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 One way St. John's celebrates Black History Month is by the choir wearing these beautiful African dashiki gowns. For almost 2 decades now, the choir wears them during February honouring our friend, her family, and her story.
They were made by Deborah George.

Two of Deborah’s sons, Desmond and Harold, had escaped the murder and mayhem in their country of Sierra Leone. Their father had disappeared, presumed killed and, at the urging of their mother, they escaped first to the Gambia and then made their way to Canada.
Through the appeals of Desmond, and as part of an ECUMENICAL EFFORT, our church became involved in an attempt of bring the remainder of their family to Canada. and in June of 2002, Deborah arrived at the Stanfield Airport along with her other three sons, Sydney, Desmond and Vernon.
Although they carried with them all they owned, Deborah had packed enough fabric to make and gift to us the beautiful gowns we wear every February.
The family has settled into productive life here in Nova Scotia and Deborah, who had found employment, is now retired and grateful to be in Canada, enjoying her expanding family with new grandchildren. 

Our Green Team has invited a guest speaker to help inform, challenge and encourage us for the future. Charles Bull served as an Anglican parish priest for 35 years, ministering to congregations in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Since retiring in 2020 he has made a study of the environmental crisis, and is engaged in public education and advocacy, all the while deepening his own mystical journey. He is motivated by his love for “all our relations,” with the conviction that we are all in this together and everything we do makes a difference. Sermon Title: HOPE IN THE DARK: Keeping the Faith in a time of Climate Emergency.
We look forward to have Rev. Bull join us. 

Please plan to join us at St. John's United church, Fall River on Sunday, March 2 for our Annual General Meeting, following the short worship service at 11 a.m. You are invited to bring a sandwich potluck lunch. Refreshments will be provided. Child care will be provided during the meeting.
Hope to see you there.

It takes many volunteers to make our church work, including the people who serve, often behind the scenes, on committees--organizing, planning and coordinating. Consider joining one of these committees. Your unique skills and experience will bring strength to this community of faith.

Here are the committees that contribute to our Council model of governance:

Building and Property Management: maintains the church building, equipment, parking lot and grounds; oversees repairs and inspections, and organizes work projects such as seasonal clean-up.

Christian Life and Growth: develops and oversees the educational needs of the congregation including Nursery, Church School and KOGA; supports the Children and Youth Program Leader.

Church in Action: offers ways for the congregation to respond to local and global community needs; supports the ministry of various teams and initiatives including, but not limited to, Beacon House, Funeral Ministry, Affirm Team and Lay Pastoral Care.

Finance: takes on a range of tasks related to the financial management of the congregation. Committee members draft the annual budget, prepare financial statements, oversee counting of the weekly offering, arrange for the annual financial review, and issue charitable tax receipts.

Stewardship and Fundraising: educates the congregation about the mission of the church and the funds needed to fulfill this mission; supports the fundraising activities of the church.

Ministry and Personnel: is available for consultation and support in matters involving the ministry personnel and other staff. M and P reviews working conditions, job descriptions and compensation for personnel; conducts annual performance reviews; and lines up supply ministers and musicians.

Spiritual Oversight: is concerned with the spiritual development and wellbeing of the congregation. The committee is responsible for activities held in the sanctuary: marriages, baptisms, funerals and special events.

Trustees: responsible for holding and administering all property, real and personal, held in trust or acquired for the use of the congregation. The Trustees oversee insurance and administer investment funds. Note that a majority of the Trustees must be members of the United Church of Canada.