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Archive - Youth
October 2001
Australian Calvinette Conference 2001
Levina Hext
Australia’s oldest national park, situated on the banks of Point
Hacking, there lies in amongst a deer park, a delightful campsite called
Rathane Conference Centre. It is here that approximately 85 Calvinette
leaders from every state in Australia plus one from New Zealand gathered
for a weekend of being challenged in the way that we walk with our Lord,
of learning new things, sharing with each other, and of course plenty of
laughter.
Before our conference actually began representatives from each State
gathered at the Sutherland Shire Christian Reformed Church for our
business meeting. Sadly, it was noted that a couple of clubs had folded
due to lack of leaders. But we also rejoiced that new clubs had
commenced this year. The Board presented to the clubs the Australian
Calvinette Handbook. Contained in this booklet is a revamped
constitution (written so that everyone is able to understand the
language), job descriptions for various offices of the movement, a child
abuse policy, structure of the Calvinette movement, duties of the
leader, conference guidelines etc. All in all it is hoped that this
booklet will make it much easier for persons stepping into a new role.
The booklet is to be carefully assessed during the next two years and
will be presented at the following conference for voting on to accept it
as an official publication. A handbook for Calvinette leaders was also
presented.
After spending the afternoon either shopping (something most women like
to do – after all the poor husbands who spend the weekend looking after
the children need a little thank you gift, don’t they?) or enjoying a
leisurely stroll on Cronulla beach, we were all transported safely to
our conference centre. The theme for the weekend was: Unity – One in the
Lord. Rev. Richard Schoenmaker introduced the theme to us, taken from
Isaiah 6 and encouraged us to be drawn into God’s presence so that we
are then able to become one. Richard also led each day’s devotions,
which followed on from the previous day.
For the early risers there was an opportunity to enjoy a bush walk ably
led by Maggie de Rooy, who at times had no idea where she was leading
everyone, but it was fun. We were privileged to have as our guest
speaker Robyn Powell. Robyn works in the field of media. Her first talk
focused on what it is to be a mature Christian. This was followed by how
we get to be a mature Christian.
The afternoon was spent doing badge workshops. Each leader was required
to attend two sessions. One was for Bible related badges and the other
for a more practical badge. We were really challenged to make these
badges exciting and meaningful to the girls. In the evening we were
given the opportunity to let our hair down and to entertain and be
entertained.
Sunday morning’s worship service, led by Rev. Schoenmaker, focused on
John 17:20-23 and Jesus’ ministry of prayer, paying that all believers
may be one. The evening service was led by Rev. Terry Flanagan. His
message came from Romans 14:12-15:10 and dealt with our outlook on life.
Sunday afternoon was spent learning new crafts and taking the
opportunity to have a chat and a coffee all at the same time. Yes, we
women are quite good at combining all three successfully – unlike the
photographer who came to camp to take photos. I was told that he was so
excited having to photograph all these beautiful women that he left the
film at home!
On Monday morning our Board President, Kaysa de Vries, spoke to us on
biblical forgiveness. We were confronted with a very powerful message,
one that we couldn’t ignore. On a lighter side, members of the Executive
Board were introduced to all leaders in a way that only Margaret Ham
could do.
We thank Peter and Els Van Zwieten who led our singing every day – a
great way to praise the Lord. Also thanks must go to the many volunteers
who came in to lead workshops, crafts, assist with transport and many
other behind-the-scene activities. A very special ‘thank you’ to the
planning committee: Eva Martin, Ina de Witte, Jackie Learson, Karen
Klomp, and Ronda de Rooy. Thanks ladies for a great weekend. But all
praise and glory go to our Lord and Saviour. It is He who has made it
all possible and through Him we WERE one in the Lord.
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