Metuchen Conference
By admin. Filed in Conference Tour 2009 |Tags: CFC Conferences
We just finished our third conference from September 1 – 4, 2009. Now, read the posts by Kristen Au, Robin Scofield, and Hannah Ketring.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
Kristen Au
I fondly call this past event “my conference.” During the last week, the touring team stopped in my local area and I was able to stay with my family for eight days in a row. It was a time of encouragement, renewal and bliss for me and I really enjoyed seeing God work in the lives of those around me.
This was the largest conference we have held so far and down time was something unheard of. The first day of the speech conference was particularly action-packed. I switched between running activities, working with beginning public speakers, and teaching workshops all day. My favorite part of all that was heading up an invigorating and almost always hilarious activity called Radio Broadcasting.
The students were instructed to create a news broadcast about some current events after reading materials I had given them. They worked in groups to present their own version of the evening news, covering the topics of health, technology, international news, weather, and conference news. After twenty-five minutes of preparation, each group had come up with a creative way of explaining each of their topics.
We all watched on the edge of our pews, as students put on accents and personalities to inform us about the latest number of swine flu victims, the inside story on the Apple’s Snow Leopard Operating System, and elections in Greece. Then we sat back and laughed about the fictional (and slightly loopy) weather predictions and the reports on the intern’s quirky habits.
Overall, I was very impressed at the student’s ability to take ordinary information and turn it into an enlightening and entertaining presentation, all in less than half an hour. Thinking back on that activity, I am reminded of the example which the men from the tribe of Issachar set for us in 1 Chronicles 12:32. Those men understood the times they lived in and knew what was right. The Radio Broadcasting activity showed me a group of young people who are ready to take on that same challenge.
Of Coffee, Chapters, and Conversations
Hannah Ketring
What do you get when you put a green garden gnome, 170+ students, at least three ninjas, and five skillful Apprentices in one building? Something close to the level of amazing-ness experienced at the Metuchen conference. As this was my first visit to New Jersey, a couple of things surprised me, including the beautiful weather, the intense recycling, and delicious health food. I loved working with the students and getting to be in a new part of the country. The day before the conference the intern team was treated to a beautiful lunch where we had the privilege of meeting the conference host team and several students who would be attending. It was a really special time and I so appreciated getting to hang out more with the incredible people here. New Jersey might be small in size, but it is large in heart, as two different New Jersey chapters were represented at the conference. I really enjoyed working with both Say What and City Gate, as well two Annapolis chapters, The Messengers and LOGOS and seeing their unique, creative, and informative chapters presentations. So overall, the New Jersey conference was kind of like a cup of coffee: energizing, intense, and beautiful. It also smelled nice.
How Metuchen
Robin Scofield
My first taste of New Jersey was stepping out of the Motor Home to feel cool fresh air hit my face. One of my first experiences at the church was being handed a chocolate from one of the Mothers from the local Chapter. This conference was off to a great start: cool weather, hospitable people, and chocolate. Throughout the rest of the days of the Metuchen conference my first impression was actually right! It was exciting to be able to share the framework of communication with the beginners, who were hearing the information for the first time. Seeing a light in their eyes when they “get it” is something I always look for when I am teaching a class, and I saw it frequently. The intermediate students became even more interactive and energetic as the days went on, which made teaching classes extremely fun. Not only did they ask questions of the instructors, but volunteered information from their own practice and background, which added an amazing element to each class.
Another portion of this conference that I particularly remember was that the parents involved were so appreciative. Whether it was after registration, or after leading a Coaches workshop, I would be stopped by a mother and after our conversation I would be thoroughly encouraged. Because of the opportunity to get to know the students as well as their parents, I am so very excited to see how all of the New Jersey clubs and chapters will continue to grow, and reach out in their area.
