WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Session # 1 – 11:15am
What Would Jesus Say to a Muslim?
Serenity Coffee House
Charles Hermelink – Mission Canada
This session will look at the importance of knowing and understanding our Muslim neighbours. How do we overcome
challenges of culture and religion to authentically share the good news of Jesus?
Empire and Shalom: The Church as NGO
Main Hall
Kevin Rogers – New Song Church
How do faith-based agencies and churches differentiate between the ways of Empire and the Kingdom of God? How do
we view power, money and responsible citizenship as non-government organizations?
The Church Social Worker
Upper Room
Natalie Gray
Natalie works for Parkwood Gospel Church and Parkwood Outreach Centre as a social worker. In this hybrid practice of
social work and spiritual formation there are unique opportunities to strengthen community members.
Session # 2 – 1:30pm
Helping People With Disabilities
Serenity Coffee House
Keith Dow
Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons) is an international agency supporting individuals and families living
with disabilities. This session will focus on the practical aspects of developing relationships, communication and the dignity of
each individual.
Growing Past Your Trauma Focus
Main Hall
Maury Blair
Maury will share key insights that helped him to grow in forgiveness, boundaries and communication. Although he was
severely traumatized in childhood and youth, he learned new ways to overcome obstacles and live with joy.
Supporting Women as They Navigate Pregnancy and Parenting
Upper Room
Preethi Amolik – Melo Clinic and Pregnancy Centre
Parenting journeys involve pregnancy decisions, prenatal & postpartum health of the mom and baby and in some
cases, even grief of the loss of a pregnancy or an infant. Unplanned pregnancies can often feel like crises.
Supporting women or couples navigating unplanned or planned pregnancies can feel confusing. This workshop
will focus on the practical ways in which Christian individuals and community agencies can walk alongside
women and couples faced with pregnancy and parenting challenges.
Session # 3 – 2:45pm
Theological Foundations For Urban Ministry
Serenity Coffee House
Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth is the director of Urban Cry School of Mission, a two-year ministry apprenticeship program at New Song Church. In
this session she will talk about the importance of good theology in the work of helping people.
The Beginning of Change: Tools of Recovery for Street Outreach
Main Hall
PANEL DISCUSSION with Robert Sandwith, Greg Poloz, and Mary Fehr
The outreach and recovery team from Leamington Community Hope Centre will share experiences and insights on helping
street-affiliated people turn the corner and enter into recovery from trauma and addictions.
Grant Writing For New Ventures
Upper Room
Bob Cameron
As Director of Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative, Bob has successfully acquired several grants for their
community development projects. This practical session will look at best practices in grant writing and how to navigate as a
faith-based agency or church seeking funding.