Name: LoP2026 Learning on Purpose
Start: 2026-06-15T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-06-26T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Five Oaks Retreat Centre

Fifteen students (two from Alberta, one from Manitoba, and the rest from Ontario) gathered at the Five Oaks Retreat Centre near Paris, ON from June 15 to 26, 2026 for an intense two weeks of learning and discerning. Some were trying to figure out what kind of leadership or ministry God is calling them to. Others already knew, and were deepening their skills and understanding. Everyone was there to learn. (On purpose!)

Learning on Purpose is CCS’s two-week leadership development course. CCS staff members Marcie Gibson and Scott Douglas were there to facilitate learning and offer tools for self-awareness, community-building, and theological reflection. One participant noted that Scott and Marcie (or Scarcie) modelled collaborative leadership. “Their gifts balanced each other well. I also appreciated getting to meet other CCS educators.” (CCS’s Janet Ross and Alcris Limongi joined online as well for some enlightening introductions to “things everyone should know” about the Bible and about liberation theology. CCS Principal Marlene Britton joined for the second week of the course, getting to know students and sharing her experiences of diakonia.)

Five Oaks is a lovely facility on the Grand River, and students took advantage of the surroundings to spend time outside, walking the labyrinth, pray by the river, hike the trails, and just enjoy the sunshine. (The weather was occasionally rainy and chilly, but then the sun would come out to invite us back outside.) A field trip to the Woodland Cultural Centre and the Mohawk Institute (former residential school) was a powerful reminder of Indigenous resilience and that we were learning on Haudenosaunee land.

Days were long and full, not just with intellectual content but also with personal self-reflection and relationship-building. There was a lot of wisdom within the group, and each participant brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective. Reflections on theology and the bible mixed with practice in giving and receiving feedback, critical thinking, and working with groups. The sharing of personal faith journeys was deep and sacred. (And board games and cards in the evening provoked lots of laughter.)

Kathy Douglas served as chaplain for the event, as well as kitchen goddess. Kathy organized all the food for the two weeks, and with helpers among the participants, ensured that we were all well fed. Thank you so much, Kathy!

On the final Thursday of Learning on Purpose our circle size doubled as diaconal ministers (and diaconal ministry students) from the local area joined us for a picnic and to share their passion for ministry, including a panel discussion on diaconal practice with Marlene, Michelle Owens, and Deborah Deavu.

LoP participants leave with new friends, new tools and resources, and new confidence in their capacity to be learning leaders. “I felt stretched by not broken,” noted one participant. “I was moved to go out of my comfort zone.”

Participants also enjoyed the warm, welcoming, diverse community. “A wonderful group of humans,” said one. “A brave space. …My people!”