LoginHome » Ministries » Youth Ministry » National News » Connect 2004
Connect 2004
On 2-4 July 2004, 159 youth leaders from Pressie Churches around the country met together at Connect, Presbyterian Youth Ministry's annual youth leader gathering.
It was an amazing time, with inspiring input from Andrew Norton, Justin Duckworth, Andrew Bell and others, fantastic worship with the team from PIC Newtown, lots of new faces to meet, and a whole lot of FUN!
check out some photos from Connect04...
Here are some reflections from one person who came to Connect04
Those who choose to offer ministry to young people are made of certain special stuff. They are people who have a quirky sense of humour, an ability to go without sleep, who are deeply compassionate and sensitive and yet can survive the many agonies of youth work.
When over a hundred and fifty of these Godly people gathered from around the country at Forest Lakes, Otaki, the church took on a dynamic appearance.
For the 48 hours of Connect some of the more traditional images of the PCANZ were on hold. This weekend went at full throttle and the two words that define the time together were positivity and enthusiasm. There was a lot of wackiness expressed as these leaders felt encouraged by sharing time with so many other people on the same passionate adventure as them. People saw that their experiences of leadership were shared by others and that they were not as isolated as they thought.
A huge range of experiences were crammed into the weekend. There was full-on music, worship, teaching sessions, workshops, team games, small group times, celebratory banquets, quiet chats over good coffee, updates on ministry and missions, movies, karaoke singing, Super Star recognitions and a small amount of sleep.
Of course all this 'spontaneity' doesn't just happen! Mo Mansill and the PYM office had put in the incredible preparation necessary to enable everyone to have such a wonderfully encouraging experience.
Many of us have taken back significant experiences to fuel our work and involvement in the work of God. It was a good time for the People of God and we are looking forward to seeing each other again, at the next Connect conference or before.
Allister Lane
Kaikorai Presbyterian Church
Dunedin