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2025 Fall Retreat is on its way!! A time of fellowship, fun, learning, and prayer!! September 21-22, Debert Hospitality Centre
There are lots of challenges in being the United Church of Canada in these times. Finances, membership, and relation politics all have an impact. Sometimes, when members feel anxious and afraid clergy are the scapegoat. Clergy feel pressure to accept responsibility for things beyond their control because salaries and benefits are a large part of the budget. Rising anxiety challenges relationships between members and with their clergy. Things can become very tense.
Natalie Abodou is our guest presenter. The goal is supporting clergy as they navigate the growing trend of rising tensions and unhelpful dynamics. She will share philosophies and practices related to “conflict transformation” to resource clergy as they navigate relationships and complex conversations with greater capacity and confidence.
Natalie Abdou is a Nova Scotia based community-facilitator and practitioner who has worked alongside communities and organizations in Nova Scotia, Ontario, California & Egypt for the past 20 years. Her business, “Weaving Connections” offers a diversity of workshops and processes for personal, collective and organizational learning, reflection, healing and transformation. “Natty” leads workshops at the Tatamagouche Centre and the Coady institute.
The aUCC annual retreat is a “clergy only” gathering that participants find helpful. It’s a great time to be together with a professional and confidential group of colleagues. It reminds us: “You are not alone!” We know how it feels. Let’s gather to share and support each other in a safe environment sharing resources, connecting with the divine and each other all while having fun!
Registration: Covers accommodation and meals, refreshment breaks, speaker costs, etc. There is an early bird rate for aUCC members. Candidates for ministry serving in Pastoral Charges attend free thanks to the generosity of Pine Hill Divinity Hall. However, we do need you to register to hold your place and your registration will be fully refunded. When you purchase your tickets on Eventbrite you’ll see an option to make a donation. This money is entirely used to help would-be attendees who are financially prohibited from attending. Your generosity helps your colleagues. If you have any questions or concerns about finances and the retreat please contact our Treasurer, the Rev’d Catherine MacDonald: Reverendcatherinemacdonald@gmail.com
Early bird (aUCC members only; before August 21st) $250
Regular price (aUCC members only; after August 21st) $275
Non-members $325
Candidates: $250 (refunded at the end of the retreat)
Refunds for those registered and unable to attend will be made according to the aUCC policy: “Our ability to refund any or all of your registration fee will be dependent on the cancellation fees of any facility or venue that the aUCC may be renting.”