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"Joy is Resistance"
Rev. Catherine MacDonald on Food Security, Community, and Lessons from Kenya
In this edition of Alumni Spotlight, we travel to Kenya with Rev. Catherine MacDonald (AST MDiv '04) to understand the impact of empowering female farmers, and the vital link between food security and faith.
“I graduated … with a deep abiding belief that Jesus’ words, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ still have meaning for us." It’s safe to say that MacDonald’s foundation at AST shaped her worldview. It is one of the many reasons that she ended up on the Canadian Foodgrains Bank food security learning tour, which was held from February 20 to March 6 this year.
You’ve mentioned being struck by the immense joy present in these communities, despite very challenging living conditions. How did witnessing that resilience and joy impact you personally, and how has it changed how you look at things back home?
Joy is not a reward! Joy is resistance; joy is persistence; joy is refusing to let despair have the final word. Joy is noticing where God and people are working in the world to make a difference, sometimes against seemingly insurmountable odds. Kenyans also are deeply religious, mostly Christian.
They have a depth of faith that I have rarely experienced in Canada, and it was inspiring. I had the opportunity to preach in a Baptist church while I was there, and the impact of that experience is still unfolding for me.
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“You Do Belong Here”
MDiv Student Sam Graham on Flexible Learning, Faculty Support, and the Drive to AST
Balancing distance learning with a long commute isn’t always easy, but for Samuel Donald Graham, the journey to Atlantic School of Theology has been transformative.
Starting in AST’s online Diploma program before stepping into the Master of Divinity stream, Sam has found a supportive community of faculty, staff, and fellow students that makes every two-hour drive to campus worth it. Sam hopes to graduate in May 2027.
We caught up with Sam to talk about navigating hybrid learning, finding encouragement in unexpected places, and preparing for ordained ministry in the United Church of Canada.
You highlighted chapel, meeting with faculty, and local events as key reasons to visit campus. Is there a specific memory or moment on campus that stands out as particularly meaningful to you?
Early in my first term I was at the chapel service, and I was questioning if I really should be studying at AST. My issue was a lack of confidence in my writing ability. Dr. Faber approached me, and we had a chat, and I shared my concern. She emphatically assured me that I did belong at AST! Her words made an impact, and I continue to think of her encouragement almost three years later.
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MacKinnon Lecture 2026
Dr. Rebecca Carter‑Chand on Religion, Identity, and the Salvation Army in Nazi Germany
On Monday, September 28, at 7 p.m., the MacKinnon Lecture will take place at the Sobey Building, Saint Mary’s University. Drawing on her award-winning book of the same title, winner of the George L. Mosse First Book Prize, Dr. Carter-Chand will examine how the Salvation Army navigated the passage from Wilhelmine imperialism through the Third Reich—and what its trajectory reveals about religion, transnational identity, and the moral compromises of a catastrophic era.
When asked what some of the most surprising discoveries were while researching and writing the book, Dr. Carter-Chand said, “One of the most surprising discoveries was how a charitable organization from Britain, operating on the margins of the religious landscape in Germany, could find belonging in Nazi Germany. In order to explain this dynamic, I had to look back into the organization’s history in Germany and examine how it navigated changes in German society, how it shaped its public profile, and how other Germans viewed the organization.”
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Local Motivational Speaker Coming to AST this September!
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | St. Columba Chapel
Keonté Beals is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, musician, producer, performer, author, and entrepreneur from North Preston, Nova Scotia.
The evening will feature a motivational presentation by Keonté Beals, followed by an optional 15-minute Soul Circle—an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue with Keonté and one another.
Join us for an inspiring evening focused on motivation, personal growth, community, and meaningful conversation. This event is open to the public, local youth, post-secondary students, and the AST community
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Venue: St. Columba Chapel, AST Campus
Tickets will be available soon. Stay tuned for more information.
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St. Columba Chapel Receives New Roof
St. Columba chapel has undergone a transformation. During August, crews were hard at work replacing shingles with an improved metal roof.
The chapel roof had weathered countless seasons of service, sheltering students, faculty, and visitors during moments of reflection, worship, and community gathering. By investing in this upgrade now, we ensure that future cohorts will enjoy the same serene sanctuary that shaped their predecessors' spiritual and intellectual journeys.
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AST Continuing Education Fall Programming
This fall, we invite you to explore music, leadership, social media and much more through the lens of Christianity. Whether you're looking to develop new skills or explore topics of personal interest, our flexible course offerings accommodate all schedules and learning preferences. From in-person to completely asynchronous, you'll find a learning opportunity that works for you!
All courses are available for $275 and run from Sept. 9 to Dec. 9, 2026. Spaces are limited; register today!
If you have questions about any of the fall term programming, please contact Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca
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Certificate in Stewardship: Fall Cohort begins September 8!
Whether you are looking to strengthen your congregation’s stewardship practices, grow in your own understanding of faithful generosity, or gain practical tools for ministry, this certificate offers a supportive learning community grounded in theological reflection and real-world application.
Rev. Cathy Lee Cunningham, an experienced ministry leader with a passion for helping congregations cultivate a vibrant culture of stewardship, leads the Fall 2026 cohort. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2026, sessions will be online via Zoom from 7-9 p.m. and run over seven weeks.
$600 per person. Limited bursary support is available for eligible participants.
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We invite you to journey through the archives of AST as we honour the stories, leadership, and ecumenical milestones that continue to shape our mission today.
"Through the Archives" is a monthly look at the moments that built AST into the institution it is today.
Every snapshot tells a story of faith and community. We want to hear from you: Were you a student in 1990? Join the conversation by replying to this email!
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Thank You for Giving with Purpose!
Your generosity shapes future leaders at AST, removing barriers for students called to serve in ministry, healthcare, nonprofits, and beyond. Because of you, AST offers flexible learning, small-class mentorship, and vital financial aid that allows students to say "yes" to their calling—wherever they are rooted.
Thank you for making a lasting difference!
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AST Connect
Where Theology Connects with the World
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