Connecting Disciples Conference 2013

Thank you for your interest in the Connecting Disciples 2013 conference for lay employees and children and youth workers.  The conference is taking place at High Leigh Christian Conference Centre on 4-7 March 2013 and will be an opportunity for networking, learning and development and reflection. 

 

The Theme - Reconciling Discipleship

'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.' (Matt 5:9)

Reconciling Discipleship explores our calling to connect the peace of Christ to a broken world.

In places and times of conflict, what does it mean to be followers of the Prince of Peace? How can we be people of reconciliation among those we meet?

 

The Programme

Registration will take place from 2-3.30pm on Monday 4 March with coffee available from 3.30-4pm. 

Each of the following days will begin with Morning prayers at 8am, followed by Bible Studies, Class Meetings, workshops/seminars and keynotes taking you through to Dinner at 6.30pm.

During the evenings, entertainment will be provided to help you mingle and unwind after a busy day followed by evening prayers at 8pm. 

The conference will end on Thursday 7 March after a shared lunch at 1.00pm.

Connecting Disciples 2013 will give you the opportunity to meet others, share ideas, discuss issues and will help to support you in your professional development.

This year it will feature a number of workshops led by a variety of facilitators, which will include:

• A series of workshops on Chaplaincy
• • Reconciling God to the World
  • Leaving the Church - you can do it!
  • Mending the broken Pieces
  • It's more than leading assemblies - chaplaincy to your local school
  • Brokering Reconciliation
• Social Media
• Fundraising
• Church growth and social action
• Church magazines
• Safeguarding
• Administration

There will also be a dedicated stream for children's, youth and families' workers with a keynote address and workshops.

The keynote speaker this year will be Dr Rebecca Nye. Rebecca has been working in the field of children's spirituality as a researcher, consultant, trainer and practitioner for nearly 20 years. Much of her work has addressed the neglect of children's spirituality in traditional Christian nurture and education. She is author of the book Children's Spirituality, and co-author with David Hay of the Spirit of the Child. She is also a trainer and advocate for Godly Play: an approach that helps to develop spiritual language and habits in children and young people.

Specific workshops on children, youth and family are on the theme of spirituality and will include topics such as:

• Using the arts with children and young people to explore spirituality
• Leading spiritual retreats and pilgrimages with young people
• Exploring the Bible with young people for spiritual development
• Practical sessions exploring running residentials, and looking at resources available to support children's, youth and family work.

We are also delighted to have some engaging Bible Studies and theological reflections around the theme of Reconciling Discipleship led by the following speakers and worship leaders:

• Mark Wakelin, President
• Michael King, Vice President
• Hayley Moss, Youth President

There will also be the opportunity to do some taster sessions on Participate, Compass, Step Forward and Table Talk.  With resources available for you to take a look on Children and Youth, Discipleship, Chaplaincy and more.

On the Tuesday evening, 8.00-9.00pm we will be holding a "Discipleship Soapbox"!  Giving the chance for people with ideas, resources, challenges and innovative methodologies to present a 5 min session to us all.  Details of how to submit a bid to do this can be found at the end of the booking form.  Unfortunately only a limited number of bids will be selected and you will be informed if yours is chosen.

 

Booking

The deadline for reservations on to the Connecting Disciples Conference is Friday18 January 2013 at 5pm.  Attendees are required to pay a fee.  We encourage Circuits and Districts to support you in attending this Conference as part of your ongoing personal and professional development.

The amount that you will need to pay will depend on the type of room you book.  Plus we have alower price for early bird bookings completed before 5pm on 30 November 2013.  The breakdown of the fees is as follows:

Please note that rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  There are a limited number of en-suite rooms available therefore we would recommend that you book early to avoid any disappointment.  Your place and room will not be secure until we receive full payment.

Once you have made your booking an invoice will be sent to you requesting your payment.

 

How to Book

To reserve a place at the conference please complete the booking form by clicking onto the following link:

http://cd013.eventbrite.co.uk