Church Secretaries have an opportunity to come together for a three-day Annual Conference that provides something for everyone with an exciting program specifically geared to our unique jobs.
The Conference is usually held in late fall and runs from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday noon. The registration fee includes accommodations, meals and any resource hand-outs from speakers. This is a wonderful opportunity to make new friendships and renew old ones.
Guest speakers and workshops strive to be inspiring and informative. Past topics and speakers have included:
  • "Bullying and How to Handle It" 
    - the Rev. Dr. Catherine Collins Barker, Essex Presbytery Faith Formation Committee - The United Church of Canada
  • "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 Canadian 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
Conference Registration fees vary from year to year, depending on the venue and location. We try to keep the costs reasonable. Speak to your M&P Committee, Personnel Committee, Minister or whoever is required to approve your attendance - it can benefit both you and your church.
The Conference has been located in various locations to allow all members an opportunity to attend:
  • Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario
  • Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre, Oshawa, Ontario
  • Pelee Motor Inn, Leamington, Ontario
  • Bonnie View Inn, Haliburton, Ontario
  • Ramada Inn, London, Ontario
  • Best Western Inn on the Bay, Owen Sound, Ontario
  • Festival Inn, Stratford, Ontario
  • Fair Havens Conference and Retreat Centre, Beaverton, Ontario
  • Crieff Hills Community Christian Retreat and Conference Centre, Puslinch, Ontario
  • Cedar Glen Conference Centre, Bolton, Ontario
MARK YOUR CALENDARS - The 2024 Conference will be in October in the Niagara area.
For further information about next year's conference, email [email protected]