What are we?

A Presbytery is an organization of churches within a certain geographical area. Our denomination is the United Church of Canada, formed in 1925 from Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregationalist churches in Canada. Individual churches send representatives to Presbytery meetings, and serve on the various committees which do the work. That work includes the encouragement and supervision of candidates for Christian ministry, the calling and appointing of ministers to pastoral charges, oversight of church properties, provision of Christian education events and camps, and outreach of various kinds.  

Where are we?

Sydney Presbytery is located on the north east of Cape Breton Island, in the Province of Nova Scotia. Bounded by the Atlantic ocean, the hills of the Cape Breton Highlands, and the inland sea known as the Bras d'Or Lakes, the churches and their people live in a land of great beauty. Our twenty pastoral charges (a pastoral charge may have one or more congregations) are in the industrial area as well as the rural communities of the island.

Who are we?

The members of Presbytery include ordained, commissioned and designated lay ministers ex-officio if they are serving a pastoral charge. Retired members of the order of ministry remain members as well. The lay members are elected by their pastoral charges and congregations and usually serve for a specific term. Each member serves on a committee and some may also serve on the Executive or as officers of the Presbytery.

When and where do we meet?

Executive meets monthly and the full court of Presbytery meets most months as well. Various churches host these meetings and almost always a meal is served at the beginning of the evening gathering.