“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, or leisure activities. If you have items to bring for leisure time, i.e. golf clubs, hiking shoes, etc. feel free to bring them as there will be those who want to “tee off” or “hike over”. You are encouraged to participate and to join your partners in ministry to build collegiality and wellness in ministry.

Worship leadership and social convenors are assigned 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 contact the bishop. Bring a copy of Evangelical Lutheran 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. Interlake conference is the social convenor for the 2010 event. Juices and coffee are also available nightly.

The registration form includes early registration deadlines, so please return the form, with a cheque by August 31, 2010. 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 early 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

ROSTERED MINISTERS AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERS
STUDY CONFERENCE

September 20-23, 2010
LUTHER VILLAGE, DOGTOOTH LAKE

Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod

SCHEDULE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER  20
4 - 6 p.m.                      Settle into cabins
6:00 p.m.                      Supper at Luther Village
7:15 p.m.                      Eucharist- Bishop Elaine
8:30 p.m.                      Synod Office Q&A (written report provided)
9:00 p.m.                      Social Hour- coordinated by Interlake Conference

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
8:00 a.m.                      Breakfast
9:00 a.m.                      Morning Prayer: Brokenhead Conference
9:30 a.m.                      Session I – Guest Presenter- Rev. Dr. Tim Hegedus, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
10:30 a.m.                     Refreshment Break
10:45 a.m.                     Session I- continued
11:45 a.m.                     Break
12:00 Noon                   Lunch
1:00 p.m.                      Free Time:  The options include:  golfing, hiking, reading, relaxing, socializing, resting, fishing, canoeing, horseshoes, volleyball, etc.
1:00-3:30 p.m.               One on one time with Bishop for those outside of Winnipeg
6:00 p.m.                      Supper
7:00 p.m.                      Session 2- Guest Presenter- Rev. Dr. Tim Hegedus
8:30 p.m.                      Holden Evening Prayer- Metro Conference
9:00 p.m.                      Social Hour- Coordinated by Interlake Conference

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
8:00 a.m.                      Breakfast
9:00 a.m.                      Morning Prayer: Cambrian Conference
9:30 a.m.                      Session 3- Guest Presenter- Rev. Dr. Tim Hegedus
10:30 a.m.                     Refreshment Break
10:45 a.m.                     Session 3- Continued
12:00 noon                    Lunch
1:00 p.m.                      Free Time
6:00 p.m.                      Supper
7:00 p.m.                      Peer Presentation- Rev. Frances Schmidt, missionary to Peru
8:30 p.m.                      Evening Prayer:  Westman and Aurora Conferences
9:00 p.m.                      Social Time- coordinated by Interlake Conference

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
8:00 a.m.                      Breakfast
9:00 a.m.                      Peer Presentation: CCMET Evangelism Team
10:30 a.m.                     Break/Pack up/Evaluations
11:15 a.m.                     Healing Service with Eucharist: Agassiz Conference
12:00 noon                    LUNCH AND HOMEWARD BOUND!