Conference 2006 - Building on the Rock

‘Firm Foundations’ were the basis for our third annual conference in March 2007. There was much to celebrate as we gathered in the brand new Church Centre at St Johns, Tunbridge Wells. The building had been recently completed and was founded on prayerful vision, commitment and in line with God’s purpose. It was an impressive venue and we took full advantage of the whole place – with worship, main presentations and the resource exhibition in the church itself, and seminars, lunch and conversations during registration, coffee and tea in the spacious surroundings beyond.

It felt like a very warm, happy reunion as delegates shared news, recognising each other from previous years or catching up with friends and making new ones.

Sue Price, Head of Children’s Ministry at Kingsway, and Director of the Children’s Ministry Conferences at Eastbourne, used examples from the life of Simon Peter to inspire us for our work with under fives. In Matthew 16, Jesus gives him the name of Peter - the Rock, declaring that ‘on this rock, I will build my church’.

Julia Plaut led an inspiring session on ‘Music and Singing with Under Fives’ Julia is a Professional Musician and Producer of the popular ‘God’s Wonderful World’ and ‘Thank You God for Snails’ CD compilations.

Jo Gordon of ‘Daniel’s Den’ described the vision on which this growing initiative is built. Based in Brent, this is a dynamic expression of reaching families with the love of God in a multi-cultural area. Jo spoke with passion for the families they support and explained how the commitment to a political voice has even led to a visit by Cherie Blair!

Jo Moore, Disability and Deafness Advisor from Church in Society, based in Maidstone, spoke of the issues for families with children who have special needs. Jo gave powerful and very moving personal insights with a professional and personal perspective as she also is a mother of a child with special needs.

Our afternoon sessions covered a range of practical topics including storytelling with Vicki Howie; creative ideas; Godly Play; sessions for Dads and their under fives.

We ended the day with a challenge for those who had enjoyed the day, realising the value of getting together. We pray that they would in turn, pray together in their own areas. Although it was a day for inspiration and ideas, the network’s commitment is to prayer. We are God’s workers. He is the architect. We do the spade work, preparing the ground and helping to excavate the footings.

Building on God’s design and building on firm foundations is the key to our ministry through our groups. As we go in God’s strength and trust Him, we are in eternal Kingdom business!