There’s a bus seat to Adelaide and financial assistance waiting for those wanting to attend a transformative event for young UCA leaders in January.
The National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC) is being held from 17-20 January in Adelaide and the theme is LEAD – Live. Embrace. Act. Disciple.
The four-day program will encourage leadership formation and explore the future of the church with sessions of worship, Bible studies and small group conversation.
Intergenerational ministry youth worker Bradon French says NYALC events have had a major impact on him.
“I’m yet to experience a NYALC that isn’t transformational,” said Bradon, who has been to four in various capacities as an attendee, co-ordinator, mentor and support person.
“Each gathering, simply by creating space for young Christians and First and Second Peoples to express themselves, we find a glimpse of the church we were always called to be in.
“By drawing people together from across the geographical and theological landscape of our church, NYALC forces us to grapple with issues and to say, ‘Who are we and where are we going?’ And then you layer upon that the opportunity of those attending to lead us there.”
Assembly associate general secretary Rob Floyd said NYALC would give young leaders a platform to share their vision for the Church, but also to realise their own leadership potential.
The four-day program will challenge participants to think about their core purpose, their strengths and passions and to look at where God is calling them.
“The Uniting Church is seeking to hear new voices and fresh ideas,” Rob said.
“We want to give our young people the opportunity to lead. Every participant will have at least one opportunity over the weekend to put their leadership skills into practice.”
UCA President Dr Deidre Palmer will be joined by church moderators, including Victoria and Tasmania moderator and President-elect Sharon Hollis, as well as other senior Church leaders in fellowshipping with the young adults.
Dr Palmer said NYALC would give participants greater insight into how the Uniting Church works.
“It is our hope that LEAD will be an opportunity for young adult leaders to reflect deeply on their faith and their place in shaping the life and mission of the Uniting Church,” she said.
“NYALC is a space where we ask questions together, test ideas and develop Christian community that encourages us in our discipleship of Jesus.”
LEAD participants will also be given the opportunity to visit the Colebrook Blackwood Reconciliation Park, once the site of Colebrook Children’s Home, now a memorial for members of the Stolen Generation and their families.
Bradon said Synod was offering financial and practical assistance for young adults from Victoria and Tasmania to attend.
“To help young people be part of this amazing opportunity, we are offering $200 subsidies to help cover the registration and transport costs, as well as a free bus convoy from Melbourne for the event,” he said.
Bradon is going to drive a mini-bus from Melbourne to Adelaide with seats being offered free to those attending NYALC and a second vehicle will be provided if spaces are full.
“The bus trip will definitely be lots of fun, adding to the experience,” Bradon said.
Those wanting to apply for the subsidy can find a short form online at http://nyalc.ucayouth.org.au, where they can also find out more about the LEAD Conference.
Applying for the subsidy is separate from registering to attend NYALC. This can be done at www.nyalc.org.au.
NYALC is on from 17-20 January 2019 at Nunyara Conference Centre in Adelaide.
For more information, contact Bradon French at bradon.french@victas.uca.org.au or 03 9340 8825.
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