The Together Network Annual Conference

On Tuesday 6^th and Wednesday 7^th June, over 50 members of the Together Network gathered in a (mostly) sunny Swanwick for the Together Network Annual Conference. It was a delight to be together, catching up with those familiar to us and meeting new members. A packed programme was on offer, involving keynote speeches, workshops, a marketplace for partners to display their organisation and times of fellowship and worship together. There was even a rather competitive pub quiz!

The keynote speeches were stimulating and interesting. Kat, CEO of Safe Families in her talk ‘Journeying from Social Action to Belonging’ explored how we can move away from doing projects ‘to’ people, instead considering them as people to build closer, deeper relationships with rather than viewing them as service users or only fulfilling people’s practical needs. Emily, joint CEO of Welcome Churches spoke on how to provide an intentional welcome in churches and communities to refugees and asylum seekers.

Everyone got the chance to participate in two workshops. Topics were varied but included workshops on the ‘12 Rules for Christian Activists’ (with the book’s author), an introduction to Places of Welcome and discussions around the advantages and challenges of broad-based community organizing. They all provided food for thought.

We were all delighted to have Bishop Rob Wickham, the incoming CEO of Church Urban Fund with us during our time together. He gave a thought-provoking reflection during Communion on serving others, demonstrated visually by the act of foot washing. His later talk highlighted the shared Gospel, good news ministry we all have together, our call to love and be gifts to one another and the many different ‘lambs’ (people) we are given by God to help feed and care for as we co-participate in building God’s kingdom. Many commented on how inspiring the talks were and appreciated the unified theme which ran throughout the entire conference around welcome, inclusion and collaborative ministry.

Thanks to all those who helped contribute to the conference in any way, to all who came along and to The Hayes Conference Centre for their hospitality. Let’s continue the conversations started and network together, sharing what’s happening to help our communities across the country and encourage one another in this valuable work.