The Parish Learning Hub is a new, annual, online learning series provided by the synod office. The topics for this year’s series were based primarily on requests made by parish administrators. Everyone is welcome to attend these free sessions, regardless of their role within the parish or whether they are a volunteer or employee.
Sessions will take place on Zoom, on the last Tuesday of the month (with the exception of the first session). Each session will be 45 minutes long with 15 minutes for Q&A.
To attend this year’s series (individual sessions of interest may be selected), please complete the registration form.
Below is an outline of the sessions. If you have suggestions for topics for next year’s series, please complete the request form.
Everything Microsoft Office 365
Date: Sep 29, 2025
Instructor: Anna van der Hooft
Are you a parish administrator or a volunteer stepping into the parish administrator role? Perhaps you are the incumbent of a small parish where there is no parish administrator? This presentation is designed to teach the basics of Microsoft Office 365 from the ground up. Topics covered will include multifactor authenticators, creating and archiving emails, the information security policy, updating contacts and updating passwords.
Canva, Word and Excel
Date: Oct 28, 2025
Instructor: Shantal Hetlinger
Canva is a design tool that assists with the creation of PR materials for websites, posters, social media and much more. Shantal will provide an interactive introduction to the graphic design platform as well as teaching the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel formatting.
Finance Q & A
Date: Nov 25, 2025
Instructor: Meghan Thonger
Basic bookkeeping at the parish level is sometimes managed by a professional bookkeeper but often it is looked after by a volunteer. Sometimes this job falls under the job description of the parish administrator. Meghan will provide a brief overview of the program QuickBooks and the dos and don’ts of basic bookkeeping at the parish level.
Using SharePoint
Date: Jan 27, 2026
Instructor: Anna van der Hooft
SharePoint is a Microsoft application allowing organizations to store and safely share content and information. This can include documents, photos, videos and financial information, to name a few. Anna will provide a tour of SharePoint and discuss the file storage methods being used at the parish level. This conversation will also cover how to move information over to SharePoint.
Safe Church & Youth Programs
Date: Feb 24, 2026
Instructor: Karen Hill
Our Safe Church and youth programs are an important part of our parishes, providing safe spaces but also providing proof to our insurance provider that we are doing our due diligence. If you are a parish administrator, safe church liaison or another volunteer or employee who supports these types of programs, this episode of the Parish Learning Hub series is for you.
Connecting Apps & Cyber Security
Date: March 31, 2026
Instructor: Anna van der Hooft & Dwayne Robinson
An in-depth session on how to connect your iPhone, android phone, laptop (Windows or Mac) and desktops to various apps. This session will also review the basics of cyber security and what to do if you suspect hacking. Special guest Dwayne Robinson will join us from The Private Network. Dwayne has an extensive background in cyber security and will be there to share his perspective and answer any questions.
Cemeteries and Insurance
Date: April 28, 2026
Instructor: Mark Oldnall & Zena McCreary
Mark and Zena bring you the basics of cemeteries and insurance for volunteers or parish administrators. Topics covered will include licensing, what to report and the most common mistakes they both see in their line of work.
Website Management & Copyright
Date: May 26, 2026
Instructor: Anna van der Hooft
Do you manage a parish website, Facebook or Instagram, or support livestreaming services? Then this session is for you! Anna will go over copyright for both music and photos, the basics of the Tithely website template and common problems she sees and supports parishes with.
