Schedule

Thursday December 12 – Meeting with Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator and Synod Arrangements Meeting.

Friday December 13 to Saturday December 14 – Bishop Sandra will be the retreat leader for the Diocese of Fredericton’s Advent Retreat, Rothesay NB

Monday December 16 – Day off

Tuesday December 17 – Monday December 23^rd – Vacation Days

Tuesday December 24 to January 2^nd – Synod Office Christmas Break

Openings

Rector, full-time, The Anglican Parish of Tangier & The Sheet Harbour Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada

Rector, 3/4 tme, Parishes of Musquodoboit and Ship Harbour

Rector, full-time, The Parish of St. Francis by the Lakes, Lower Sackville

Administrative Assistant, full-time, The Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Synod Office

Please see attached a pastoral letter (A Call for a Safer Church) from Bishop Sandra and two other important documents from our office which were circulated to Clergy and Wardens late last week. The documents relate to the recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and actions we have taken and are taking “…to protect the physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare of people in relation to the possibility of sexual misconduct.…” (Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy and Related Procedures).

If there are questions or concerns, please reach out to our Diocesan Safer Church Coordinator, Allie Colp, at saferchurch@nspeidiocese.ca or our Executive Director, the Rev’d Ann Turner, at executivedirector@nspeidiocese.ca

Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) funding to the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island: approximately $53,000 in total funding in 2024 (bursaries, grants, etc.)! WOW! 

All this funding is possible thanks to the generosity of annual members — dioceses, regions, parishes, parish groups, and individuals from coast to coast to coast. Make sure your Anglican Foundation membership is up-to-date! If you had not already made your annual gift prior to the strike, you may do so now in the following ways:

• Online
• Phone,  (toll-free donation line 1-877-354-6387)
• e-transfer to: donate@anglicanfoundation.org (please include your mailing address in the message line.)

If you have already made your annual membership gift, thank you! With the ongoing support of Canadian Anglicans, AFC will continue to imagine more by investing in the people and communities who are working to make a difference across our beloved church.

With deep gratitude,

Cynthia Pilichos, Anglican Foundation of Canada Representative for the Diocese of NS & PEI

The Synod Office staff recognize the difficulty of getting cheques to the Diocesan Office while the Canada Post Strike continues. While other courier services are certainly an option, we wanted to let you know that the Diocesan Office is open to receive cheques Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm until December 20th (when we will close for the holidays). 

Allotments, remittance, payroll, or other cheques from parishes or groups to the Diocese can be brought to the Diocesan Office at 1340 Cathedral Ln, Halifax, NS B3H 4S7  (Map)

*Please kindly include which parish the cheque is coming from, and please specify what the cheque is for.*

Accessing the building? Due to construction, the office is currently only accessible using University Avenue to access Cathedral Lane. Please use the first door on the right (the bottom floor of the building that shares the parkinglot with the Cathedral, entrance closest to the road).  

While we endeavor to welcome all guests upon arrival, if no one happens to be at the door when you arrive, there is a mail slot in the foyer where envelopes can be placed. 

The Diocesan Synod Office will officially close at the end of the day on Friday, December 20. On Monday, December 23, staff will be working remotely to assist with any last-minute requests.

The Christmas break will begin on Tuesday, December 24, and staff will return to the office when the Synod Office reopens on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

From all of us at the Synod Office, we wish you a Christmas filled with peace, love, and joy. We are deeply grateful for your dedication to ministry throughout our communities in the Diocese, and we look forward to serving you in the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

-Tammy Cummins, our Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, will be out of the country for a family funeral and thus unavailable from December 15 to January 2^nd. If you have questions or concerns regarding payroll or benefits (including housing and PAR) please contact our Financial Controller, Lawrence Roche, directly at financialcontroller@nspeidiocese.ca. Questions about Parish Remittances may be directed to our Accounting Assistant, Narisha Mohammed-Bejai at accountingadmin@nspeidiocese.ca.

-For over two years, Rev. Ann Turner has been on a journey of recovery since breaking her femur on a Thanksgiving Sunday morning. Despite the incredible support, encouragement, and many prayers, one final procedure still lies ahead.

On Friday, December 6, Rev. Ann will undergo an extensive surgery aimed at accelerating her healing process. She is expected to be away from work throughout December and some or all of January. During this time, her office email will have an out-of-office response redirecting inquiries to the appropriate person. Other correspondence will continue to be monitored during her leave.

Please keep Rev. Ann in your prayers for a successful surgery and a full, speedy recovery.

Purchase a registration for Pathways to Peace: Seeking the Spirit, a springtime retreat taking place in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.

Step into a sacred pause from the busyness of life and join us for Pathways to Peace: Seeking the Spirit. This weekend retreat is designed as a space to refresh your spirit, soothe your soul, and grow in your spiritual journey. Through contemplative prayer practices, short talks, plenty of silence, and reflection, you will have the opportunity to deepen your faith, strengthen your connection to our loving God, and cultivate transformative spiritual disciplines.

Open to everyone—whether you are laity, clergy, or a ministry professional—this retreat invites you to experience God’s presence. (Although this retreat is sponsored by the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, we warmly welcome our siblings from other denominations, the Diocese of Fredericton, Lutherans, United Church of Canada, Presbyterians, Baptists, etc.)

DATES:   Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2025.

LOCATION:   Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S.

INCLUDED:   5 meals (Friday dinner to Sunday breakfast), 2 nights' accommodations, retreat program and materials.

FEATURES:  Plenty of quiet time, short talks on spirituality and prayer practices, healthy food, worship that refreshes the soul, and new friendships.

OPTIONS: walking in beautiful settings, small group Bible study and more!

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS (EARLY) RATE!   $160 / person  

(Those staying off-site - $110)

While the Canada Post strike is affecting Advent appeals and donations, you can still support Anglican philanthropic partners – Giving with Grace, the Anglican Foundation of Canada and The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (Alongside Hope) – by donating online or by phone.

See the link below to learn more and to access a printable bulletin insert with details about how your parish or community can support these ministries this holiday season. 

Wishing you a joyous Advent,

-A message from the PWRDF Team

Admin Open House

Dec 19, 2024 (01:00 PM)

Join us for an online open house where you can ask your questions directly to the diocesan controller and executive director. We’re prepared to answer questions on a range of topics, including:

-Budgeting and Spending

-Financial Reporting

-Administrative Procedures

-Grant Opportunities

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82818918045

~~~~~~~

If you require further information, please email us at office@nspeidiocese.ca

We are excited to share the newest edition of The Diocesan Times: filled with insights, updateds and inspiration! 

Highlights include: PWRDF at Work, It's a New Day, Advent Inspiration, and Connections.

Check it out HERE

Praying with the DEN Community, Diocesan Environment Network (DEN) 

For more information contact DEN at: endionspei@gmail.com

Join us for an informal Q+A with Bishop Sandra, Archdeacon Katherine Bourbonniere, and Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator Allie Colp on zoom to hear more of what Synod is all about and the role that youth play within it. Bring whatever questions you've got and we will find you some answers. 

This session is open to youth, parents/guardians, clergy, and lay leaders. 

We’re working to make childcare available for diocesan events and meetings, so we are hoping to create a list of people throughout the diocese who we can call to make this happen! We need folks who are 16+, who love kids, have experience caring for them, and have or are willing to be screened and trained according to our Diocesan SafeR Church Plan. For more details, email Allie at youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca

The Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth Gathering (CLAY) is coming up next summer in Sasktoon! If you’ve got youth in your parish who are interested in attending, Please get in touch with Allie at youthandfamily@nspeidiocese.ca

-Twelve Days of a Hillbilly Christmas 

The Anglican Parish of Berwick  - December 13th and 14th, 6:30 pm

Join us for a dessert party with delicious apple crisp. Tickets - 20$. Call jocelyn 902-847-5623

See Event Details

-Annual Christmas Bazaar

Emmanuel Church's Saturday, December 14th. 10:00am- 1:30pm

322 Herring Cove Rd. 

Soup Lunch with rolls and Dessert ($15) Bake Table, Gift Table, Cake Bingo, and more!

Christmas Bazaar poster

For more Information about these and other Christmas events please see the "Event" page on the Diocesan Website.

-Christmas Carol Concert, Decmeber 12th (7:00pm)

Join the Parish of Wilmot in the festive spirit this holiday at All Saints Church in Kingston. 

Frank Dobbin from Country Generations, and organist Cheryl Van Der Pryt, will once again hold an evening of christmas songs and carols. 

A free offering will be avaliable. 

The parish of Wilmot

-Christmas Sing-A-Long with Val & Juila- December 13 (7:30pm-9:00pm) 

St. John's Westphal, 1215 Main St. Westphal (Corner of Lake Major Rd. & #7 Highway)

With special guest Joe Kendall - 

Coffee, Tea and a sweet will be served. Free will offering, door prizes and lots of fun! Wheelchair Accessible.

St. John's Westphal

-A Christmas Carol Sing,  - December 14,  (2:00-4:00pm)

St. Andrews Timberlea, 2553 St. Margarets Bay Road 

Join us for an afternoon of festive music!  Advance tickets: 15$ per person

St. Andrews Timberlee Christmas Carol Sing

-Christmas Concert, Saturday, December 14, (2:00-4:30pm) 

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

John Snyder with special guests Raymond and Pam Gray.

Advanced Tickets $10 At the Door $15 Order online www.stfrancisbythelakes.ca

50/50 tickets and canteen will be available.

St. Francis by the Lakes

- Advent Lessons and Carols- December 15, (10:00am)

2668 Joseph Howe Dr. Halifax. 

St. James Armdale church, 

-Memorial Carol Sing-December 15, (3:00pm) 

St. Paul's Charlottetown
An opportunity to sing the great seasonal music, plus honour a remembered loved one. An hour or so of sing-along plus some performed pieces and refreshments too. Put the name of a fondly remembered person on a star for the memorial tree.

$10 donation at the door. Contributions help maintain the 1936 Casavant organ, but donations aren’t necessary; this is for fellowship, memories and the joy of traditional music for Advent and a thoughtful preparation for Christmas.

For more Information call: 902-892-1691 , stpauls@pei.aibn.com, 

https://www.facebook.com/stpaulschurchinpei/

St. Paul's Charlottetown

-Christmas on the Grand Parade- December 16, (7:00pm) 

Christmas on the Grand Parade”: St. Paul’s Anglican Church Halifax(1749 Argyle Street) is pleased to open its doors to the community for this annual December event, featuring music and readings of the season. Performers will include the St. Paul’s choir, the Bedford Brass Quintet and David Christensen (saxophone). The event will take place December 16, 7:00 pm, Admission is free. Note: A free will offering will be received in support of Phoenix House.

St. Paul's Halifax

Pizza! Crafts! Games! Music! FREE!

Everyone welcome!

This Advent Season, we're excited to be preparing our hearts to celebrate the coming of the ultimate gift, Jesus. Join us for an unforgettable Advent series "The Gifts of Christmas" as we celebrate how Jesus’s birth changed everything and brings us hope, love, joy, and peace even today!

St. John the Evangelist Church, 934 Old Sackville Road.

December 15 Advent 3 JOY 8.30 and 10.30 am
December 18 Welcome the Light at 7 pm
December 22 Advent 4 PEACE 8.30 and 10.30 am
December 24 Christmas Children's Service in the Hall 4.30 pm
                         Christmas Family Candlelight Service 7 pm
December 29 Service of Lessons & Carols at 10.30 am Only

St. James Armdale, 2668 Joseph Howe Dr. Halifax.

December 15- Advent 3 JOY 10:00AM service
December 18- Early Christmas Celebration 10:00AM Eucharist in Chaple of All Souls, 11:00AM Potluck & Games
December 21- 2:00pm FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT (all ages) 6:00 pm Longest Night of the Year Service (Blue Christmas).                                                                                  A service for anyone feeling down during the holidays. 
December 22- Advent 4 PEACE 8:30 BCP in Chapel of All Souls and 10:00 am BAS with music
December 24- 4:00pm Christmas Family Service, 7:00 pm Holy Eucharist Traditional Christmas Eve
December 29- 10:00am Christmas Lessons & Carols with Holy Eucharist

St Andrew’s Church 8575 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour,                               St Peter’s Church 10030 Peggy’s Cove Road, Hackett’s Cove

December 15 Advent 3 JOY 10.00am @St. Andrew's
                        2:00pm @ St. Peter's Blue Christmas Memorial Service                                            See More Event Details
December 22 Advent 4 PEACE  10.00am @St. Peter's                                                                      Choral Guests: The City of Lakes Barbershop Chorus from Dartmouth
December 24 Christmas Eve 4.00pm @St. Andrew's
                         7:00pm @ St. Peter's 
December 29 Christmas -10:00am Lessons & Carols @St. Andrew's

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

December 18- Longest Night Service (a.k.a. "Blue Christmas") 
December 24- Christmas Eve: 4:00pm Family Eucharist                                     7:00PM Eucharist, Music by Cynthia Stillwell & Bob Strong
December 25- Christmas Day: 10:00am Eucharist, music by Aaron Kim 
December 29- 8:00am Morning Prayer 10:00 am Lessons & Carols 

-Join St. Edward the Confessor Anglican Church for their Christmas Eve Eucharist

December 24th (4:00 pm) 

1650 Highway No1, Clementsport, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, All are welcome to attend!

Christmas at St. Edward the Confessor

-St. Francis by the Lakes, Christmas Eve

 4:00pm Family Eucharist, 7:00pm Eucharist: Music for both services by Cynthia Stillwell & Bob Strong

St. Francis by the Lakes

-St James Armdale, Christmas Eve services, 2668 Joseph Howe Dr. Halifax

4:00pm Family Service

7:00pm Holy Eucharist Traditional Christmas Eve

St. James Armdale

-St. John the Evangelist Church, 934 Old Sackville Road.

December 24 Christmas Children's Service in the Hall 4:30pm
December 24 Christmas Family Candlelight Service 7:00pm

St. John the Evangelist

-Parish of St. Peter's, Hackett's Cove, NS

December 24th Christmas Eve Services: 4:00pm @ St. Andrew's 7:00pm @St. Peter's 

St Andrew’s Church 8575 Peggy’s Cove Road, Indian Harbour

St Peter’s Church 10030 Peggy’s Cove Road, Hackett’s Cove

St. Peter's Parish Christmas

- “Christmas on the Grand Parade”: St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1749 Argyle Street) is pleased to open its doors to the community for this annual December event, featuring music and readings of the season. Performers will include the St. Paul’s choir, the Bedford Brass Quintet and David Christensen (saxophone). The event will take place. Christmas Eve, 7:00 pm. A free will offering will be received in support of Phoenix House. 

St. Paul's Halifax 

The Province of NS’s Department of Natural Resources and Renewables has launched a project called the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program. The program is designed to encourage community and non-profit groups, such as the Anglican Churches in NS, to develop solar power production facilities to augment the NSPI power grid over 25 years.

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Middle Sackville NS, has been 100% powered by a 104 panel solar garden since October 2021 using a method called Net Metering. As a Parish we believe solar production is a viable, dependable, green energy option worth considering.

If your Church/Parish is at all interested in being involved in such a green energy project, please contact Al Darrach at al@agdarrach.com phone 902-483-9258 or Bruce Moxley brucedmoxley@gmail.com

-Bruce Moxley, Chair, the Vision and Planning Comm

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  - December 07 to December 13

Nova Scotia - $0.9804  Prince Edward Island - $0.9804