Events and Dates for 2022

As 2021 draws to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the range of ways next year that you can connect with other ministers in CiC.

Creating opportunities for our members to encourage one another, share information and explore ways of working together to extend the kingdom of God, has been a focus of the staff team.  We are excited to outline a plan that represents a significant development in our approach to connection and we hope you will be encouraged.

So, as you read on, it might be an idea to have your diary to hand.  The events and opportunities are grouped by theme.

Mutual encouragement - Ministry specific events

This remains one of our core objectives and, given its importance, I would like to start with this.  As many of you will know, the CiC Council has been restructured into eight groups, each of which serves a specific type of minister.  The leaders of these groups will host up to four online meetings a year, with the express purpose of bringing together those in similar types of ministry for a time of encouragement and relationship building.  It is our hope that this will create a sense of community amongst members and perhaps pave the way for specific on-site events and gatherings in the near future. 

The Council coordinators are busy planning the events and we will publish the dates early in 2022.

Fellowship - Ministers' Fellowship

It's heartening to know, and important to remember, that CiC was birthed out of a gathering of independent ministers in the 1990s.  Ministers' Fellowship events have remained an integral part of our schedule, offering an intentional space in which to worship, listen to God's word and hear from Christian charities serving those in need.  Due to the ongoing challenges caused by COVID-19 and its variants, Ministers' Fellowship events will continue to take place online, and the dates and times are below. 

However, as soon as it is safe to do so, we hope to launch on-site events regionally and will contact you with the information.

Wednesday 12th January, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Booking now open!

Wednesday 9th March, 11:00am - 12:30pm
Booking now open!

Wednesday 13th July, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Wednesday 14th September, 11:00am - 12:30pm

Personal development - Masterclass Events

We recognise the importance of our members having the opportunity to improve their practice, by learning new skills and understanding how to respond and navigate some of the issues and challenges that confront modern ministry.

In 2022, we are pleased to launch a bi-monthly ministry masterclass hosted by experts and designed specifically for CiC ministers.  As with the Ministers' Fellowships, these events will take place on the second Wednesday of alternate months.  The details are included below and we will send details of how to book in January.

Reimagining ministry amongst older people
Wednesday 9th February, 1:30 - 3pm
with Tina English, Embracing Age

Coming alongside people with dementia
Wednesday 13th April, 1:30 - 3pm
with Tina English, Embracing Age

Mental health and children
Wednesday 8th June, 1:30 - 3pm
with Catherine Clayton, Kids Matter

Wednesday 12th October, 1:30 - 3pm: TBC

Strategic overview - CiC Connect

I'm hopeful that by now, you should be well informed about our new, bi-annual conference in May next year. 

With national Christian leaders involved in politics, chaplaincy, ecumenism and local government, all sharing their perspectives on the future of independent Christian ministry, we hope the event will be a significant opportunity to understand what God is doing and how we can join in.  Discounted tickets are only available until 19th February, so please follow the link below to secure your place.

CiC Connect, 3-4th May, High Leigh Conference Centre
Booking now open!

Your membership - Annual Members' Meeting

Finally, as a membership organisation, the CiC AMM is an important opportunity for you to elect the Council who undertake the annual reviews and receive important information about the finances and development of the network.  Attending the event at least every other year is a condition of membership, so please take time to book into this event in advance.

AMM, 17th November, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Booking now open!

Thank you for taking the time to read this email at such a busy time of year. 

By sending you the dates well in advance, I trust it will make it easier for you to plan and consider which CiC events you would like to attend in 2022.

Have a safe and peaceful Christmas.

Yours in Christ,

Paul Garratt
CEO, CiC International