NGM Summer Update
We are so thankful for the last seven years. Spark, our preteen conference, has radically changed the lives of hundreds of preteens across our district.
God, by his divine grace and power has allowed this event to grow both in impact and in size. As we look to the future, our desire is to build on the past, but to also lead towards new opportunities for excellence and effectiveness in pre-teen ministry.
Recently our Spark leadership has decided to plan our next Spark conference in partnership with Stuck in the Middle ministries. Stuck in the Middle
specializes in reaching preteens across Norht America, and offers a fresh and exciting new way to serve local churches through their high impact
productions and discipleship emphasis. You can learn more about Stuck at www.stuckinthemiddle.com.
I’m delighted to invite you to our upcoming SPARK pre-teen conference on January 21-22, 2011. Spark, in partnership with Stuck in the Middle will take place at Willingdon Church in Vancouver. 2011′s theme is IDENTITY. So many labels are placed on this generation but God is the one who give us our true identity. He is the God who empowers us to be all that he calls us to be. We are expecting amazing thing from our great God.
Will it still be Spark?
Spark will be working in partnership with Stuck in the Middle to develop the weekend together. While much of the weekend will feel like Spark, there
will definitely be some new additions that we are sure will be exciting and effective. We are committed to producing the weekend with all of the goals
and vision of Spark in tact, at the same time adding these new dynamics. Our office will still be administrating all of the registration and our leadership will be involved and hands on in the planning process from the start.
What about multiple “Sparks”?
Beyond our January 21-22 event, we are encouraging a more regional expression for 2010/2011 season. For the Okanagan and the North, we are
encouraging and working with our Clusters to plan regional pre-teen efforts to meet the needs. Our NGM team will be able to help support and add to these regional efforts in various ways.
Will Spark partner with Stuck in the Middle again next year?
At this point our partnership is on a trail basis. We are hopeful that a long-term partnership will develop, but will be deciding after the event to
determine whether or not we would continue for another year.
On a personal note, I have accepted the position of Children and Family pastor at Christian Life Assembly in Langley. Because my position at CLA is not completely full time I will remain on the NGM team as the children and family specialist for our district providing vision and leadership in the areas of children, preteens, and families. We are currently searching for an additional staff member; a Children’s Ministry Assistant to come along side the NGM team.
As always, it is a delight to serve alongside you
Caroline
