COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES, & EVENTS

This page is to highlight events that are happening in our extended community, or that are being held at Bethany by a community individual, group, or organization.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming out of the darkest days of the year and running low on winter reserves?  This is the traditional time to fast, meditate and pray for the still-not-quite-here new growth of Spring.  This year the restart of our meditation group coincides with the start of Ramadan (March 1) and Lent (March 5).  

 All are welcome to join us to learn and practise meditation together.  Encourage the uninitiated:  please circulate the message below to invite others to try meditation!  

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Weekly meditation group at BETHANY UNITED CHURCH

Beginners and anyone interested are welcome to join us, from March 5, or any Wednesday thereafter. We meet in the lovely MacKinnon Chapel at Bethany United Church on Wednesdays at noon  from 12:00 -12:50 pm.  

The meditation sessions are guided by Yvonne Macor, who has practised yoga and meditation for 35+ years, under the guidance of a Vedic teacher, and integrates Shamanic, Buddhist and Christian teachings.

SILENCE ISN'T EMPTY - IT’S FULL of ANSWERS 

What is meditation?  Its a quiet, listening or observing state where we may feel closer to our own heart or soul, and more open to something greater than ourselves.  Sometimes called mindfulness, contemplation, its a way of getting to know, like and trust ourselves, others, and the Divine.  

This is an excellent opportunity for beginners to be introduced to a few basic techniques, with the supportive energy of practicing in a group -  especially those who think “I have too much stress right now/ I could never quiet my busy mind”.  Yes, YOU can!  In just a few weeks of guided practise, one starts to realize the benefits.

Meditation can do some pretty amazing things, including:

•  Relieve stress and improve sleep

• Help you feel centred and confident 

• Bolster heart health

• Foster better communication and richer relationships

• Increase brain function and memory

• Fill you with Peace and Joy :-)

It would be helpful to register with Ann Bradley, BUC Community Engagement Facilitator, abradley@bethanyunitedchurch.ca  in advance to ensure that we set up enough chairs. You’ll only need to do this the first time!  Email and phone questions to Yvonne or Ann are welcome.

LOCATION:  Bethany United Church is at 2669 Joseph Howe Dr (south side) one block from the Rotary - please use the side (ramp) entrance to enter.  Parking is available at the front entrance or in the rear parking lot off Clinton Avenue (there are also doors from the rear parking lot).  

We look forward to having you join us weekly, or whenever you can, for a divine time together, in 2025.

ALL YEAR OPPORTUNITITIES

KAIROS is a Greek word meaning a time of grace and opportunity. It is a  time in which God challenges us to act decisively for justice.

KAIROS Halifax is related to KAIROS Canada (www.kairoscanada.org) uniting 10 Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). KAIROS educates and advocates for climate/ecological justice and for human rights locally and globally. KAIROS has developed and leads groups in the "KAIROS Blanket Exercise", an experiential learning method raising awareness of Canadian history from the Indigenous peoples’ perspective. Inspired by the Blanket Exercise, we've developed the "Palestine Land Exercise" which is experiential learning of a history seldom heard.

KAIROS Halifax meets the first Monday of the month at 10:00 AM on zoom. Join us! Contact Linda Scherzinger lindakseven@gmail.com  

Capella Regalis is a local charitable organization providing free music programs to children across the HRM.

There are two main choirs: the Girls Choir (starting at age 7) and the Men & Boys Choir (starting at age 6). Capella Regalis holds rolling auditions throughout the year, and is currently welcoming new choristers for the spring and fall terms - no prior experience necessary!

Anyone interested is encouraged to visit their website, https://capellaregalis.com, for more information, and to book a quick and friendly audition.   

Welcome Group…. Tuesday and Saturday Evenings

The Welcome Group is an “open” meeting and available to anyone interested in the Alcoholics Anonymous' program of recovery from alcoholism.

On site meetings are normally held at 7PM, Bethany United CHurch, 2669 Joseph Howe Drive (Ramp Entrance). you can go as often as you wish to both meetings.

There are no intrusive questions or obligations and you can retain anonymity. It is also open to everyone regardless of race, religion or beliefs. Welcome is a diverse group of younger and older men and women from diverse backgrounds who are always willing to help the “newcomer” feel at ease.

An AA Group has one primary purpose: to help members stay sober and, in turn, to help others who may need help in achieving sobriety. Participants are able to relate and share their experiences, strength, and hopes with each other in order to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Visit: https://www.aahalifax.org/meeting-list/