Sabbath retreat in Edmonton

EDMONTON – The Sabbath Conference is an annual conference that serves an important role in connecting non-pastoral church workers and volunteers from across Canada in a way that is tailored to their unique calling. 

This year’s Sabbath Conference was held May 2-4, 2023, and welcomed Rev. David Fleming and Dr. Beverly Yahnke from Doxology: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel as presenters for the retreat. The theme was “Take Heart! Renewed to be a Blessing.” The retreat offered sessions on topics pertaining to spiritual rest and refreshment, including putting the best construction on everything; the cost of caring; spiritual self-care using prayer, meditation, and lamentation; and promoting peace in your home and church. 

The conference was held in-person as well as online, thanks to the generous offer of meeting space and technology from Concordia Lutheran Seminary. The ability to use this platform enabled the group to not only welcome six online participants, but to also have greetings from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary. 

The planning committee is grateful for the support of synod and the synod family, including Synod Vice-President Rev. Michael Schutz who served as chaplain for the conference. 

The next conference will be held in the spring of 2024. If you are a non-pastoral church worker or volunteer and would be interested in learning more about the Sabbath Conference, please contact sabbathconference@gmail.com.

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Samantha Neeb 

Sabbath Planning Committee 

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