Rural Ministry Conference 2026

Come enjoy rural hospitality, inspiring speakers, and practical workshops in affirming Christian community!

 
 

Friday October 2- Sunday October 4, 2024

Knox United Church in Three Hills, AB and St. Paul’s United Church in Trochu, AB

In-Person

A LeaderSHIFT Event, in Partnership with Chinook Winds Regional Council

This conference is for Lay Leaders, volunteers and Clergy whose church life and work is rooted in a rural setting. Come experience rural hospitality, inspiring theme sessions and practical workshops tuned to today’s rural ministry contexts!

Friday, October 2, the event begins with worship and keynote/theme session with our guest, Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith. Saturday, October 3 begins with worship and a second keynote/theme, followed by a variety of practical workshops. After lunch, more workshops are offered, followed by a closing keynote/theme and worship time. The event concludes with worship on Sunday, October 4, with the Three Hills/Trochu pastoral charge, which will be live streamed.

Conference Schedule

    • 1:00 Optional local tour ($20)

    • 5:00pm Light Supper (soup and sandwich, provided)

    • 6:00pm Registration open

    • 7:00pm Opening worship

    • 7:30pm Keynote #1

    • 8:55pm Closing

    • 8:30am Continental Breakfast (provided)

    • 9:00am Worship

    • 9:30pm Keynote #2

    • 10:30am Morning workshops

    • 12:30pm Lunch (provided)

    • 2:00pm Afternoon workshops

    • 4:00pm Keynote #3

    • 5:00pm Closing

    • 5:15pm Dinner (provided)

    • 7:00pm Hymn Sing/Open Mic!

    • 8:00pm Closing

  • 10:00- 10:30am Worship

Registration opening soon
 

Keynote Speaker

The Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith is a writer and retired United Church minister whose words invite pause, prayer, and re-imagination. Catherine lives a life of contemplation in action. This is a way that intentionally cultivates space to notice and receive the Holy Presence in all things. From that receptive space and encounter all vital action is set in motion. This is as important for the identity and life of our churches as it is for individuals. Trained at the Shalem Institute in Transformative Leadership she brings that capacity to her life and work. She continues that work with small groups and congregations and other organizations.

Workshops

Rural Ministry Conference workshops are specifically designed for those in, and to build ministry skills for, a rural context! Click on the arrow to read each workshop description and leadership bio.

 

Morning Workshops

 

Afternoon Workshops

Registration opening soon
 

Registration, Hospitality, Hotel

Online Registration

  • $50 per person- discount for groups of 4 or more (please contact Jes Beckerley to register your group)

  • Registration opens soon!

Hospitality

  • Included: Friday Supper, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, Supper and Snacks

  • Not Included: Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own Sunday breakfast and lunch. Restaurant information will be available at the conference.

  • Accommodation is not provided. Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation.

Hotel Discount

Super 8 Hotel - Three Hills

  • Box 386, 208– 18th Ave North, Three Hills, Phone: 403-443-8888

  • $170 per night. Mention United Church of Canada and reserve by September 5, 2026

Rest Easy Motel

  • 981 2nd Street N., Three Hills,  Phone: 877-504-3765

  • 10 rooms of one queen bed and 10 rooms of double queen $99 per night. Mention Rural Ministry Conference/United Church of Canada or Jessica Beckerley

Registration opening soon