Originally started by the Northeastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we have expanded in recent years. As a result, secretaries, administrative assistants, and office support personnel from every denomination are welcome. The topics covered vary each year, and are designed to be a mix of useful, on-the-job programs and personal growth. We do our best to schedule sessions that are relevant to education and self-care in our positions. We strongly encourage congregations and agencies of any church to provide this event as continuing education for their support staff.
This year’s theme is “Caring for You and Me in 2023”. There will be two sessions on Tuesday: Representatives from a local Police Department will present "Safeguarding God’s Servants”. We’ll learn how to safeguard our space and ourselves among a variety of other safety practices. Tuesday afternoon’s session is entitled “What’s on your Mind?” where we’ll hold an open forum to discuss what’s happening in our workspaces and how we can uplift and empower each other.
Following the afternoon session, you will have time to pick up your room key and for free time. You might want to enjoy the amenities that the hotel has to offer, or there are so many wonderful things to do in the area: outlet shopping, tours, sightseeing, just to name a few. We will gather in the Sherwood ballroom at 6:15 p.m. for devotions and then enjoy a dinner buffet in the Chapter House/Sherwood Room. At 7:45 p.m. we will meet in the Sherwood Room for a fun activity TBA, or you may enjoy free time.
Wednesday will begin with a breakfast buffet at the Loxley’s Restaurant (please enjoy breakfast at your leisure) which opens at 7:00 a.m., followed by devotions with Holy Communion at 8:45 a.m., led by our Spiritual Advisor, Deacon Diana Pelletier. Following that, Deacon Diana will present: “Creating a True Welcome for All”, where we will discuss how to make all feel welcome in our office space, church, and beyond.
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For individuals arriving on Monday evening, Loxley’s Restaurant breakfast buffet service begins at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday.
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For individuals arriving on Tuesday morning, a light continental breakfast will be available in the Sherwood Ballroom.
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Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. followed by a full day of sessions interspersed with devotions, meals, and free time.
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Wednesday will begin with breakfast in the Loxley’s restaurant, then devotions with Holy Communion, followed by another informative session held in the Sherwood Ballroom.
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The seminar will conclude following lunch on Wednesday.
To help offset cost increases, we will again have a basket raffle. If you would like todonate a basket for the raffle, please indicate this on the registration form.
The enclosed registration form, along with your payment, must be received by July 21, to receive the early registration discount. Please make checks payable to Parish Secretaries’ Seminar. Send your completed form and payment to: Robin Heckman, 223 Montgomery Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Registrations will not be accepted after August 11.
We are limited to seventy (70) registrations, so please send in your registration as early as possible to avoid being left out.
*Refunds (less a $50 processing fee) are available before July 21. For cancellations made between July 22 and August 11, half of the registration fee will be refunded. We will be unable to offer refunds for any cancellations received after August 11. Please honor this policy. If you find you must cancel your registration, please contact Robin Heckman at 610-375-9216 or 484-334-3528.
Sign-up and join us for “Caring for You & Me in 2023”. We honestly believe it will be a blessing both to you and to the congregation or agency you serve. You will receive confirmation of your seminar registration and roommate assignment in September. A list of participants will be included for car-pooling. In the meantime, if you have any questions, contact our Registrar, Robin Heckman, at 610-375-9216 or 484-334-3528. We cannot wait to see you!
If your congregation is financially burdened, scholarship money is available to help defray the cost of the seminar. Hopefully, the scholarships will make it possible for those who truly wish to attend. If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for a scholarship, please contact Jodi Avanzato at 610-741-9861 by July 21st.
