LeaderShift’s Rural Ministry Conference 2026 took place last weekend, with beautiful fall weather and amazing hospitality from Knox United Church Three Hills and St. Paul’s United Church, Trochu, AB. Attendees came from across Alberta as well as BC and Saskatchewan.
Beginning Friday through Saturday, we were enriched by the encouraging and insightful words of theme speaker Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith, a United Church minister continuing her vocation as an expert in spiritual practices and rural ministry in her retirement. We’re sharing her three keynotes on our website. You’ll also want to check out her Hem of the Light website with resources.
People also participated in workshops ranging from leading worship, being Treaty people, using data to support ministry, stewardship, spiritual care, discipleship, the Alberta Referendum and understanding Gen Alpha!
Attendees enjoyed fellowship over meals and through music and worship. The choirs of the Trochu and Three Hills United Churches led the music along with Barbara Lynn Goodwin and Dave Goodwin, Stettler, AB. The congregations also organized for participants to tour local sites including Dry Island Buffalo Jump and the Trochu Arboretum.
Three Keynotes to Inspire Your Ministry
- The First Keynote from Rev. Catherine Smith begins at minute 57. Land Acknowledgement, Welcome and Worship begin at minute 19.
2. The Second Keynote from Rev. Catherine Smith begins at minute 40. It’s preceded by worship led by Rev. Dr. Karen Medland, Rev. Scott Reynolds and Rev. Michelle Slater.
3. The Third and Final Keynote begins at Minute 12 with Rev. Dr. Catherine Smith leading a body prayer.