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The National AOTS Biennial Convention and The Central Region AOTS Round-up 2015

1890 Metro Road North, Jackson’s Point, ON


April 17 – 19, 2015

Invitation to Participants
As One That Serves (AOTS) invites all interested men and women to participate in the organization’s Roundup Convention centred around theme Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church. The weekend is an opportunity to acquire new friendships, engage in thought provoking discussion, enjoy music and worship, and shape the future of men in the church. 

Conference Theme: Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church
What is patriarchy and is this the way it is supposed to be? What does the Bible say about this?  Jesus? What is the difference between mothers and fathers? Where did the male God come from?  And what do we know about the origins of fatherhood, motherhood?


Theme Speaker:  Michael Kooiman
Michael is the minister of Central United Church in Weston. Located in one of Toronto’s thirteen Priority Neighbourhoods, Central balances the needs of an historic congregation (1821) and the poverty that surrounds it.  Michael is active in the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre, a community drop-in centre that provides meals, informal counseling and harm reduction services.
Since he began in ministry in 1990, Michael has served the Bathurst Pastoral Charge, near Perth, ON, St. Matthew’s in Toronto, and Cliffcrest and Birchcliff Bluffs, both located in Scarborough.  In 2004-05, Michael was the President of Toronto Conference.  Educated at York and Queen’s, Michael also completed a Doctor of Ministry in preaching at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Michael is the Coordinator of the Ministry of Supervision program at Emmanuel College, preparing those who seek to supervise ministry-based students in all forms.  Michael is an active consultant with the Edge Network for Ministry Development, specializing in building issues and congregational outreach.  He was also an Emerging Spirit presenter, leading over 30 workshops from Halifax to Regina.  In 2011, he was the General Editor of “Faith in a Time of Change,” a collection of Emerging Spirit blogs (available through UCPH).
Michael is currently the President of the Toronto United Church Council, and is passionate about Council’s mission to provide support and leadership in the areas of congregational development, mission strategy, social ministry and church camping.

Saturday Entertainment: Cara Chisolm
Cara is an entertainer as well as a vocalist.  Her performance will include a wide range of music based on gospel, country, musical theatre and sing-along.
Cara brings to the stage more than 20 years in the entertainment business. Versatility has been the key to her success. Her experience includes cabaret performer at major conventions, live theme park stage shows (Canada’s Wonderland & Ontario place), major musicals (42nd Street, the original Canadian Company of Les Miserables,  Phantom of the Opera, Gypsy, and Big River), cruise line productions, London west end theatre, motion pictures, and television.  She has also been a member of the Juno nominated children's group, Jam Sandwich for the past six years.



Conference Chaplin: Rev Dwain Ketcheson
Rev. Dwain Ketcheson was called to ministry with the people of Mountainview United Church on July 1st, 2012.  Dwain came to Mountainview having served at Southminster United Church in Niagara Falls, Memorial United Church in St. Catharines, and the Wadena Pastoral Charge consisting of Wadena, Rose Valley and Archerwill United Churches in Saskatchewan.

Dwain earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Trent University in Peterborough and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Queen’s University in Kingston; he was ordained in 1997.  Dwain continues to grow in faith through his ministry to, and with people and by attending various continuing education events.

Dwain believes that congregational life should be such that a church is not an island within its surrounding community, but rather a vital part of it.  Church therefore is not only an exciting and uplifting place to be one day a week, but rather seven days a week, as it reaches out into the community and the world through its various ministries.  It is the ministry of Mountainview to be such a church.     

Dwain believes that all people are called into ministry, and one of the greatest joys of his ministry is to, as he says, “Minister to the ministers – the people of the church and help them to discover, develop and put into action their gifts for ministry.  It is an awesome thing to see people blossom into what God created them to be!”   

Dwain lives in St. Catharines with his wife Colleen and together they have two children who are in university. During his leisure time Dwain enjoys golfing, cycling, curling and a variety of activities with his family.

Registration Information and Fees: 
Regular Occupancy:
Double $215. Single $265

First time attendee:
Double $165. Single $215

Youth Rate:
Double $120. Single $165

Saturday only: (includes lunch, supper and entertainment): $40
(please register between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. on April 18th) 


All registration information or concerns should be directed to:
Paul Cooper spcooper@cogeco.ca



Theme has been chosen for the AOTS Spring Roundup/National Biennial

Patriarchy, Fatherhood and the Church


From the The Jacksons Point Conference Centre Website

What is patriarchy and is this the way it is supposed to be?  What does the Bible say about this.  Jesus? What is the difference between mothers and fathers?  Where did the male God come from?  And what do we know about the origins of fatherhood, motherhood?  The next AOTS Spring Roundup will examine this theme.  Everyone welcome.

April 17th to 19th, 2015
Jacksons Point Conference Centre: Situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe JPCC is the hidden gem of York Region and is renowned for its atmosphere and hospitality