Pastors' Spouses' Conference
"Journey of Joy"
November 6-8, 2012
Miami, FL
The next SPE Pastors’ Spouses’ Conference will be held November 6-8, 2012 at the Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel in Miami, FL. The theme of the event is “Journey of Joy” – no matter where we find ourselves in our journey, we can experience joy and fulfillment in God, and in others.
Highlights of the event include:
- Outings to Miami Beach and the Florida Everglades (participants may choose one)
- A variety of workshops including:
- Worship Jam Session
- Depression in the Christian Life
- Painting
- "Food" for the Journey
- Fitness
- Living Well
- Teambuilding 101
- Life on a Pastor's Salary
- The Ancient Art of Quilling
- Worship and fellowship with over 100 pastors' spouses
- Time to relax, reflect, and be refreshed
Plenary sessions will be led by Jerry and Renee Ritskes from Focus on the Family. As a couple, they have a unique perspective on both the astounding blessings and baffling challenges facing pastors and their families. Together they direct retreats for those in ministry. Jerry and Renee desire to use their gifts of hospitality, compassion, and teaching (and their great sense of humor) to create a safe and open retreat experience for those who minister to God’s flock.
Conference brochures (containing registration forms) will be mailed out in May, at which time registration will begin. Note that no early registrations will be accepted. The cost to attend is $75 (US or Can), and covers two nights at the hotel and all meals (beginning with supper on Tuesday, Nov. 6 and ending with lunch on Thursday, Nov.8). Travel scholarships will be available for those traveling a considerable distance to the event (covering up to half of travel expenses).
For more information, please contact Holly Koons in the SPE office at hkoons@crcna.org or toll-free (877) 279-9994 x4267.
"Come to the Living Water"
April 21-23, 2010
Vancouver, BC
The 2010 SPE Pastors' Spouses' Conference was held at the Empire Landmark Hotel & Conference Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. The theme for the conference was “Living Water” – creating an oasis of renewal and encouragement wherever spouses are in their journey. Altogether 103 spouses enjoyed a special time of refreshment, worship, and fellowship. Highlights of the event included:
- Plenary presentations by Mary Hulst, a CRC-ordained pastor and Chaplain of Calvin College
- Fun workshops including beading, card-making, and dancing
- Informative workshops on such topics as marriage and ministry, deadling with difficult people, and how to simplify your life
- A "free night" to get out and explore the sights, shops, and attractions of beautiful Vancouver
- Lots of food, fun, and fellowship!
When asked what the best part of the conference was, one spouse said, “The information and fellowship were really refreshing. I do feel as though the river of God poured over me during these three days.” Another spouse said, “What a great time to connect with these women – to share struggles and joys in ministry. There is no other place like this!”
Want to hear more from spouses who attended? Click here to see what they had to say.
"For the Many Hats You Wear"
September 30 - October 2, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI
In the fall of 2008, 91 pastors' spouses gathered for a time of encouragement and renewal as we celebrated the "Many Hats" worn by pastors' spouses - the unique roles and responsibilities they balance in their marriage, family and ministry.