What a Week It Was!
We had such a great week last week at the 2026 United Church Office Workers Conference in Saskatoon!
Since I first started attending in 2008, I have watched this conference grow from approximately 10 attendees to an incredible 63 people this year! That is amazing! We also had five men attending this year, and it was wonderful to hear their perspectives on the work we do.
One of the best things about this conference is the opportunity to connect with other administrators from across Canada. We learn from one another, share ideas, and help newer administrators find their way in this crazy “church world.” It is so encouraging to know that we are not alone in the work we do!
We had some wonderful and informative workshops throughout the week. Rev. Jordan Cantwell, Growth Animator for the United Church of Canada and former Moderator, spoke about “Toward 2035: Envisioning the Future of the United Church.” Computer Science Professor David Gerhard from the University of Manitoba gave a great presentation on artificial intelligence (AI).
An officer from the Saskatoon City Police gave a very informative talk on front desk safety and ways to help keep ourselves safe while doing our jobs. Some of the stories shared about city churches certainly made me thankful to live in a small town, that’s for sure!
Andrew Hartman, a Sessional Lecturer in Psychology and Health Sciences at the College of Arts and Science, presented on “Affirming-Inclusive Spaces.” He shared ideas about how we can make everyone feel welcome when they walk into our buildings and how we can be better allies to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Other workshops included Showing Grace Under Pressure and Neurodiversity in the Church. All the speakers were wonderful, and I came away with lots to think about!
We wrapped up our workshops with a relaxation evening called “Be Still and Know That I Am God,” which focused on nervous system regulation. It was a great way to unwind and bring a busy week to a peaceful close.
Throughout the week, we also had several breakout sessions covering topics such as setting boundaries, fundraising ideas, creative communication, and archives. There was certainly no shortage of opportunities to learn and share ideas!
Of course, we made time for some fun, too! One evening, we enjoyed a pizza supper followed by music bingo and Family Feud. There were lots of laughs, that’s for sure! We also had one morning free to explore the city if we wished. Some of us took the opportunity to visit the Western Development Museum, which was very interesting.
It was a full and busy schedule, but all in all, it was a wonderful week! I learned new things, reconnected with friends, made some new ones, enjoyed some good food, and shared plenty of laughs.
A heartfelt thank-you to St. Paul’s for allowing me the time and providing the funding to attend this conference every two years. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who do similar work. I hope to put my new knowledge and skills to good use as I continue to grow in my role and find new ways to serve the church.
What a blessing it is to be part of such a wonderful community of church administrators!
St. Paul’s Weekly Update
Today – 1:30pm SAIL Sing Along at St. Paul’s
October 15 – 11:00am Finance Committee
October 18 – Tanis – Virden…Muffin Morning, Sunday School. We will be having a guest speaker from the WMCA – Westman Woman’s Shelter.
Guest Speaker – We are pleased to welcome Lois Reston from the Westman Women’s Shelter on Sunday, October 18th. Lois will share about the shelter, its operations, and the important work they do in the community.
The Outreach Committee has been a long-time supporter of the Women’s Shelter, and we look forward to hearing from Lois and learning more about this important ministry. Please join us for this special presentation!
October 20 – 1:30pm Worship Committee
October 21 – 7:00pm Church Council
October 25 – The WILL be a combined Worship Service in Oak Lake at 11:00am. No service at St. Paul’s.
November 1 – In Person Worship with Marilyn Warkentin. Salt Shakers – Sunday School, Food Cupboard Sunday.
November 15 – Service of Commemoration
Knit or Knot – the knitting & crafting group meets in the upper hall on Tuesday afternoons at 2pm.
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.
