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March 1, 2006
Welcome to the Elders' Institute e-News
Welcome to the March issue of the Elders' Institute e-News, 2006.
The upcoming season is probably even more exciting than ever for the Elders' Institute! If you haven't done so already, please take a look at our web site for a complete listing of our online courses in 2006.
The Next Course Is:
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Serving as a Ruling Elder: A Course in the Basics
What are the roles and responsibilities of elders? Join this course and explore the multifaceted answers to this and other questions with the Elders' Institute online. The purpose of the course is to focus on the role of the ruling elder within The Presbyterian Church in Canada and its congregations and courts.
The course is intended for anyone who is interested in eldership: new elders looking for some orientation to their ministry, potential elders considering a call to eldership, and current elders wanting a 'refresher.'
Sounds interesting?
... then register now online at our web site www.eldersinstitute.ca and find out more with the Rev. Karen Horst as your instructor during this 6-week course.
 Date Start: Monday, March 13, 2006
Date End: Friday, April 21, 2006
Registration Fee: $100.00 (Course material included)
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Coming Soon ...
Starting April 18, Pastoral Care for Presbyterian Elders with the Rev. John Carr as course instructor—more information online.
PAW
The first registrations for PAW 2006 have already started ticking in. In other words: register now rather
than wait.
Retooling Your Congregation is the theme of a learning event for ruling elders and other
congregational leaders at the Pre-Assembly Workshops, organised by the Elders' Institute on the Saturday prior to General Assembly.
PAW 2006 will be held in St. Catharines on the Saturday, June 3, 2006. We invite you and others from your congregation to
join us for informative workshops led by resource people from throughout The Presbyterian Church in Canada, including inspiring worship, and a keynote address from the Moderator,
Jean Morris.
You can find more information and register online on our web
site. Note that there is a price break available to April 1, including a group rate: six members from one congregation
for the price of five—ask us for details. We hope to see you there!
Win a Prize!
Last year 150 participants went home happy after PAW in Edmonton and some of them with an extra prize.
- Edmonton Korean Presbyterian Church got a prize for the most people from one congregation (12).
- The first registrant was Cathy Colquhoun of Strathcona Presbyterian Church, Edmonton.
- Those traveling furthest to attend were Jennifer Pallard and Jennifer Whitfield, St. John's, Newfoundland.
- The participant who started the trip earliest to get there was Judie Coleman, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church,
Calgary.
... and there will be prizes this year, too.
Elders' Corner
Elders, we seek your wisdom!
In the latest issue of our newsletter, the Elders' Institute asked all elders to share their insight,
experiences and wisdom, in response to a question posed by an elder.
We ask NOW ...
An elder follows up with a newcomer at church as part of the congregation's welcome committee. The newcomer
says he will not be back because, when he entered the building, the two greeters were in an animated conversation,
disagreeing with a decision at a recent congregational meeting. He also says conflict was a big problem in the congregation
he left, and he doesn't want to join another church with conflict. What should the elder do?
Please send your suggestions to the Elders' Institute before Easter. You can also download and read the latest issue of
our newsletter (including the answers to the last question in the Elders' Corner) from our web site.
A First in the History ...
As a first in the history of electing General Assembly Moderators, this year's ballot contains two
names—both ruling elders. Les Young of Westmount Presbyterian Church, Edmonton, has a long
history of Presbyterian Church involvement including a stint on the Elders' Institute Advisory Council.
Wilma Welsh of Knox Presbyterian Church, Guelph, has served the church in many capacities including
administration at the national office and in missions. The Elders' Institute salutes both these ruling elders for their
willingness to serve our church in this way, and remind you to vote if you are eligible to do so.
e-News is sent to all subscribers. You will also receive e-News if you have asked to be notified by e-mail about Elders' Institute events, participated in online
courses and/or workshops (including PAW), or in other ways shown interest in the work of the Elders' Institute. e-News is also sent to all church e-mail addresses as listed in "Acts & Proceedings 2005."
If you in the future wish to unsubscribe, please reply to this e-mail with the subject heading
"unsubscribe." There is more information about our newsletter and e-News on our web site www.eldersinstitute.ca.
The Elders' Institute keeps all personal contact information confidential and has never and will
never trade, share, sell or otherwise exchange personal contact information.
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