Professional Church Secretaries have an opportunity to come together for a three-day Annual Conference that provides an exciting programme specifically geared to our unique jobs.

The Conference is usually held in October and runs from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday lunch.  Your registration fee includes accommodations, meals and any resource handouts from speakers.  

Locations

Conferences have been held in various locations to allow all members an opportunity to attend:

• Ramada Inn, London, Ontario
• Days Inn, Owen Sound, Ontario
• Festival Inn, Stratford, Ontario
• Fair Havens Conference and Retreat Centre, Beaverton, Ont.
• Crieff Hills Community Christian Retreat and Conference Centre, Puslinch, Ontario
• Cedar Glen Conference Centre, Bolton, Ontario

Guest speakers and workshops strive to be inspiring and informative.  Past topics and speakers have included:

• “The Value of the Church Secretary in the Wider Church” - The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches
• “Conflict Management and Working with Volunteers” - Richard Newland, an ordained minister with the Diocese of Toronto, Anglican Church.
• “It’s About Time - Overcoming Procrastination” - Bill Richardson works for a major bank in Toronto and helps people improve communication skills.
• “Caring for Others - Caring for Ourselves” - Rev. Joan Silcox-Smith, Director Pastoral Services, North York General Hospital

This year’s conference was held in London, Ontario, at the Ramada Inn, from Sunday, October 2 to Tuesday, October 4, 2011.  The theme was Harmony of Colour. - have a look at some pictures.  The conference included the following:

• Drumming with Sheila Horrell
• Web Design with Jim Solcox
• True Colours with Rev. Maya Landell
• First Impressions with Mirella Zanatta
• Archives with Erin Greeno of the United Church of Canada
• Colouring Your Plate with Heather Thomas

The 2012 Conference is being held at the Bonnie View Inn in beautiful Haliburton, Ontario, from Sunday, October 14 to Tuesday, October 16, 2012.  The theme will be “Branching Out -Expand your church office skills by learning, sharing, networking, discussing and socializing”.  Registration information will be available early April 2012.