The Westminster College team write: -
What is this about and who is it for…?
The Event for Elders is an opportunity to explore Eldership, to meet other Elders, and to think together about the opportunities and challenges of being an Elder in the United Reformed Church today. It is aimed at all who are Elders within the United Reformed Church, and it may also be of interest if you are thinking of becoming an Elder.
What will we be doing..?
We will take the opportunity to shape the programme in part around the needs of those who are present. We will spend some time the first evening thinking about issues that would be helpful to address, and then prepare ways to address them later in the weekend. Alongside responding to whatever it is you feel best might support you in your ministry, we will be addressing various issues that face all Elders such as:
- What is it to be an Elder – what is the background to Eldership in the URC and what are the functions of Elders?
- Pastoral Care – how does one go about being an effective pastoral visitor?
- Legal issues – with ever mounting amounts of red-tape and issues of trusteeship looming large at the moment, we will look at some of the implications Elders face.
There will also be time to be refreshed in worship, and some space to enjoy the sights that Cambridge has to offer.
Who will be involved....?
The weekend with be hosted by Susan Durber and John Bradbury, and other Westminster staff will be involved. Sarah Lane Cawte, an experienced Elder, will be engaging with us, as will Ruth Whitehead, the Convenor of the Ministries Committee of the URC that has oversight of Eldership.
The full-board cost is £133.00 and the ‘day delegate’ rate is £68.600. We do hope to see many of you there!