12 - Diocesan Annual Clergy Retreat - Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre, Stanley Bridge, PEI

Appointments

Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend David Butterworth as Rector (75% time) for the Parish of Milton and Rustico and the Parish of Crapaud, effective June 1, 2026. 

Announcements

Openings

Full-Time Rector - Parish of St. Peter's, Charlottetown

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

Lay leaders are tired. Clergy are tired too. We are so deeply exhausted by our culture that we often can't even figure out what kind of rest we actually need. As we approach the summer season, for many a time to take vacation and relax, how can we be intentional about sabbath rest that is truly refreshing?

Read, Rediscovering rest in all its forms, an article by Spiritual Director, Kerry McLeish, published by Alban at Duke Divinity School.

In some of our neighbourhoods our church is the ONLY faith community who welcomes 2SLGBTQI+ friends!

The month of June is typically PRIDE month for towns and cities. Sometimes these celebrations are hosted in July or August.

It is time to get the invitation out to members of that community, their friends and allies. PRIDE is an ideal occasion to invite, embrace and celebrate our 2SLGBTQI+ siblings. We can host special activities and worship events, including special prayers and other acknowledgements. Explore a variety of resources on our Diocesan page.

Come experience the essential elements and founding principles of Godly Play. Join the circle, and become part of a full Godly Play session. Explore the deep care and compassion for the spirituality of the child. This one day workshop is open to all leaders regardless of their exposure level to Godly Play.

Wednesday, June 10th from 10am-3pm
Includes coffee break and lunch, no fee required
Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Hwy, Bedford, NS B4A 1C3
Registration is limited, please fill out this form by Wednesday, June 3rd.

Email Jenny Eisener for any questions: registrargodlyplaymaritimes@gmail.com

Link: https://forms.gle/E8T5zXJf5FYHHoy87

Due to an unexpected family commitment, our scheduled retreat leader had to cancel, but we are delighted to announce our new retreat leader and theme: Exploring the power of healing – in the Gospels, in the church, and in our lives. Through talks, meditations and group and individual exercises, the Rev. Dr. Kate Heichler, from our Cathedral of All Saints, will lead us in contemplating this ancient ministry and how it might invigorate our spiritual lives, churches and ministries in our wider communities. There will be opportunities for learning, for practice, for receiving healing prayer and for offering it, along with plentiful time for rest and recharging in the beautiful surroundings of Stanley Bridge, Prince Edward Island. Online registration is now open via link: https://forms.gle/CLLHTNxVXS2f6baUA

Retreat runs from June 8th 4pm to June 12th after breakfast at Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centre.

Retreat costs: $540 paid directly to the retreat center upon arrival, and an additional non-refundable registration fee of $25.

Say Yes! to Kids 2026

This year for Say Yes! to Kids, Anglicans Powering Potential is teamed with the Cathedral Church of All Saints to bring in funds for the new Anchor Youth Space to be opened on Herring Cove Road, Anchor Spryfield. We encourage your support for the youth in our community who will benefit from this 2026 SYTK initiative. Anchor Spryfield will offer young people aged 12-25 a welcoming, trama-informed environment, where they can take part in programs and services to support their mental health and wellness, the learning of new skills, and the opportunity to connect to the right networks within an accessible, youth-centered space. Here's how to contribute:

On Line: https://www.canadahelps.org/s/jN4Xav or by Cheque: payable to the Anglican Foundation of Canada; Anchor Youth Space in the memo line; mail to: 80 Hayden St; Toronto, ON; M4Y 3G2. Thank you to our donors who have made contributions - so appreciated!

Tea, please! A SYTK Fundraiser

Who does not love an afternoon tea? Anglicans Powering Potential encourage you to indulge your wish, enjoy guest speaker, Her Honour, Mrs. Darlene (Killen) Savage, and support the St. Luke's, Dartmouth Say Yes! to Kids 2026 team at the same time, all for $20. St. Luke's warmly invites you to their annual Spring Tea with delicious treats in support of children and families at Bryony House, a safe space for those experiencing intimate partner/domestic violence. 

Date: Friday, June 12; Time: 2pm; Venue: St. Luke's Anglican Church, 9 Veteran's Avenue, Dartmouth; Admission: $20. 

For TIckets: Phone - 902-434-7670 or email stlukeschurch@eastlink.ca. Secure your seat now! You won't be disappointed!

Therefore We Have Hope

Anglicans Powering Potential encourage all Anglicans to help shape the future of the Diocese: here is the link to Bishop Sandra's message, introducing the Therefore We Have Hope strategic planning process. Even now, there are two ways to be involved, to have a voice, so don't miss out!

For the laity in the diocese, there is an on-line option remaining: Date: Wed. June 3 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. These online sessions are very skillfully facilitated and the time goes quickly. Click here to register.

What follows is how to access the on-line survey. This can be completed by anyone, even if you have participated in another way, but please submit one survey only, all are encouraged to do so. The deadline for submission of the survey is June 19, 2026. Click here for the survey.

Complete information for all aspects of the diocese's strategic planning process is available on the Diocesan Strategic Planning website: www.thereforewehavehope.ca

The Diocesan Executive Council thinks so - we are forming a task force to explore models of development and funding that would allow the Anglican Church to make a meaningful and visible impact in the realm of affordable housing. We are seeking members from around the diocese for this task force, people with some of the following qualities and expertise:

- Creative thinkers with a sense of the breadth of Christian mission

- Able to dream big

- Real Estate development experience/expertise

- Building experience/expertise

- Financial acumen/expertise

- Deep knowledge of diocesan history and "big initiatives"

- Organizational gifts

We hope to convene the first gathering of this task force via Zoom in July, and it will meet over much of the next year. If you are interested in helping, Please contact The Rev. Kate Heichler (kateheichler@anglicancathedralhalifax.ca). We are not seeking a large group, so may get more names than we need at the moment, but it will be helpful to have a list of people motivated in this area.

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.

Spring updates  

St. John the Evangelist Church will host an “Advance Care Planning and Personal Directives” information session on Thursday, June 4, from 1–3 p.m. at the church hall, located at 934 Old Sackville Road in Middle Sackville. Guest speaker Carol Kehoe from the Nova Scotia Hospice & Palliative Care Association will lead the discussion on planning for future health-care decisions. The free event is open to all and will include light refreshments, ample parking, and fully barrier-free access.

Drop in weekly on zoom to enjoy the hilarious, funny, laugh out loud adventures of The Getaway Girls and share your thoughts. Very informal. Come when you can.

Register at galpingirl@gmail.com.

Times to be determined by group.

Music lovers in Halifax are invited to an inspiring evening of brass performance at Golden Echoes: An Evening of Brass Music on Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will take place at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, located at 5522 Russell Street, and will feature a dynamic program conducted by Rod MacGillivray.

The evening promises a rich selection of brass repertoire in the warm acoustics of one of Halifax’s historic church venues. Audience members can expect an engaging performance showcasing the power, elegance, and versatility of brass ensemble music.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Reservations may be made by calling the church at 902-454-0207, through members of the ensemble, or tickets may be purchased at the door.

The 4th Annual Art Show & Sale is set to bring creativity and community together on Saturday, June 6, at the St. James Anglican Church Hall in Shubenacadie. Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will showcase a wide variety of artwork and photography created by talented local artists. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the creators, explore unique pieces, and enjoy refreshments in a welcoming community atmosphere. Admission is free.

$200 value of cooked lobsters, tickets are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00

For tickets: Leave a message at church office 902-435-1880 or call Ella @ 902-435-0357

Draw will be held on June 6th at 12 pm

Grade 8 students at Sydney Mines Middle School have designed and hand-painted unique bowls and plates to raise awareness of hunger in our community and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to food.

The students will showcase their creations on Monday, June 8, at 6:00 p.m. Guests will also enjoy entertainment provided by the school choir while browsing the students' artwork, which will be available for purchase.

Admission is by free-will donation or a non-perishable food item. A minimum donation of $5 is requested for the purchase of a bowl or plate.

Proceeds from all sales will be shared equally between the Northside Good Samaritans and the Clifford Street Youth Centre, supporting their efforts to assist individuals and families in need.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and support this meaningful community fundraiser.

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

Every summer we gather, members of rural churches and those who love rural churches, to learn, laugh, lament and long together. This year we're coming together at Hunter River, PEI. 

Finding creative ways to live into our complex life together calls us to be attentive to our tales, to gather at tables and The Holy Table, and to tend to ourselves and others in community. Rural churches have gifts of long experience to bring this way of life.

We're preparing worship, presentations, workshops, prayer spaces, good food and lots of time for conversation, formal and informal. You can find more information and register at Rural Routes Through The Holy | Annual Event

For questions, please contact Catherine at ruralroutesatlantic@gmail.com

Rural Routes Through the Holy: 2026 from June 11th - 13th at Central Queens United Church. The theme is Tales, Tables and Tending: The Sow Work of God in a Fast World. There will be presenters who will share their experiences of God's Slow Work in a Fast World along with Julie Lush who will share her rich storytelling. Register at https://ruralroutesthroughtheholy.ca

We invite you to join us for a delightful afternoon of fellowship, where you can enjoy a selection of tea and delicious treats in the company of friends and community members. Special Guest speaker Her Honour Darlene (Killen) Savage. All proceeds go to the Anglican Foundation of Canada, Say Yes! To Kids 2026 Campaign in support of Bryony House. Cost $20.00.  For tickets please contact the office @ 902-434-7670 or email stlukeschurch@eastlink.ca 

Annual Yard Sale 8am - 2pm! Lots of great affordable items. 

BBQ from 10am - 1pm with hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, water and pop.

The 2026 Annual General Meeting is being held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. John's Church in Lunenburg.  Attached is the registration form and registration is required for lunch numbers.  The agenda and other documents were recently forwarded to you in the Diakonia. Please feel free to reach out to Sherryll (sherryllmurphy@gmail.com) if you have questions.

Christ Church Dartmouth is inviting the community to tee off for a good cause at its upcoming Golf Tournament on June 13, 2026, at The Links at Montague. The 9-hole event will begin with a 12:30 p.m. start and aims to support ministry efforts in downtown Dartmouth.

Participants can register as individuals for $65 or as teams for $260. The day will include more than just golf—players can look forward to a barbecue, silent auction, and awards ceremony held in the clubhouse following the round. In case of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for June 20.

The tournament will take place at 5 Lakehill Drive in Lake Loon, offering a fun and relaxed setting for golfers of all skill levels to come together in support of a meaningful cause. Registration is now open.

Join us in celebrating Archdeacon John Clarke's many years of ministry and his upcoming retirement. We will be holding an informal open house, at the parish hall on June 13, from 2-4pm. We are collecting pictures of & video messages for John for a slideshow at the event. Those can be sent to jordanstpaulschurch@gmail.com. If you would like to give a gift, you can donate to Alongside Hope in his name. There will be a presentation at 3pm. Thank you!

Get ready to paint some blooming beauties with us!

Join us for a fun and relaxed Paint Class where you'll get to paint your favourite flowers! There will be someone teaching and helping along the way. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and good vibes. It's happening on June 14th 2026 at 4 PM. Can't wait to see your colorful artwork!

Supplies and refreshments included.

All ages are welcome! We ask that children be accompanied by an adult.

$10/person 

Please sign up using the link below!

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acrylic-paint-class-flowers-tickets-1990467446715?aff=oddtdtcreator

June 20 is World Refugee Day, a time to bear witness to people forced to flee their homes, and a time to ask ourselves how we are to respond. We’re holding the webinar on June 17^th, to give time for folks to respond with actions and prayers.

In this webinar, we will explore the connections between forced migration and food security, what makes a resilient food system, and how we can support people forced to flee their homes around the world through learning, giving, prayer, and advocacy.

Together, we will explore the following:

• Learn about Forced to Flee, an experiential learning resource that builds understanding of the circumstances and consequences of millions facing forced  
• Deepen understanding of the causes of forced migration and how Foodgrains Bank members and supporters are making a difference around the world. 
• Be equipped to take action through ongoing learning, prayer, giving, and advocacy. 

Wednesday, June 17, 60 minutes  

NB, NS, PE - 8:00 p.m. , NL - 8:30 p.m. 

Click here to register! 

Join St. Luke's Outreach Mission Group for a Father's Day Lunch on Saturday, June 20th from 11:30am - 1:00pm.

Menu includes Pulled Pork Sandwich, Coleslaw, Tea/Coffee and Choice of Pie.

Admission is by donation and proceeds for the Helm.

On behalf of Rev. Gary Barr and the entire congregation of St. John's Anglican Church, we are pleased to extend a warm invitation to all past clergy and parishoners as well as anyone with a connection to The Little Church with the Big Heart to join us in celebrating the 235th anniversary of our parish. The celebration will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, beginning with a Service of Thanksgiving at 10am, followed by a festive reception at the Parish Hall of St. John's Church, 1215 Main St., Dartmouth, NS.

Education for Ministry (EfM)  is a program of theological education by extension for lay people. Last year we introduced a new revised program of study called EfM: Classic. There are four years of study, but participants commit for one year at a time, meeting in small groups with a trained mentor. The program combines academic study with integrative components to help participants take what they learn about Scripture, church history, theology and ethics into their own lives and hearts, supporting them in living out a vibrant baptismal ministry in the church and in the world. EfM is also available for those who are unable to attend local classes via Zoom.

 We also introduced a new, one-year program called EfM Wide Angle which is a one-year program that gives participants a taste of each of the classic four years. Wide Angle participants can either be brought into a traditional seminar group as a 5th voice or create a standalone group. This may not be offered by all mentors.

If you are interested in joining an EfM  group or wish to learn more, please contact a local mentor or David Harrison, the Diocesan EfM Coordinator and EfM Canada Online Coordinator, via email (djh@djharrison.ca) David can put you in contact with a local mentor or provide you information if you are interested in EfM Online.

 Currently we have one face-to-face group based in HRM mentored by the Rev David Fletcher. This group meets on Saturdays at St Andrew’s, Cole Harbour. Rev Fletcher is interested in creating a second group based on “Wide Angle” if there is sufficient interest.

 David Harrison mentors an online group with the majority of members from our diocese plus other participants from across Canada. This group meets on Sunday afternoons starting at 4:00pm. If there is enough interest (at least 6 people) I will create another online class on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00pm. If there is interest in “Wide Angle” those participants would be integrated into the regular class.

 If you are interested in becoming an EfM Mentor, you need to take training. Registration for this is now open, but as spaces are very limited, this must be done immediately. Please contact David Harrison for more information: djh@djharrison.caMentor trainings are being scheduled now. To be a Mentor, you need to either: be a graduate of the EfM program or be a member of the clergy.

Registration for both EfM Classic and Wide Angle is scheduled to open on July 1 at www.efmcanada.ca . Tuition is $350.00 per year, you must contact a mentor prior to registering.

More information on Education for Ministry can be found here: https://www.efmcanada.ca/

David Harrison, djh@djharrison.ca

EfM Diocesan Coordinator, EfM Canada Online Coordinator

Many parishes have beautiful commercial kitchens that sit empty most of the week. Food Web is a Nova Scotia platform connecting food entrepreneurs — home bakers, caterers, folks launching sauce lines — with licensed kitchen space. By listing your kitchen, you help local entrepreneurs get off the ground while generating income that supports your ministry. It's a simple way to extend your community mission beyond your congregation. There's no cost to join, and Food Web handles the bookings, insurance, and payments — no extra work for your team. Learn more at foodweb.network.

There is also a landing page specific to churches that can be found at https://foodweb.network/churches

St. Paul's Church, Halifax is hiring a Parish Caretaker (Sexton) starting immediately.

Available for any parish that would like to have it.

Please email stspoffice@gmail.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  - May 30, 2026 - June 5, 2026

Nova Scotia - $1.3691 Prince Edward Island - $1.3691