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One way St. John's celebrates Black History Month is by the choir wearing these beautiful African dashiki gowns. For more than 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 KOGA youth group is collecting new pillows and pillow cases for Beacon House Shelter from now until the end of February. A donation basket for pillows is located in the foyer. If you would like to donate financially, $15 will buy 2 pillows and 2 pillow cases (please mark envelopes/ e-transfers (treasurer@sjucfr.ca) with "KOGA pillows."
Note these donations are not eligible for an income tax receipt). 

Everyone deserves a good night sleep! Thank you! 

It takes many volunteers to make our church work, including the people who serve, often behind the scenes, on committees--organizing, planning and co-ordinating. 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; organizes work projects such as seasonal clean-up.

Christian Life and Growth: determines the educational needs of the congregation and develops appropriate programs including Nursery, Sunday 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 and the Affirm Team.

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. With the Ministry Personnel, the committee makes sure that worship services meet the needs of the
congregation. The committee develops and administers policy related to marriages, baptisms, funerals; assists with the sacraments; welcomes newcomers.

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. A majority of the Trustees must be members of the United Church of Canada.

Want to be more informed about what's happening in the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Region of the United Church? It's a great opportunity for committees and chairs to get resources to support your ministry at St. John's too!

Sign up for weekly emails from the Region here 

Approved by the Congregation
Sunday, May 11, 2025. 

Please direct any inquiries to searchteam@sjucfr.ca. Qualified applicants should indicate their interest through UCC Church Hub and then send cover letters and resumes directly to the search team email.

Our Annual General Meeting took place on  Sunday, March 2.