As we left our 151^st Diocesan Synod Sunday afternoon, we were shocked and saddened to learn of the dangerous wildfires spreading in parts of mainland Nova Scotia. At this morning’s news briefing it was estimated that over 150 buildings have been lost so far and others are still at risk. We hold in our hearts all who have been evacuated, and all who have lost homes, pets, valuable possessions, and businesses. We give thanks for the firefighters and other first responders who are bravely trying to extinguish these flames and to save whatever can be saved. We give thanks for the generous outpouring of food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and other needed supplies for the first responders and all who have been impacted by the wildfires. 

We have been in touch with clergy and lay leaders who are keeping us informed of the situation where they are, and we are ready to help in whatever ways we can. Yesterday our Diocesan PWRDF representative, Chris Pharo, briefed PWRDF about the situation in Nova Scotia. We have received inquiries from within the Diocese about whether there will be a PWRDF appeal to raise funds to assist those who have been most severely impacted by the wildfires. At this time, we do not know. Once the  fires have been extinguished or are under control, and the full extent of the damage has been assessed, and we know what supports are available from our governments and other relief agencies, we will know more. We will share any information we have as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, the Hurricane Fiona Response and Resiliency Fund established by PWRDF may be available to support activities that will contribute to community resilience in the face of climate-related emergencies. To find out more, or to receive an application form which outlines the criteria for accessing this Fund, please contact Chris Pharo at cpharo@eastlink.ca

While we watch and wait, hoping that the fires will soon be extinguished or brought under control, and that much-needed rain will fall soon and steadily, let us pray:

O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble. Have mercy on the lands damaged by fires. Have mercy on the lands where the weather has destroyed livelihoods. Protect those who evacuate houses, comfort those who have been displaced, surround with your peace those who are anxious, and strengthen those who rebuild hope so that entire communities may face the future without fear. We ask this in the name of the One who is our Compassion and our Hope, Jesus Christ, the risen and ascended Lord. Amen.

(Episcopal Relief and Development, adapted)

SCHEDULE

Thursday June 8th - post-Synod review/Diocesan Council planning; pastoral visits

Friday June 9th  - reading/writing; pastoral visits 

Sunday June 11 – St. Paul’s Halifax Parish Visit/Confirmation

Monday June 12 – Day off

Tuesday June 13 – Lambeth conversations (online) and meetings in office

Wednesday June 14 – Monthly meeting with Interim Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator and Staff Meeting

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bishop Sandra has accepted the resignation of The Reverend Kristin MacKenzie as Rector of the Parish of Liscomb/Port Bickerton effective August 31st, at which time she will assume the position of Rector of the Parish of Kentville (effective September 1st, 2023).

Bishop Sandra is pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Julia Ford as Interim Priest in Charge for the Parish of Annapolis Royal, effective May 1st, 2023.

We are entering a season of rest and refreshment for many church leaders. Coming out of COVID, grappling with annual meetings, revised budgets and the marathon of liturgies from Christmas through to the Pentecost season, it is time for a slower pace. Summertime can offer us a few weeks of sabbath. How can we approach this time with the best of intentions? 

Read, Self-care is different from self-comfort, an article written by licensed clinical psychologist, Jessica Young Brown, published by Faith & Leadership, Duke Divinity College. 

SOUL FOOD?

VCM Conference keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Dawn Davis emphasized the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines in this swiftly changing season of Churchland. These devotions aid in listening to the Spirit and getting our faith (re)rooted. They may also be incorporated with Council and Committee meetings, as a way to help discern our next steps in missional ministry.

Are you curious about learning and experiencing some of these faith practices?  Let us know, we may host a series of Zoom sessions with special guests. Some examples are Anglican Prayer Beads, Wild Worship, Examen & Ignatian Spirituality, etc., etc. 

 SPRING/SUMMER BOOK CLUB - "Why Gather?" Sit on your deck, put your feet up and share in discussion about a great missional book.  Join on Zoom and explore perspectives about flourishing ministry.

Our Spring & Summer Book Club is TUESDAYS, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.  Starts May 16 and runs until July 11.  Join in any time and as you are able to participate.  Open to anyone from any church or denomination.

Our book is:  Why Gather?: The Hope and Promise of the Church, by Martha Tatarnic, Rector of St. George’s Anglican Ch., St. Catharines, ON (published 2022).  

  REGISTER HERE: Summer Book Club Registration

PARISH OF NEW GLASGOW

The Parish of St George’s in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, is seeking an experienced full-time Interim Rector with strong management, people, and pastoral skills for a two-year contract position.  As an interim priest and transformational leader, St. George's is an exciting opportunity for you to join this community of faith as we take an intentional time to seek spiritual and organizational renewal, to rediscover our identity, and to revitalize our mission. 

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a 5-year, $70 million initiative ending on March 31, 2024. It was created as part of the Government of Canada's Food Policy for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada.

Program objectives
The program is aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations with a mission to reduce food insecurity by establishing and strengthening their local food system.

The program's primary goal is to help increase food security through investments in infrastructure needs.

This intake of LFIF mobilizes an additional $10 million announced in Budget 2023, to provide grants to help increase food security through investments in infrastructure needs. The impact of which must be targeted and immediate, and must be directly related to addressing food security and increasing the accessibility and distribution of healthy, nutritious and ideally local foods within community(ies). Learn more here. 

The Growth for Ministry Fund exists because of the financial stewardship of Anglican who have made planned gifts to the Diocese.  The purpose is to enable the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to respond faithfully to God's call to minister to a wide field of mission:

• to provide for development and/or expansion in new growth areas at the parish, regional or diocesan level;
• to provide seed monies for experimental and/or new forms of ministry;
• to provide funding for Outreach Ministry which touches the lives of those in need in society in general, and for the purpose of responding on short notice to situations in the community calling for concerned Christian response.

Come and explore Godly Play practices for supporting children’s spirituality and creating a Godly Play environment. Experience Godly Play stories, tell a story by heart, and receive feedback as part of a supportive learning community.

More information to follow. To explore information and past events, see Godly Play Maritime 

St. Pauls is seeking a dedicated and organized individual to join our team as a Parish Administrator. This important role serves as the backbone of our church community, providing essential administrative support to ensure smooth operations and effective communication.

See attached file for full position details. 

Send applications along with a COVER LETTER to stpaulshalifax1749@gmail.com 
Indicate “Parish Administrator” in the subject line of your e-mail. 
In-person interviews will be held at St. Paul’s Church  
with the Treasurer Chris Bryant and Treasurer’s Assistant Gail Fulop initially. 
Final Applicants will then meet with The Rector who makes the final decision. 

In order to protect our Parishes (Insurance-wise) going forward; it will be a wise investment of time for each Parish to provide me with a list of Cemeteries in the Parish. When responding with particulars, please include Parish Name and #, Cemetery Name and Civic address. If you would kindly respond to office@nspeidiocese.ca with the subject line “Parish Cemeteries” -all assistance is much appreciated. 

Peter Flemming

Courses: 

Theological Foundations

Follow this link to register:  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/theological-foundations-tickets-554357627587 

Preaching Foundations - Weekdays July 17th to July 28th 9:15am - 12:15pm

Follow this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preaching-foundations-tickets-554441227637

See all courses Here: AST Continuing Education Courses

Events:

See AST Events Calendar Here AST Events Calendar

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. Jennifer Bishop by name at 1-888-310-1924 or by email at Jennifer.Bishop@IrvingOil.com

The Furnace Oil price for the period June 3rd to June 9th, 2023

Nova Scotia                    $0.8559

Prince Edward Island   $0.8530