Growing everyday faith is the theme of the One Big Day conference, taking place at the end of April in Dereham.
“How is your ministry to children, young people and families looking?” ask the organisers. “Whether you are buoyant or despondent, going from strength to strength, looking for some fresh ideas, or perhaps are considering starting a ministry from scratch post-pandemic, One Big Day is for you.”
This is a one-day conference, packing multiple learning streams and resources under one roof, to equip and resource anyone involved in ministry with children, young people and families. The key focus is around ‘Growing everyday faith’ – both intergenerationally within church, through schools’ work and in families – and thinking about how to include and hear the voice of young people.
Two national speakers will be giving the keynote talks. Lauren Sheath has been a champion of Parenting for Faith (BRF) for the past nine years and is a children’s pastor and currently the Head of Kids at St Peter’s, Brighton. Nigel Roberts is experienced in school chaplaincy and is currently the Education Adviser for Youth for Christ.
Jonathan Richardson, Children, Youth and Families Development Officer at the Diocese of Norwich says: “We know that time is at a premium for many working with children and young people, so we have planned a day that covers a wide range of topics and resources – in one place and on one day. After our last conference we were encouraged to hear how many connections were made as a result of the networking opportunities. We pray that you will leave the day refreshed, inspired and equipped, not just by listening to our speakers and seminar leaders but also by sharing with each other stories of what God is doing.”
Representatives from organisations such as Youthscape, Sports Factory, and Wild Church Norfolk, will lead seminars on topics including Youth Culture, Sports Ministry, Wild Church, Children’s Spirituality, Innovative Worship, and Intergenerational Church.
A marketplace exhibition includes, amongst many others, Care for the Family, Transforming Lives for Good, Open the Book, New Wine, Mission Enablers, and Scripture Union and a bookstall provided by Green Pastures, Dereham.
The Bishop of Lynn will be launching the day’s activities with a short reflection and blessing, and a pair of the seminar contributors, Sara and Sam Hargreaves from Engage Worship, will be leading the time of corporate worship at the start of the day. An experienced pastoral team will also be on site throughout the day to offer support or prayer to those who would like it.
One Big Day takes place on Saturday April 30, 9am-4pm at Northgate High School, Dereham, NR19 2EU and the day costs £15 including breakfast and lunch (advanced booking required). For further information and booking please visit: www.dofn.org/one-big-day
Eldred Willey, 18/02/2022
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