Ministry for Such a Time as This:
Courage and Strength for the Messy Middle
Special Guest: Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, The United Church of Canada
October 21-23, 2026 at Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp, Bishop’s Falls, NL
Register by October 9, 2026
Dates:
- Clergy Retreat: October 21-23, 2026
(Check-in time 3:30 pm on Wednesday, October 21. Ending with lunch on Friday, October 23.)
Venue:
Cost:
- $250 (includes accommodations, meals, nutrition breaks and program fees)
Travel:
- Participants are required to pay for their own travel and meals enroute.
- With prior approval, financial assistance up to a maximum of $500 may be available to help those travelling from Labrador (contact Heather Sandford hsandford@united-church.ca).
Agenda:
- Will be emailed prior to event
Retreat Sunday Service for October 25, 2026
- We are pleased to offer this complete service for the Sunday following the Clergy Retreat so that lay volunteers can lead the worship service. Many clergy will take this as part of their continuing education and this service will make it easier for congregations to lead worship. A big thank you to Rev. Karen Bursey who wrote the service including the sermon. Please note that hymn selection are at the end of the order of worship along with prayers of the people and sermon. ~Heather Sandford, Regional Minister
Link to the service: https://ucceast.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Clergy-Retreat-Service-2026.pdf
Notes:
- Please bring warm clothing for a bonfire (weather permitting)
- Bedding is provided
- If you play an instrument and would like to share your gifts, please bring it along
- Bring comfortable clothing and shoes. There are beautiful trails to discover
- Map – Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp, NL-360, Bishop’s Falls, NL: Within the boundaries of Central Newfoundland, approximately 12 km from the town of Bishop’s Falls. Turn off located 6 km from TCH on Route 360, situated at the Great Rattling Depot on the Exploits River.
- This is a Continuing Education event
- Cancellation/Refund: We ask for payment in advance by October 9, 2026. However, if there is a pastoral charge emergency and you cannot attend, refunds can be arranged (contact hsandford@united-church.ca)
Contact Person:
- For any information before, during or after the event, please contact Rev. Heather Sandford, Regional Minister hsandford@united-church.ca
Thank you to the Coughlan College Trust Fund for subsidizing this event
