21st January 2018

All Together Now at Diocesan Children's Work Conference

Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education is hosting a Children’s Work Conference for everyone involved in working with children in Church of England parishes across Lancashire.

The theme is ‘All Together Now!’ and over the course of the weekend of March 3/4 at Barton Grange Hotel near Preston, delegates will be gathering to explore different ways that everyone can come together as the family of God to worship.

One of the keynote speakers will be Elle Bird, who has published a book with the Bible Reading Fellowship on ‘Blended Church’.

Drawing on her experience in Children’s Ministry, Elle will be challenging delegates to think about how they can work with people of all ages, so that churches can be truly inter-generational.

In addition to Elle, other speakers and workshop leaders include the Jellybeans (a fun and lively Christian band) and Lynn McCann, who is an expert on working with Children and Young People with autism, learning disabilities, and other additional needs. Lynn will be sharing ideas on how to open up the Bible in creative ways.

Other workshops include one on how parishes can make a connection with children by having an awareness of how Religious Education is taught in our Anglican primary schools.

Delegates will have the option to come just for the day on Saturday March 3 at a cost of £36 per person (including lunch and refreshments) or they can stay overnight to participate in the evening programme and Sunday morning worship at the local church, Barton St Lawrence.

The cost for overnight delegates is £106 per person which includes lunch, refreshments throughout the day on Saturday, conference dinner and evening entertainment, and one night’s accommodation (bed and breakfast) at the Barton Grange Hotel, which will be booked on your behalf.

Chair of the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education, The Venerable Michael Everitt, Archdeacon of Lancaster, said today: “This is a fantastic opportunity for parishes to get stuck in and learn new ideas and ways of working in a supportive environment – as well as having some great fun.

“Children are central to our Vision 2026 – Healthy Churches Transforming Communities, so it is vital we share current best practice to help parishes engage fully our young people and to share the love of Jesus Christ with them.”

Diocesan Director of Education Stephen Whittaker added: “After the success of our 2017 conference, which was oversubscribed, we look forward to welcoming representatives from even more parishes to Barton Grange in March.

“The programme is packed with ideas, strategies and advice to help us all in our ministry to young people and their families.”

Book early to secure your place! Bookings are being taken via the Board of Education website at: http://bit.ly/2BfbV3w