This year’s Collective will adjust and expand into regional gatherings, Fresh Hope Executive Ministry Director Andrew Ball announced today.
He said the decision was made to maximise safety while also creating much-needed face-to-face connection in the Fresh Hope network.
“We are keen to make a way for as many leaders as possible to have the chance to gather; to be encouraged and positioned for this season, which would be compromised if we ran with our usual single-site gathering,” he said. “This option gives us the most opportunity to bring together the most people, within the safety guidelines.”
Mission & Ministry Director John Crowther said the regional locations gave momentum to the connections which have been strengthened during COVID-19 restrictions.
“Over the past six months, we have been gathering as regional communities online. We hope gathering in regional locations will enable those who have been encouraging one another virtually, to be able to deepen those connections in person and continue to share the journey together.”
Regional locations in NSW and ACT will host one-day gatherings which will include pre-recorded keynote sessions, and interactive discussions and local “tasters”, featuring regional ministries.
“It is important that we continue to position ourselves for the future and together to adapt and innovate as a movement of churches and leaders – our theme for this year “fulcrum” has heightened meaning now as we continue to leverage the hope of the gospel – its beauty, compassion and truth – for our neighbourhoods and communities.”
The first regional gathering, at Maitland Church of Christ, on the North Coast, will bring forward the start of Collective to Tuesday November 10. On Wednesday November 11, sessions will be held via Zoom and on Thursday November 12, the day will be hosted by NationsHeart, in the ACT. Delegates will be able to gather at The Tops on Friday November 13. The AGM will be held on Saturday November 14, also at The Tops.
Register for your regional gathering HERE