CMS Summer School 2021, January 2nd-8th
CMS Summer School is a conference event held in early January each year, with the aim of supporting and promoting mission work around the world.
Each year several thousand people gather together at Katoomba Christian Convention for a week of bible teaching and hearing from missionaries about what God is doing in the world. There is an excellent kids programme catering for kids from creche to Year 12. The kids also have great bible teaching and hear from our missionaries, as well as having a lot of fun.
Many people rent a house for the week, while others camp.
But what about COVID?
CMS have been thinking hard about Summer School and have decided to continue planning for Summer School “as normal” but with some flexibility to deal with likely COVID restrictions.
God’s work in the world continues, our missionaries are continuing to take the gospel to the ends of the earth, and so it is important that we stand together with them at Summer School – encouraging and being encouraged as together we work for a World that Knows Jesus.
CMS have produced a short video to provide some more detail: https://vimeo.com/441928335
The Programme
If you’ve never been to Summer School before, here’s what you could expect?
Morning sessions run from 9am – 12.30pm with bible teaching and then numerous options hearing from missionaries about life in the field, life under Christ, tricky situations, …
Afternoons you are free to enjoy the Blue Mountains.
Evening sessions run from 7pm – 9pm with a more relaxed feel. The programme usually includes guest speakers, topical bible talks and occasional skits from missionaries as they present their work in a more light hearted format.
Our link missionaries, the Sholl family will be there and Jannali Church usually organises a lunch for all of us who attend.
The Detail Stuff
Registrations are online (visit http://www.nswsummerschool.org.au/) and open in mid-August.
Families with children must register by mid-September (or thereabouts) to ensure that the kids are allocated a space in the programme.
Adults without kids can leave it until later, however CMS will appreciate knowing who is coming to assist with appropriate planning in the COVID landscape.
Accommodation can be found at various Blue Mountains online providers.
Or there are several campgrounds in the surrounding towns.
Many Jannali-ites are Summer School regulars, so you won’t be alone.
If you are interested and would like to talk to someone, the mission committee would be happy to answer any questions. Contact: Barry & Berlinda Steele, Carolyn Woods, Caleb Woods, Clair Parkes, Sarah Skuthorpe, Di Brand, Jennie Gilbert or Lesley Marks.
Please also pray for the CMS staff team as they plan for Summer School amid the uncertainty of the current times.
Barry Steele, on behalf of the Overseas Missionary Committee