Upcoming Events in Hamilton Conference

Racial Justice Awareness Training

A request went from Hamilton Conference to the 39th General Council that the United Church of Canada require of its ministry personnel training in the area of racial justice. General Council has followed our direction and trainers from across the church have been equipped to return to the Conferences to bring us this training.  It is hoped that all people in active ministry will avail themselves of this training. All dates are open for any ministry personnel— Pre- Registration is required. Lunch is covered by General Council. Travel will be covered by Hamilton conference.  Please carpool! The day will run from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

September 16, 2010 -  East Plains United Church, Burlington

Register with Barbara at 905-659-3343, x 226  or email at bhampson@hamconf.org

November 30, 2010  -  Hamilton Conference Office

Register with Barbara at 905-659-3343, x  226 or email at bhampson@hamconf.org

From the Dance Floor to the Balcony and Back Again

A day apart for Presbytery Executive members to focus on leadership skills that will support their work as Presbytery leaders. Registration: bhampson@hamconf.org

Friday, September 24th – Waterloo Presbytery Executive; 9:30 am – 4:00 pm at Hamilton Conference Office

Monday, September 27th – Bruce Presbytery Executive; 9:30 am – 4:00 pm at Walkerton United Church.

More details to follow from your Presbytery Secretary

"New" Ministers' Day

A day apart and orientation event, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Hamilton Conference Office, for ministry personnel and their partners/spouses transferred into Hamilton Conference in the last year. Registration: jmacaulay@hamconf.org

Freedom to Dream: Joint Needs Assessment and Search

The calling of a new spiritual leader into the midst of congregational life can provide opportunity for conversation about where God is calling now. Congregants and Presbyters are invited to dream about how to faithfully take that opportunity with Lorna MacQueen, Minister of Discipleship and Jenny Stephens, Personnel Minister, October 2, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Conference Office. To register contact Janet Macaulay: jmacaulay@hamconf.org or 905-659-3343, ext. 230. Download flier.

Professional Church Secretaries' Association Conference

Sunday, October 3 to Tuesday, October 5 in London, Ontario. See http://pcsa.ca/2010conf.html for more information.

Further Exploration of Power and Authority

For ministry personnel to meet with Alan Hall, General Council Minister, Thursday, October 21, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Hamilton Conference Office, to dig deeper into the issues of the power and authority of the gospel and of the church which are challenging in our vocation. Sponsored by the Conference Division of Ministry Personnel and Education. Registration: jmacaulay@hamconf.org

Rural Ministry Symposium 2010

October 25-27, 2010 at Crieff Hills Community, Puslinch, ON. Sponsored by Queen's School of Religion, the R. Alex Sim Rural Ministry Symposium is held biennially to nurture and empower rural churches. It is coordinated by an ecumenical Planning Committee, which includes members from the Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army and United Churches. For more information go to: www.ruralsymposium.ca.

Intercultural & Diverse Communities.. Continuing the Conversation

A dynamic conversation with Michael Blair, General Council Executive Minister, Thursday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Hamilton Conference Office. See flier in the September Hampack. Registration: elegrand@hamconf.org. Download flier

How to work with challenging people in your congregation

An event for ministry personnel, October 28, 9.30am - 12.30pm., led by Judy Barker and John Lougheed, Chaplains and members of the Conference Pastoral Care Team. Site to be announced.

Pre-retirement Seminar

A workshop, Wednesday, November 3, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for members of the UCC pension plan wishing to plan for retirement in the next decade. Opportunity for information and reflection on pension and benefits, financial planning, and transitioning spiritually and emotionally. Registration: jmacaulay@hamconf.org

Creating Safe Community

An event for ministry personnel and lay leaders, Thursday, November 4, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to raise awareness of personal boundaries and power inequities as well as providing resources about developing such awareness and helpful protocols within the congregation. Registration: jmacaulay@hamconf.org Download flier.

Emerging Spirit: Living the Faith

This 3rd Emerging Spirit event,will look at the profound changes taking place in culture and church; the call to multigenerational dialogue; common threads of vital congregations; God’s hope for the church. Watch for flier in the October HamPack. Registration: bhampson@hamconf.org

From the Dance Floor to the Balcony and Back Again

This Friday evening and Saturday event is being offered to congregational clusters from across the Conference. Congregational clusters will learn about and engage with leadership tools that focus on understanding and working with change and transition. Friday-Saturday, November 19-20; Friday: 7:00-9:00 p.m.; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Site to be announced. Information and registration details to follow in the October HamPack.