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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260325T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260303T225129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T184612Z
UID:25145-1774467000-1774472400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Based Senior's Ministries
DESCRIPTION:Intentional ministry by\, with\, and for older adults should include specific ministry in each of these areas: \n\n\nSpirituality\n\n\nEnrichment\n\n\nNutrition\n\n\nIntergeneration\n\n\nOutreach\n\n\nRecreation\n\n\nService\n\n\nDoes your church offer opportunities for spiritual growth for seniors? Do your seniors engage in meaningful service? Is your church’s seniors’ ministry primarily concerned with organizing social and recreational events for seniors? And what about you\, as senior: are you active in your church\, do you seek to be?\nJoin us for our third webinar \nWednesday\, March 25\, 2026\,\n7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (ET):\n“A Comprehensive Model for Church-Based Seniors’ Ministries (Part 1)”
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-based-seniors-ministries/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260311T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260311T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260218T010345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T010345Z
UID:25126-1773259200-1773264600@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Music with Frank Ezinga Part 4: Culture and Music
DESCRIPTION:Final evening of the course: Music with Frank Ezinga Part 4; Culture and Music \nThe course is helpful for any church member\, as knowledge of music is not required. The course provides a framework for music within the church and Christian life. The course will not address specific musical instruments\, accompaniment\, requirements for accompanists\, worship songs\, etc.\, but it will provide a context that participants can apply to these topics. Music discussions often focus on the “what” and “how” without addressing the “why.” The course will unpack the “why” as a context for the “what” and “how.” The topics will provide a foundation for a church music discussion\, where the practical outcome for a particular denomination or even a local congregation may differ. \nThe course format will be a lecture (3/4) followed by a class discussion (1/4). A PDF handout will be provided in advance. I will use PowerPoint and supporting media\, such as images or video fragments. \n 
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/music-with-frank-ezinga-part-4-culture-and-music/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260225T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260218T010043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T010043Z
UID:25124-1772049600-1772055000@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Music with Frank Ezinga Part 3: Function and Music
DESCRIPTION:Evening 3 of the course: Music with Frank Ezinga; Function and Music \nThe course is helpful for any church member\, as knowledge of music is not required. The course provides a framework for music within the church and Christian life. The course will not address specific musical instruments\, accompaniment\, requirements for accompanists\, worship songs\, etc.\, but it will provide a context that participants can apply to these topics. Music discussions often focus on the “what” and “how” without addressing the “why.” The course will unpack the “why” as a context for the “what” and “how.” The topics will provide a foundation for a church music discussion\, where the practical outcome for a particular denomination or even a local congregation may differ. \nThe course format will be a lecture (3/4) followed by a class discussion (1/4). A PDF handout will be provided in advance. I will use PowerPoint and supporting media\, such as images or video fragments. \n 
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/music-with-frank-ezinga-part-3-function-and-music/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260218T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260306T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260218T005753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T005753Z
UID:25122-1771444800-1772832600@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Music with Frank Ezinga (part 2)
DESCRIPTION:Part 2 of the course Music with Frank Ezinga: Part 2 – Worship and Music \nThe course is helpful for any church member\, as knowledge of music is not required. The course provides a framework for music within the church and Christian life. The course will not address specific musical instruments\, accompaniment\, requirements for accompanists\, worship songs\, etc.\, but it will provide a context that participants can apply to these topics. Music discussions often focus on the “what” and “how” without addressing the “why.” The course will unpack the “why” as a context for the “what” and “how.” The topics will provide a foundation for a church music discussion\, where the practical outcome for a particular denomination or even a local congregation may differ. \nThe course format will be a lecture (3/4) followed by a class discussion (1/4). A PDF handout will be provided in advance. I will use PowerPoint and supporting media\, such as images or video fragments.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/music-with-frank-ezinga-part-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260214T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260214T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260204T040417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T040417Z
UID:25118-1771061400-1771070400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Intergenerational Church and Confronting Ageism
DESCRIPTION:Join the ElderCare Network for a webinar discussing how churches can bridge generational divides and challenge ageism in Canadian congregational life. The landscape of what has been happening in many churches will be discussed. Moreover\, we will take a look at a model of churches that are intergenerationally integrated\, and explore what the impact of ageism has on a lot of churches. There will be ample time for discussion.  Come and discover practical ways to strengthen intergenerational relationships and affirm the dignity and spiritual vitality of older adults.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/intergenerational-church-and-confronting-ageism/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260211T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20251210T030341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T023859Z
UID:25053-1770840000-1770845400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Music with Frank Ezinga
DESCRIPTION:The course format will be a lecture (3/4) followed by a class discussion (1/4). A PDF handout will be provided in advance. I will use PowerPoint and supporting media\, such as images or video fragments. \n  \nThe course is helpful for any church member\, as knowledge of music is not required. The course provides a framework for music within the church and Christian life. The course will not address specific musical instruments\, accompaniment\, requirements for accompanists\, worship songs\, etc.\, but it will provide a context that participants can apply to these topics. Music discussions often focus on the “what” and “how” without addressing the “why.” The course will unpack the “why” as a context for the “what” and “how.” The topics will provide a foundation for a church music discussion\, where the practical outcome for a particular denomination or even a local congregation may differ.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/music-with-frank-ezinga/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260110T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260110T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20260101T023326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260101T023326Z
UID:25073-1768041000-1768046400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Practical and Personal Resources for Caregivers
DESCRIPTION:Around 25% of Canadians are caring for aging parents or relatives. Many of the caregivers struggle with this enormous task. They wish that someone could help them to find resources that are helpful to their situation or that someone could coach them in the steps that could help them. The Word and Spirit Institute together with the Caregivers Network has invited an experienced professional in the caregiving field!  Come to the webinar on Saturday January 10\, 2026 from 10:30 to Noon (ET). There will be lots of opportunity to interact\, ask questions and discuss with others in this webinar in caregiving. Resources and tips will be shared. You will also hear testimonies of lived experiences of caregiving.\nTo register\, follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q2gd6sIERIqz-FdvaI3d3g. You will be sent the Zoom link after registration and close to the date of the webinar.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/practical-and-personal-resources-for-caregivers/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251115T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251115T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20250829T024741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T024741Z
UID:24978-1763195400-1763209800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Spiritual Needs and Pastoral Care for Caregivers
DESCRIPTION:One in four Canadians is a caregiver and one in two will become one at some point in their lives. Caregivers\, experience unique challenges and are often overwhelmed with the enormity of the task. Various ways of how the church can support\, what church leaders and lay-helpers need to know\, and what caregivers can do to help and support themselves and their loved ones. Resources will be shared and you will hear from others what has worked for them and what doesn’t.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/spiritual-needs-and-pastoral-care-for-caregivers/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251011T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251011T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20250829T023756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T023756Z
UID:24976-1760178600-1760185800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:The Trinity - Through the Lens of the Council of Nicaea -
DESCRIPTION:This year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and the formulation of the Nicene Creed.  In light of this\, Raoul Kingma presents a course on the Trinity through the Word and Spirit Institute.\nClasses will be on 3 or 4 consecutive Saturdays (10:30 – 12:30 EST) starting Oct. 11\, 2025.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/the-trinity-through-the-lens-of-the-council-of-nicaea/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:Seminars
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250621T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250621T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20250426T021407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T012720Z
UID:24772-1750496400-1750516200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:AGING WELL - a free online conference
DESCRIPTION:The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…planted in the house of the LORD\,\nthey will flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they will still bear fruit;\nhealthy and green they will remain\, to proclaim\,\n“The LORD is upright; He is my Rock\, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”\nPsalm 92:12-15 (NIV)\nThis free on-line conference is for the whole church\, as we are called to take the entire gospel—in deed and in word—to the whole world\, starting locally in our churches and in our neighbourhoods and bringing it to the world around us near and far. What does that mean? Come and learn about Existing church programs for the aging\, Future plans and ideas\, The needs in the surrounding community\, Available resources and opportunities for inside and outside the church and Global and local awareness of issues around aging (Cantonese sessions) \nCONFERENCE SCHEDULE:\nDATE: JUNE 21\, 2025\n9:00 – 9:15 Welcome and opening with song and prayer (Sharon Leung)\n9:15 – 9:35 Devotional: “Aging Well: Biblical Guidance” (Dr. Tom McCormick)\n9:40 – 10:50 Workshop Session A\nBreakout Room A1: Church Based Programs\nBreakout Room A2: Community Outreach – Missional Dimension\nBreakout Room A3: 全球老齡化意識 Global Awareness on Aging (Cantonese Session): \nBreakout Room A4:  本地教會對老齡化的意識 Local Church Awareness (Cantonese session):\n10:50 – 11:05 Break\n11:05 – 11:15 Interviews/testimonials\n11:15 – 11:45 Keynote: “Aging Well: Next Steps” (Dr. Tom McCormick)\n11:45 – 12:30 Lunch Break\n12:30 – 12:40 Interviews/Testimonials\n12:45 –   1:55  Workshop Session B: \n\nTo offer everyone a chance to attend both sessions in English or Cantonese\, the afternoon workshops are similar and have the same topics as the morning workshops. You will automatically directed to the alternate workshop in your chosen language. If you can only attend one session (morning or afternoon)\, you will be asked to choose a session on the registration form.\n\nBreakout Room B1: Church Based Programs\nBreakout Room B2: Community Outreach – Missional Dimension\nBreakout Room B3: 全球老齡化意識 Global Awareness on Aging (Cantonese Session): \nBreakout Room B4:  本地教會對老齡化的意識 Local Church Awareness (Cantonese session):\n  2:00 –  2:30 Q&A\, Panel Discussion and Closing\nINTERESTED? \nPlease follow the link below to fill out a registration form. \nLINK: REGISTRATION FORM
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/24772/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20250111T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20250111T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20241114T013223Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241114T013223Z
UID:24701-1736607600-1736614800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:That None Should Perish: A Course in Ecclesiastical Discipline - Register by January 4\, 2025!
DESCRIPTION:That None Should Perish: A Course in Ecclesiastical Discipline – Register by January 4\, 2025! \n\nPresented by Pastor John van Eyk (Trinity URC Lethbridge)\n\nWord and Spirit Institute is offering the next course in Church Leadership. There will be 4 biweekly sessions of two hours each on January 11\, 2025\, January 25\, 2025\, February 8\, 2025\, February 22\, 2025 . This is a ZOOM presentation across the continent\, therefore the start time is 3:00pm EST.\n\nThe course is open to anyone for a fee of $100.00.\n\nVisit https://www.wsinstitute.ca/church-discipline/ or contact wsinstitute@outlook.com for details.\n\nWe know what the Reformed tradition has said about the three marks of the Church: the pure gospel must be preached\, the pure administration of the sacraments must be made use of\, and church discipline for correcting faults must be practiced (Belgic Confession\, Article 28). Of the three\, we are probably weakest in practicing church discipline. We might be tempted to take solace in thinking that ‘two out three ain’t bad’ but we know that won’t do. We dare not neglect any gift of the ascended Head of the Church. Even if we are eager to accept this gift and use it in Christ’s church there are a host of difficulties that confront us. There are many ways to make mistakes while using this important key of the kingdom. In this course we will be looking at what the Scriptures say about ecclesiastical discipline so that we might confidently practice it while carefully avoiding some of the ways in which we get it wrong. We will also be looking at Reformed Church Orders to see the guidelines our fathers in the faith offered to enable the under shepherds to work out the biblical teaching in the nitty gritty of ecclesiastical life with the persistent challenges that living in a sinful world throws up to us.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/that-none-should-perish-a-course-in-ecclesiastical-discipline-register-by-january-4-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20241130T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20241130T123000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20241030T214327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241122T011338Z
UID:24677-1732957200-1732969800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:ONLINE ZOOM CONFERENCE: CARE AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES
DESCRIPTION:CARE AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES\nEveryone is aging\, However\, at a certain time in our lives\, we may start struggling with aging. Are you or your parents struggling with aging? Or are you a caregiver helping a loved one at home or in a care home? When people age\, a lot of things may change physically as well as in a material sense and also mentally people change when aging. The Word and Spirit Institute\, together with Connecting Streams\, is organizing an interactive ZOOM conference with the aim to discuss issues around care and support for caregivers and their loved ones. \nConference: 9:00 am till 12:30 pm (Zoom call will be open at 8:45 am) \n9-9:30 Welcome/Worship/Devotional \n9:30-10:45 Caregiver testimonies with q/a and interactive discussions \nBREAK \n11:00 – 11:30 Session 2: Care And Support For Caregivers-Dr. Tom McCormick  \n11:30-11:45  Christian Caregivers Network (support options for caregivers) \n11:50-12:30 Panel Discussion: What is good\, what can improve\, how do we get there?  Where do we go from here?
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/one-day-conference-caregivers-our-aging-loved-ones-and-pastoral-care/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240306T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240306T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20231216T025145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231216T025408Z
UID:24622-1709751600-1709758800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Module 4: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
DESCRIPTION:Course dates for the 2024 session of the course\nThe course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate\, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.\n\n\nPart 1: Wednesday January 24\,   2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 2: Wednesday February  7\,  2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 3: Wednesday February 21\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 4: Wednesday March 6\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nCOURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER\, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS\n(for instance: January 24\, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31\, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)\nThe course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders\, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation\, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.\nLecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me\, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”\nThe third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders.\nLecture 4 applies the framework to those placed in our care.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/module-4-tending-the-sheep-home-visitation-and-beyond-called-to-care-for-gods-flock/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240221T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20231216T024806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231216T025440Z
UID:24620-1708542000-1708549200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Module 3: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
DESCRIPTION:Course dates for the 2024 session of the course\nThe course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate\, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.\n\n\nPart 1: Wednesday January 24\,   2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 2: Wednesday February  7\,  2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 3: Wednesday February 21\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 4: Wednesday March 6\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nCOURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER\, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS\n(for instance: January 24\, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31\, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)\nThe course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders\, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation\, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.\nLecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me\, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”\nThe third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders and the fourth lecture applies the framework to those placed in our care.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/module-3-tending-the-sheep-home-visitation-and-beyond-called-to-care-for-gods-flock/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240207T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20231216T024409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231216T025503Z
UID:24618-1707332400-1707339600@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Module 2: Tending the Sheep Home visitation and Beyond; Called to Care for God’s Flock
DESCRIPTION:Course dates for the 2024 session of the course\nThe course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate\, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.\n\n\nPart 1: Wednesday January 24\,   2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 2: Wednesday February  7\,  2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 3: Wednesday February 21\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 4: Wednesday March 6\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nCOURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER\, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS\n(for instance: January 24\, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31\, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)\nThe course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders\, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation\, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.\nLecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me\, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”\nThe third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders and the fourth lecture applies the framework to those placed in our care.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/module-2-tending-the-sheep-home-visitation-and-beyond-called-to-care-for-gods-flock/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20240124T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20240124T230000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210224T024829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231216T025534Z
UID:24113-1706130000-1706137200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Module 1 "Home-visits and visits in the congregation": Tending the flock
DESCRIPTION:Course dates for the 2024 session of the course\nThe course Home Visitation/Visiting Members of the Congregation was held in September 2021 and in February 2022. Many liked the course and recommended it to others; others were disappointed that they had not heard about the course or were too late to register. Therefore the course will be taught again in the winter of 2024. The course will be taught in 4 separate\, consecutive online webinar sessions with people all over Canada in mind.\n\n\nPart 1: Wednesday January 24\,   2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 2: Wednesday February  7\,  2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 3: Wednesday February 21\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nPart 4: Wednesday March 6\, 2024 9 – 11 PM EST  for ON; 8-10 PM CST for MB\, SK\, 7 – 9 PM MST  for AB; 6-8 PM PST for BC\n\n\nCOURSE DATES ARE SOMEWHAT DEPENDENT ON THE TIME COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO SLIGHT CHANGE; IF MANY PARTICIPANTS REGISTER\, THE COURSE CAN BE TAUGHT IN 2 SESSIONS\n(for instance: January 24\, 2024 8-10 EST for ON; 7-9 CST for MB and January 31\, 2024 8-10 MST for AB; 7-9 PST for BC etc)\nThe course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and by Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. With these passages as background and foundation for the work of elders\, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward and congregation\, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.\nLecture 2 will look at an outline hinted at by Eugene Peterson in his book Reversed Thunder and then fleshed out by me\, using the framework of “I know you; I encourage you; I admonish you; I have hope for you.”  The third lecture works to apply this framework to the lives of elders and the fourth lecture applies the framework to those placed in our care.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/certificate-course-in-church-leadership-module-1-church-leadership-training-theology-of-church-leadership/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20231104T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20231104T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20231014T183337Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231014T185608Z
UID:24560-1699092000-1699108200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:One-Day Conference - Caring for our Aging Neighbours
DESCRIPTION:The Word and Spirit Institute together with the Home Mission Committee of Redemption Church Flamborough is organizing a One-Day Conference titled: \n“Caring for our Aging Neighbours”.\nThe majority of residents in senior residences receive less than 1 visitor per month. These people often lost their hope in life and in death. Churches are called to care for the vulnerable and could play an important role in fulfilling the need of the aging population. Are you willing to help by organizing worship and visits to the homes?\nPlease join us for the conference on Saturday November 4\, 2023 from 10 am – 2:30 pm (doors open 9:30 am).\nPre-registration: $20 ($35 for couples\, $15 for students/seniors) Walk-ins $25. \nTo register\, please fill out the form HERE AND e-transfer your registration fee using wsinstitute@outlook.com\nLive-stream option $10 (including manual) for those who are unable to attend in person due to distance. Please email us at wsinstitute.ca for more information and how to access the live-stream.\nClick HERE for directions to Redemption Church
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/one-day-conference-caring-for-our-aging-neighbours/
LOCATION:Redemption Church Flamborough\, 823 Safari Rd\, Millgrove\, Ontario\, L8B 1S4\, Canada
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230419T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230419T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20230112T180310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230117T034053Z
UID:24504-1681930800-1681938000@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Polity Part 4: Liturgy and Discipline
DESCRIPTION:Church Polity 101\n– An Introduction to Reformed Church Polity –\nPart 4 of 4: Liturgy and Discipline\nIn this session the third and fourth sections of the Church Order will be covered. (Since the Word and Spirit Institute has plans to develop  a separate course on church discipline\, this session will only briefly deal with church discipline.) Topics that will be reviewed in this session are: worship (e.g. regulations pertaining to worship services)\, growing and persevering in faith (baptism\, catechizing\, profession of faith\, Lord’s Supper)\, and discipline (concentrating on discipline of office bearers).\nThis is the last and final class of the Church Polity 101 course. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-polity-part-4-liturgy-and-discipline/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230405T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230405T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20230112T175104Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230117T033935Z
UID:24502-1680721200-1680728400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Polity 101: Part 3 The Assemblies
DESCRIPTION:Church Polity 101\n– An Introduction to Church Polity –\nPart 3 of 4: The Assemblies\nThis session covers the second section of the Church Order. Several topics will be reviewed such as: the assemblies in general (e.g. use of Robert’s Rules of Order)\, the local assemblies (consistory\, council\, deaconry)\, the regional assemblies (classis\, regional synod)\, and federational matters (general synod\, inter-church relationships including NAPARC and ICRC).\nThis is the part 3 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The last and final session of the course will be taught on  April 19\, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-polity-101-part-3-the-assemblies/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230301T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230301T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20230112T174304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230117T035430Z
UID:24500-1677697200-1677704400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Polity 101 Part 2: The Offices
DESCRIPTION:Church Polity 101\n– An Introduction to Reformed Church Government –\nPart 2 of 4: The Offices\nIn this session most of the first section of the Church Order will be covered. Some of the topics reviewed are: the calling to the office\, a Biblical way of how the offices of minister\, elder\, and deacon are exercised\, and what the relationship between the offices is.\nThis is the part 2 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The 3rd and 4th sessions of the course will be taught on April 5 and April 19\, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.\nIf you missed the first session and still want to register\, please contact the Word and Spirit Institute by emailing wsinstitute@outlook.com
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-polity-101-part-2-the-offices/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20230215T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20230215T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20230112T173311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230117T035543Z
UID:24494-1676487600-1676494800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Polity 101 Part 1: Orientation
DESCRIPTION:Church Polity 101 \n– An Introduction to Reformed Church Government – \nPart 1 of 4: Orientation\nIn this orientation session topics will be discussed such as how the church order has been derived from Scripture\, a brief history of the Reformed Church polity\, how church law can be read and applied and the hermeneutics behind this church polity\, the character of Dort Polity as well as resources for the practice of Reformed polity.\nThis is the part 1 of four classes of the Church Polity 101 course. The other sessions of the course will be taught on March 1\, April 5 and April 19\, 2023. Registration fee for all four sessions is $100.\nTo register for the course\, please fill out the registration form and email it to wsinstitute@outlook.com
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-polity-101-part-1-orientation/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221122T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221122T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20220330T022518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221021T032155Z
UID:24301-1669147200-1669154400@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Liturgy Class 4 Music in Worship and Other Special Topics
DESCRIPTION:In part 4 of the course\, we will take a closer look at principles for selecting music that is suitable for worship as well as debates regarding psalm-singing and things to consider in the selection of an order of worship. Time-permitting\, other select topics may be addressed (to be determined). \n 
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-liturgy-part-4/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221115T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221115T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20220330T022322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221021T032056Z
UID:24299-1668542400-1668549600@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Liturgy Class 3 The Order of Worship (continued)
DESCRIPTION:Part 3 of the course is a continuation of part 2. We will compare different orders of worship used in Reformed churches. This consists of an examination of the different elements of a worship service\, such as the call to worship\, the use of the 10 commandments\, congregational participation\, the place of sacraments\, etc. \n 
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-liturgy-part-3/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221108T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20220330T022140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221021T031754Z
UID:24297-1667937600-1667944800@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Liturgy Class 2 Biblical Foundations and the Order of Worship
DESCRIPTION:In part 2 of the course\, the regulative principle of worship as formulated in the Reformed confessions will be considered. Included in this\, is an overview of how Christian churches use the Bible to govern their worship\, and how the Biblical teaching is used to determine the content and order of worship. \n 
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-liturgy-part-2/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20221101T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20221101T220000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20220330T021948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221021T031853Z
UID:24292-1667332800-1667340000@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:Church Liturgy Class 1 Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship
DESCRIPTION:In this part of the course\, a general consideration of the centrality of worship in the Christian life will be discussed. This includes\, an overview of whom\, why\, when\, where\, and how we worship.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/liturgy-course-part-1/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20211120T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20211120T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210810T143610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210810T143610Z
UID:24244-1637402400-1637413200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING COURSE 7: Cultural Concerns\, Global Aging\, Religious Diversity & Gender
DESCRIPTION:Many are saying: “Global aging is a defining phenomenon of the 21st century”.  It certainly is a major global trend.  The GTA is a microcosm of the world.  We live in a multicultural and multi-religious region.  The challenge for us\, therefore\, is both local and global\, and it will only increase.  The World Health Organization forecasts the elderly population (over 60 years of age) to grow from an estimated 680 million people in 2011 to 2 billion by 2050 with those over 60 outnumbering those under 15.  This historically unprecedented situation is already impacting all dimensions of life\, including the economic\, social\, and political spheres. This course aims to help prepare us to exercise what the Bible calls “true religion” (Ja 1:27)\, honouring the aged amongst us as we honour our parents (Ex 20; Lev 19:32; Mat 15; Eph 6; 1 Tim 5).  Honour\, understood biblically\, is holistic and integrated\, just as human beings are holistically integrated with their histories\, cultures\, languages\, families\, religions\, and personal life stages.  To engage positively and wisely we must acknowledge these real differences in our neighbourhoods and institutions of care and learn to express our care with understanding and respect.  We will look together at some of the barriers and opportunities for more sensitive\, compassionate\, and fruitful ministries of care.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging-course-7-cultural-concerns-global-aging-religious-diversity-gender/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20211016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20211016T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210810T143202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210810T143202Z
UID:24242-1634378400-1634389200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING – COURSE 6; Reaching out: The Church and the Community; Families and Caregivers for Seniors
DESCRIPTION:In this course\, we will discuss opportunities to serve with the aging living in our own neighborhoods and throughout our communities. Over 90% of the elderly live in their own homes or with their own families; 2/3 of those over 85 live in their own homes or with family. 85% of those with dementia live in the community and not in institutions. Further\, loneliness among seniors in Canada is recognized as “an epidemic”: 1.4 million Canadians report feeling lonely. COVID has increased this number. 80% of the seniors ages 80 years and over say that they feel lonely up to 80% of the time. This course provides and overview of this situation\, a profile of those in our communities\, ans considers how we might respond.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging-course-6-reaching-out-the-church-and-the-community-families-and-caregivers-for-seniors/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20210918T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20210918T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210810T144601Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210810T144601Z
UID:24246-1631962800-1631970000@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:CHURCH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM course 2: Home visitation: Tending the Sheep - Called to Care for God’s Flock
DESCRIPTION:This course is a second of the 8 modules dealing with leadership in the church and does build on the previous course\, A Theology of Church Leadership (however participation in course 1 is not required in order to attend course 2). The course gives further insights into leadership and more specifically\, the task of caring for those in our wards.  This course is designed to be practical\, so that you can take the elements that you learn and apply them to the situations that you are in at the moment. \nThe course will begin with an in depth look at the qualifications of the elder as put forward by Peter in 1 Peter 5 and Paul in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  With these passages as background and foundation for the work of an elder\, the next three lectures will flesh out a model of caring for those in our ward\, based on the structure of our Lord’s letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/church-leadership-program-course-2-home-visitation-tending-the-sheep-called-to-care-for-gods-flock/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20210911T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20210911T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210224T020107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210810T145357Z
UID:24110-1631354400-1631365200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING - COURSE 5 Reaching out: Institutional Settings: Families and Caregivers for Seniors
DESCRIPTION:Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 5 – part 1 – Institutional Settings: Families and Caregivers of Seniors\nIn this course opportunities to serve the aging already abound\, including the frailest elderly living in institutions\, either Long Term Care or Retirement Homes\, will be discussed. Most likely these opportunities will only increase in the coming years.  Presently\, more than 50% of the residents of LTC homes are 85+ with more than ⅓ of all Canadians 85+ living in such homes.   Further\, those 85+ are the fastest growing segment of the senior population with the most rapid increases in the number and proportion of persons 85+ to occur between 2030 and 2050\, when the baby boomer cohort reaches 85+.   Those 85+ will almost equal those under 20 sometime in the 2030s.  This course provides an overview of these institutions\, the profile of the residents\, and considers how we might respond.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging-course-5-debriefing-session-reaching-out-institutional-settings-families-and-caregivers-for-seniors/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20210807T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20210807T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T194259
CREATED:20210224T015803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210224T020348Z
UID:24108-1628330400-1628341200@www.wsinstitute.ca
SUMMARY:CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN MINISTRY FOR THE AGING - COURSE 4 DEBRIEFING SESSION Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)
DESCRIPTION:Certificate program in MINISTRY FOR THE AGING: Course 4– Debriefing Session– Principles and Practices of Spiritual Care for Seniors (II)\nIn this debriefing session on August 7\, 2021\, students will discuss and share their reading\, research and practicum experiences in an in-class discussion.
URL:https://www.wsinstitute.ca/event/certificate-program-in-ministry-for-the-aging-course-4-debriefing-session-principles-and-practices-of-spiritual-care-for-seniors-ii/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR