Registration for Assembly 2015 opens
Tickets for the new-look Baptist Assembly are now available
The length, venue and structure of this year’s gathering all differ from previous years as a new format is explored. Taking place over the course of one day (16 May), the Assembly moves to the east of the country, where it will be hosted in the Kingsgate Conference Centre in Peterborough.
The opening celebration will feature communion, immediately followed by the Big Picnic, when everyone will be encouraged to picnic together around the conference centre.
A number of interactive streams are available to pick and choose from in the afternoon. Called the Market Place, the streams are to include Past and Future Mission and Ministry, Word engaging World and What it means to be a 21st Century Disciple.
As usual one of the highlights will be the recognition of Baptist ministers and lay preachers who have transferred to the accredited list, and the valediction of BMS World Mission workers heading overseas. This will be done in a new way during the closing celebration. The closing message will feature different voices and perspectives.
The induction of the next President of our Baptist Union - Jenni Entrican – will take place during the day and her presidential theme “Daring Greatly” introduced. Worship will be led by Taste, who will be joined for part of the day by Dave Ellis, a new Regional Minister with the Heart of England Baptist Association.
A much more intentionally intergenerational gathering, it has been described by organisers as “an exciting opportunity for all ages to explore and be inspired in mission and discipleship”. The prayer session will be led by Innovation – which runs the Assembly youth programme. Arise Ministries are also leading a programme for younger children.
One-day Baptist Assemblies will also take place in 2016 and 2017. The format will be reviewed again in 2016.
Baptist Times, 23/01/2015