Clergy Conference is all about coming together

The diocese’s annual Clergy Conference is held each September at Villa Madonna. This year’s theme was “How are we living into the resources of the Kingdom?”

The guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner, vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance and president Emeritus at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville, N.S.

The three-day meeting, held Sept. 22-24, featured not only teaching by Dr. Gardner, but time with Archbishop David Edwards, some recreation time and a kitchen party/open mic night. 

Despite the name, the conference is open to more than just clergy. Postulants often attend, as do some lay ministers and retired clergy. 

The staff of the Diocesan Synod office attended lunch on Tuesday to make sure all attenders knew them, had a chance to ask questions and get any information they might need.

Bishop David took the opportunity to thank the Rev. David Peer, who had been his executive officer until he recently retired. His words were met with a generous standing ovation. 

While there, the New Brunswick Anglican asked several attenders what they enjoyed most about Clergy Conference.

The Ven. Perry Cooper (Parish of Chatham): It’s great to be together. It’s the camaraderie, to hear the laughter and good news stories. Dr. Harry Gardner is a gifted teacher. His material speaks to me.

The Ven. Rob Marsh (Parish of Central Kings): I like connecting with friends and making new friends. I have enjoyed the guest speaker, and his teaching makes me think.

Catechist Tyler McKenna (Parishes of Sussex, St. Mark’s and Waterford): This is my second time here. If you’re new and just starting out, you hear about who’s who and what’s what. Now I can put faces to names. I see everyone getting along here. It gives me hope for this diocese. 

Hearing from the bishop is very special and very meaningful. When he’s here, he’s one of us. We see him as our father in God. He shares his wisdom with us.

The Rev. Canon Chris VanBuskirk (Parish of The Six Saints): The time of year is good and it’s a good opportunity to connect with friends. It’s always thought-provoking. That’s why I come.

The Rev. John Galbraith (Camp Medley director): Connecting with people is number one. It’s always interesting. I always come a little apprehensive — do I have time for this? —  but it’s always good to be together.

Kurt Schmidt (Director of Young Adult Formation in the Diocese): Connecting and reconnecting is really wonderful. As one of a small number of non-clergy, I really appreciate the welcome. I certainly feel warmly welcomed and included.

In our first two sessions, I found Harry put a lot of thought into them. He’s sensitive to the various contexts people come with. He has an enthusiastic style. 

I wonder if ‘Clergy Conference’ is the most accurate name at this point. It’s lovely to have all the postulants here. 

The Rev. Bruce Glencross (honorary assistant, Parish of Kent): What I like is getting completely away from the regular, from parish life, and being fed spiritually (and physically).

The Rev. Mike Caines (Parish of the Nerepis & St John): For me it’s the fellowship and reconnecting with colleagues and friends, and getting fed spiritually.

The Rev. David Turner (Parish of Hampton): I’m the only paid pastor in my congregation so it can be a little isolating at times. But when I come here, I get a stronger send of us all pulling together.

The Rev. Maria Shepherdson (Parishes of Richmond and Woodstock): The best bit is a chance to connect with colleagues. This is my second one and I really feel I’m getting to know people, given I don’t see very many of them. I like the mutual support and getting to hear everyone’s stories, even stories of struggling. 

The opportunity to worship together is important, and it’s important to me that those worship experiences aren’t rushed, that there is a sense of room for the Spirit. 

And the best thing is having a clergy support dog! NOTE: She is referring to the Rev. Mary Anne Langmaid’s new dog, Guppy, who was in attendance.

The Rev. Mary Anne Langmaid (Parish of St. George): I love Clergy Conference. I look forward to it every year. The coming together with our peers, the sharing — you feel you’re not alone out there. I love the speakers. I always take lots back to share with my parish.

The Rev. Canon Chris Hayes (Parish of Salisbury & Havelock): I like the fact that it’s putting us all together to have things happen, like ideas shared, good news told. A random phrase can trigger an idea. Through all this, it helps everyone realize no parish is alone.

The Rev. Harold Boomer (Parishes of Andover and Denmark): I just love the fellowship and companionship that takes place. Because we’re so spread out, there’s people here I only see once a year. It provides a learning environment that a lot of us haven’t seen since school.

The Rev. Caleb Twinamatsiko (Parish of Pennfield): I like getting together with one another and sharing our experiences from our parishes and encouraging one another. It’s refreshing, especially to know that what we’re going through is almost the same throughout the diocese. It gives me a sense of hope and encouragement.

It’s just once a year, but it’s re-energizing. You not only benefit from the teaching by the special guests, but also the time we spend together, sharing our gifts and talents — and laughing. 

The Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner, guest speaker: Because I’m new, I’m enjoying getting to know and understand the diocese. I am enjoying the individual stories. A conference like this reminds us we’re not alone. There is a great sense of encouragement. 

Photo captions:
1.  Clergy and others gathered last week for the annual Clergy Conference at Villa Madonna in Rothesay.
2.  The Rev. David Peer was given a retirement send-off at Clergy Conference. His role the past few years has been as the bishop's executive officer.
3.  The Rev. Mary Anne Langmaid and the Rev. Maria Shepherdson enjoy some time for conversation.
4.  The Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner was the special guest at Clergy Conference.
McKnight photos