From October 5–9, 2026, United Church Office Administrators from across Canada will gather in Saskatoon for the 2026 United Church Office Administrators Conference, which is held every two years. Thanks to the support of St. Paul’s Church Council and the Ministry and Personnel Committee, I am once again able to attend.
I have been fortunate enough to attend several of these conferences over the years, and I have had the opportunity to watch them grow. What started with 10–15 people gathering at Calling Lakes Centre has grown to, I believe, close to 50 people at our last conference in 2024.
Every time I attend, I come home feeling energized, encouraged, and eager to put some of the new skills and ideas I have learned into practice. There is always something new to discover, and I love bringing those ideas home and finding ways they can benefit our ministry at St. Paul’s.
But for me, these conferences are about much more than learning new skills.
Over the years, I have made so many wonderful friends. Some are people I have known for a very long time, and I would now consider them lifelong friends. The connections and networks we have built are truly priceless.
To be honest, I think I have learned just as much from the conversations around the supper table and during the informal gatherings as I have from the conference sessions. There is something special about sitting together, sharing stories, talking about our jobs, laughing about the things we have in common, and learning from one another.
We may all have the same job, but we all do it a little differently!
Following the 2024 conference, we were able to form our own Prairie to Pine Church Administrators Network. We meet by Zoom each month to share ideas, ask questions, offer support, and learn from one another. With the support of the Prairie to Pine Region, we were also able to meet in person this past June in Winnipeg.
Zoom is a wonderful way to stay connected regularly, but nothing beats being in the same room together—having a conversation, sharing a meal, and simply enjoying the opportunity to connect with people who understand the joys and challenges of church administration.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference again this year. These gatherings remind me that being a church administrator is about so much more than paperwork. It is about people, relationships, learning, sharing, and supporting the ministry of our churches.
So, once again, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to St. Paul’s Church Council and the Ministry and Personnel Committee for supporting me and making it possible for me to attend these conferences.
I hope that what I learn, the connections I make, and the renewed energy I bring home will help me better support all of you and the ministry we share at St. Paul’s.
Thank you for your support—it truly means a lot!
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
September 20 – In person worship with Tanis. It is also muffin morning and there will be coffee and muffins before worship approximately at 10:15am.
SALT Shakers – Sunday School will begin on September 20th! We are excited to have Ella leading our youth once again. We look forward to another wonderful year of learning, growing, and sharing in fellowship together. We hope to see all of our youth there!
Church Office Hours – The church office is now open Monday – Thursday at regular hours of 9am – 12pm & 1-3pm.
Knit or Knot -Starting Tuesday, September 22, the knitting & Crafting Group will begin meeting again after our summer break! 2:00pm in the upper hall.
knitting isn’t your thing? No problem! Come and join us for the fellowship, fun, and good company. Bring your needlepoint, card making, or whatever craft interests you. So gather up your crafting supplies, bring your project, and come join us for an afternoon of creativity, laughter, and fellowship! Everyone is welcome!
Coffee Time – Join us Thursday mornings at 10:00am for a time of coffee and fellowship! This is open to everyone and all are welcome!
Food Cupboard Sunday – The first Sunday of the month is Food Cupboard Sunday and we invite you to bring a non-perishable food item for the Virden & Area Food Cupboard. Our next food Sunday is October 4.
ALF Youth Retreat – Minnedosa, MB – Oct 23 to 25, 2026 – Faith in Film
Calling all grade 7 to 12s from Prairie to Pine Region (and beyond) to explore with peers for a weekend how movies inform our faith. If this interests your or you know someone in this age category that are interested in attending please let me know.
Registration Open: Click here for info Any youth from St. Paul’s who wish to attend will have their registration fee reimbursed.
Change for Change Campaign – How is everyone’s change collecting coming along? Are your bags full? Change bags are due back in for Sunday, October 4.
The Outreach Committee is inviting everyone to collect their loose change over the summer and donate it to the Mission & Service Fund. Lovely decorated collection bags are available at the church, or you may use a bag of your own. Please return your collected change by the end of September. If you would like your donation included on your year-end tax receipt, please be sure to clearly label your bag with your name.
If you are not into collecting coins, our campaign is online also… help us turn change into change! Click here to help https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/119197150RR0001-st-pauls-united-church/p2p/change-for-change
