To Rostered and Professional Leaders in the church

All rostered and professional church leaders are invited to attend the MNO Study Conference, held annually at Luther Village, Lake of the Woods, ON. The information attached includes a registration form. The Study Conference is the only time each year (other than at synod conventions in alternate years) that ALL leaders gather together for study, renewal and relationship building with each other.  We encourage congregations who have lay persons on staff to also send their leadership to this event.

The Study Conference is considered an official meeting for rostered ministers and you are expected to attend, as directed in your letter of call:

“that we (the congregation) reimburse you for expenses not otherwise provided for, incurred in attending conventions and other official meetings at which your attendance is required”, and that rostered leaders seek permission to be excused if unable to attend.

Rostered leaders attend not only for their own benefit but for the benefit of their colleagues. This is an event in which we uphold and walk with our colleagues in ministry. It might be one of those times in which it is not about us but about others. Those unable to be in attendance are to request an excuse from the Bishop in advance of the study conference dates.

The schedule includes daily free time. This might be used as a quiet restful break in a busy congregational time of year. It may also be a time in which colleagues spend time together in conversation, prayer, sports and other leisure activities. If  you have other items to bring for leisure time, feel free to bring them as well. In particular, golfing and hiking are available so you may want to remember your golf clubs and hiking boots. We encourage you to participate and to join your partners in ministry to build collegiality and wellness in ministry.

Since 2008 we have assigned worship and social convenors by conference. The dean of each conference will contact people to ask for worship leadership or you may contact the dean to offer assistance. We welcome the opportunity to worship together and to be led by a wide variety of leadership in a variety of styles. Setting 7 has been chosen for the opening worship. If you have instruments and would like to help with the music leadership, please let me know. Bring a copy of Evangelical Worship with you as Luther Village does not have them available.

As the weather is usually cooler in late September, we remind you to bring warm clothing. Luther Village provides bedding and towels, but you are responsible for personal toiletries, etc.

There is a fellowship time each evening. Beer and wine are available to purchase or bring your own beverages. Cambrian conference is the social convenor for the 2009 event. Last year we provided non-alcoholic beer, however, only one was taken, so we will not make it available this year.

The registration form includes early registration deadlines, so please return the form, with a cheque by August 14, 2008. Registrations received after this date will be at the regular rate. A written report from the Synod Office, as well as a bio of the speaker will be sent the first week of September. The reporting time in the schedule will be for question and answers as well as comments rather than a presentation.

The Synod provides a limited amount of funding to assist rostered ministers and lay professionals whose employers are unable to cover registration costs for this event. This includes leaders on leave from call. Requests for this funding assistance should be addressed to the Synod Office before the registration deadline. Funds will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Travel costs are paid only to participants traveling more than 100 kilometers each way at a rate of 12 cents per kilometer, plus 3 cents for each passenger (please deduct 100 kilometers each way from the total kilometers driven). In this time of considering our responsibility to the environment, we encourage car pooling where possible.  If flying to Winnipeg, economy airfare will be paid. Travel reimbursements are not available to retirees and interns who already receive a discounted rate.
 
Should you have questions or concerns, please phone or email the Bishop at the Synod Office. We look forward to your participation this year.

Have a peace-filled, restful summer.

Bishop Elaine