The Building Blocks Conferences are now firmly established as a key training event for children’s ministry leaders and clergy throughout Ireland. Details of forthcoming events follow.
This year the keynote speaker is Nick Harding, Children’s Ministry Adviser for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. He has written many books and resources for all–age worship, children’s ministry and books for teenagers.
A wide range of seminars include: Beginning to teach, Reaching out beyond Sunday School, Doing Drama, Giving a talk to children, Making and using puppets, Leading small groups, Worship for kids and much more.
The Belfast Conference will take place at Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh Road, Belfast on Saturday 12th November and cost £25. The Dublin Conference is being held in All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on Saturday 19th November and will cost €35.
The Church of Ireland Board of Education NI and the Sunday School Society for Ireland have been part of the organizing group since the inception of the conferences in 2002.
Keynote speakers bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and personal insight into children’s ministry. Participants are also challenged by a wide range of seminars relevant to their area of work with children and young people, whether they are just starting out or have many years of experience. There is also the opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of resources for working with children.
Building Blocks is also run in conjunction with the new Church of Ireland Children’s Ministry Course. The course will run from October to April, one Saturday each month in both Lisburn and Dublin. The cost of the course includes attendance at Building Blocks. For more information on the new course contact Lynda Levis, Church of Ireland Theological Institute 00353 1 4905543 or lyndalevis@theologicalinstitute.ie
Further details can be obtained from:
Belfast Conference
Donna Thompson
Tel: 028 90322284
Email: belfast@buildingblocks.ie
Dublin Conference Revd Anne Taylor Tel: 00 353 1 4905543 Email: dublin@buildingblocks.ie
For further information check out www.buildingblocks.ie
These conferences offer a great training opportunity for Sunday School teachers and other children’s ministry leaders and it is hoped that many Church of Ireland parishes will be encouraged to send participants along.