You Are Not Alone: Sabbath 2026

by Dcn. Michael Gillingham, LAMP

EDMONTON – This year’s Sabbath Conference was held at Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS) from April 28-30. Eighteen attendees, including full-time and part-time church workers and volunteers, enjoyed the presentations and Bible study on the topic of loneliness.

Presenters were mental and relational health counsellor Jennifer Kerr and CLS President Jonathan Kraemer. Dcn. Kathy Cornish led a time of Bible study. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to think through the topic of loneliness through different perspectives and directions.

“Some of the first words that God speaks about humanity in the book of Genesis is: ‘It is not good that the man should be alone’ (Genesis 2:18),” noted Dcn. Michael Gillingham on the choice of this year’s theme. “Ever since, it has been part of the human struggle to find ourselves alone and lonely, even when surrounded by other people. We draw comfort from God’s promise to always be with us and yet we can still struggle with loneliness. This is true inside the church and also outside the church. It is also true across generations and vocations, including the vocations of church worker and church volunteer.”

Attendees enjoyed a time of worship led by Rev. Neil Stern on Tuesday and times of devotion with the faculty, staff, and students of the seminary on Wednesday and Thursday. The attendees also enjoyed meals, times of personal sharing, and some planned fun together. Lunch on Wednesday was graciously provided by CLS, while dinner on Wednesday was graciously provided by Lutheran Laymen’s League – Canada.

Various individuals and organizations brought greetings to the event, including Lutheran Church–Canada’s new Wellness Coordinator; LAMP (Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots); Lutheran Laymen’s League – Canada; Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary; The Canadian Lutheran Regional News; and the IMPACT Youth Gathering.

During the business meeting during Sabbath, attendees provided evaluation and feedback to the planning committee. Plans for Sabbath 2027 were discussed and a new committee will be working on this. If you are a non-pastoral church worker or volunteer and would be interested in learning more about the Sabbath Conference, or joining the email list, please contact sabbathconference@gmail.com.

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