Working to support and guide staff in the church can seem like a daunting task at times. Are we paying the correct scales, how do we help our staff grow and develop, and what do we do when there is trouble… are all questions that M&P committee members face almost everyday, and these are probably some of the most common questions asked. So, lets spend a bit of time together talking about all of this and any other questions you have about your role. We will cover basic policy as well as best practices, and get to know others in the same leadership role in other congregations!

 with Rev Dr Karen Medland, Regional Minister, Pastoral Relations, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Conflict is a natural part of life together—and churches are no exception. When change comes, tensions often rise, and what begins as difference of opinion can quickly feel overwhelming.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how conflict works in church communities: the dynamics at play, the common causes, and why it often feels different in a faith setting. Together, we’ll name patterns, share experiences, and discover practical tools for navigating conflict in healthy, constructive ways.
Whether your community is currently facing challenges or simply wants to be better prepared for the future, this workshop will offer insight, encouragement, and strategies for moving through conflict with grace and hope.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds Regional Council

The United Church of Canada is pursuing "Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church." Putting this vision into practice and realizing it needs recognizing, accepting and respecting diversity and differences. The intercultural church seeks to be a "welcoming," "relational," "adaptive," "intentional" and "missional" church. 

In this workshop, you will gain an understanding of intercultural ministry in sharing knowledge, experiences and life stories of spiritual journeys. You will also see how intercultural ministry works in practical settings (possibly with music), and discuss what intercultural ministry will be for the future.   

with Rev Dr OhWang Kwon of the Western Intercultural Ministry Network

Building on the tradition of sharing and caring in small communities, this workshop will help you learn how to bring your gifts to support spiritual care in communities of faith. Utilizing a team-based approach, this workshop will empower lay people to work collaboratively to support an existing minister in providing spiritual care. We will learn some new skills together, sharpen some existing tools in our toolkits, and focus on some takeaway skills that will help build our confidence and skill levels.

with Rev Dr.Geoffrey Simmins

Come explore share key markers of vibrant ministry with young people—signs that point to life, transformation, and Spirit-led connection. You won’t find quick fixes or prepackaged solutions here. Instead, you’ll receive tools to spark meaningful conversations back home, practices to build authentic relationships, and a renewed sense of hope for what’s possible when young people are not just welcomed but empowered to lead.

with Rev Pamela Evans, First Third Ministry Team Lead, Chinook Winds Regional Council

The UCC has implemented a strategy for our communities of faith that emphasizes three ideals to inspire us in the next decade: Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice and Deep Spirituality.

To attain these goals we need to know what we're working with- to understand our communities and culture realistically.  We also need to think about our own expectations and habits honestly within our communities of faith.

Right now, one important challenge is to shift our thinking toward generative, forward-oriented practices in our communities, moving away from extractive habits that only seek to preserve what we have now.  We'll talk together about what that means.

Our conversation will help us identify mindsets and assumptions that can limit our capacity, how to understand the real risks impacting our faith communities, and some ways we can learn to be "anti-fragile" together, in order to thrive amidst anxious times.

with Rev Joel Den Haan, Community of Faith Strategy Consultant, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Church governance is not one-size-fits-all. This session will open the discovery of various types of boards and alternative structures that can help your congregation thrive. Learn about the key responsibilities of governing bodies, including legal obligations, accountability to the wider church, and regional oversight. This workshop will also delve into the legal responsibilities that come with leadership, providing clear guidance on how to ensure your church operates within its legal and ethical frameworks. Ideal for church leaders looking to deepen their understanding of governance structures, this session will help you shape a board that works best for your community’s unique needs.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds Regional Council

For too long, religion has enforced narrow “norms” that fracture kinship and belonging—especially for 2SLGBTQ+ and equity-seeking communities. But affirming faith can be a powerful antidote, embodying the deep, unconditional love at the heart of our traditions.

So where do we start? That’s where PIE comes in—Public, Intentional, Explicit—a bold roadmap for living out real inclusion. Whether you’re just dipping a toe in or already swimming in the deep end, join Affirming Connections for an open, energizing conversation about how we can practice faith that heals, includes, and celebrates.

We’re all in this together!

with Affirming Connections