Presbytery of Lochaber

Presbytery Conference

Glengarry Parish Church

  

The Theme for the day – “Encourage and Equip” so that everyone can find something to take back to their Church situation.    A fun day, stimulating and challenging.

 

Their will be 9 workshops on practical issues with opportunity for questions and discussion.    We can learn from one another.

 

The workshops will be taken by some of our own folk along with others from outside our area.   The day will conclude with a keynote talk and challenge from the Rev. Alex. MacPherson of Drymen Parish Church.

 

Provisional Programme (to be confirmed).    Fuller details will be issued in September.

 

10.20         Arrive at Hotel for tea/coffee and registration

 

11.00         Short Service of Worship in Church, inspirational                   singing, and explanation of programme.

 

11.30         3 workshops in Church, Hall and Hotel.   

                  (40 mins, 10 mins. gap)

 

12.20         3 more workshops.

 

13.00         Soup & Sandwich lunch in Hotel – buffet style – time for interaction.

 

14.00         3 more workshops.

 

14.50         Church – feedback, interviews, networking.

 

15.20         Closing act of worship and keynote talk.

 

16.00         Time to go home.

 

The cost will be £10 for each person attending. For further details contact the Presbytery Clerk—click here

Inspire Workshops

 

Each workshop will run for 40 minutes with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.   Each person can participate in 3 of these workshops

 

The Way Ahead? 

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).  Steve Aisthorpe works with congregations to help them discern vision for the future and turn that into action.  Steve will give a taste of what this involves and share some experiences from around the region.

 

Entertaining Angels 

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)  We all like to think of our congregations as welcoming.  Steve Aisthorpe invites us to step into the shoes of the visitor or the newcomer and take a look.

 

Recognizing, developing and releasing gifts

Our congregations are abundant places: full of skills, talents and God-given gifts.  Sadly much goes unrecognized, unappreciated and underutilized.  How can we better identify the gifts of God’s people and allow them to shape and revitalize our churches?

 

Prayer and Informal Bible Study Groups

Many Churches have greatly benefitted by running small Bible Study groups in homes in a comfortable relaxed atmosphere where folk can ask questions and explore the great Biblical truths.   Examples of good material will be given along with daily Prayer Diaries which some churches have developed.

 

Church Web Sites

4 Lochaber Churches have developed web sites which will be briefly illustrated.     This will open up discussion on the value and potential of web sites and how to keep them fresh and interactive.

 

Craft Groups and Banner Making

Several local Churches will share their experiences in running craft groups and making banners – another example of using the talents within Congregations.   This can be a way of enhancing our worship and supporting charities like Blythswood.

 

Youth Work

Gill Orr, the Abernethy Presbytery Youth Worker, will share her experience of stimulating and developing Christian work amongst young people.    Justin Richards from the Two Lochs Project will describe his local experience.

 

Sound & Projection Systems

Modern technology can be a valuable ‘tool’ in enriching and enhancing our worship and mission.    Equipment and Software will be demonstrated.

 

Using our Church Buildings

Can we use these valuable assets for more than one hour each week?     A group from Drymen Parish Church will describe their exciting journey in this realm.