Big Tent Registration now open
Other Big Tent activities
Face-to-Face
Church Leadership Connection (CLC), a joint ministry of the General Assembly Mission Council and the Office of the General Assembly, is sponsoring a Face-to-Face event at the Big Tent. Ministers, candidates, church educators and others seeking a call may review church information forms (CIFs) and schedule interviews, and search committees and middle governing body executives may review personal information forms (PIFs) and make arrangements for interview times. For more information and to register to attend, call (800) 728-7228, x5225, or visit the Church Leadership Connection website.
Pathways at Big Tent
Pathways at Big Tent is an opportunity for youth, adult youth workers, college-age young people and collegiate ministry leaders to explore God’s path for their lives. It will be a mix of leader development, discipleship exploration, recreation and worship. The younger members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the adults called to accompany them will be at Big Tent, still engaging in a manner that fits their energy, interest, and experience. With great content and a fresh approach to learning, Pathways at Big Tent is a must-do for summer 2011.
The fee of $285 per person includes program materials, notebook masters, event meals, and concert admission. Registration is part of the Big Tent registration process – youth group leaders may register themselves and their youth group members. Learn more.
Pre-and post- Big Tent conferences
Review the full Big Tent schedule for information on opportunities scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday – before Big Tent begins, and after it concludes. These include:
- Building Beloved Community: an Introduction to Antiracism Training as a Tool for Building Multiracial, Multicultural Community
- Multicultural Presbytery and Church Team Training (two tracks)
- Iraq Partnership Network Meeting
- Presbytery Pastoral Care Network Pre-Conference
- National Asian Presbyterian Council Pre-Conference
- Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God's Call
- Mexico Mission Network Meeting
- Brazil Mission Network Meeting
- Native American Consulting Committee Meeting
- National Black Presbyterian Caucus Meeting
- New Immigrant Women Meeting
- MGB-Agency Staff Gathering
- PC(USA) Social Witness Policy Focus Group Dinner & Discussion
Most of these involve an additional registration fee, payable with registration for Big Tent.
Children and youth programs
Update: The deadline for children and youth registration as part of the Child and Youth Program at Big Tent has passed. However, limited registration may still be available. Contact G. A. Meeting Service at (800) 728-7228, x2417 for more information.
As part of the Big Tent community, children and youth will participate in worship and shared meals during the Big Tent. Education programs for children and youth will explore the conference theme of Growing Christ’s Church Deep and Wide. Through interactive play, song, Bible study and other activities, children and youth will tap into their own potential to love and explore creative ways to love one another:
- Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Program (6 months through entering kindergarten)
Download information - Children’s Program (entering 1st grade through entering 5th grade)
Download information - Youth Program (entering 6th grade through entering 12th grade)
Download information - Racial Ethnic and Immigrants Convocation (REIC) Youth Program (for youth also participating in the meetings of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, the Native American Consulting Committee, and other caucuses and constituents related to the Racial Ethnic and Immigrant Consultation). This program will share many activities with the Big Tent youth program, while also providing opportunities for REIC youth to participate in gatherings of their caucuses that will be held during Big Tent.
The deadline for children and youth registration as part of the Child and Youth Program at Big Tent has passed. However, limited registration may still be available. Contact G. A. Meeting Service at (800) 728-7228, x2417 for more information.
The fee (per child/youth) for these programs is $150 for the first child/youth from a family, and $100 for each additional child/youth from the same family. This covers the full Big Tent conference, beginning Thursday evening, and includes Thursday dinner and Saturday breakfast. Unless otherwise noted in the information, parents/guardians are responsible for providing meals for their children. These programs are intended for those taking part in the activities for all three days. Daily rates are not available.
Parent/Sponsor orientations for these programs will be held on Thursday afternoon. Plan to attend one of these half-hour sessions, which start at noon, 1:00, 2 and 3 p.m.
Young adults at Big Tent
Big Tent is a gathering for all Presbyterians — and that includes you! In the midst of the worship, workshops, meals, gatherings and recreation, there are opportunities for you as a young adult (19-30ish). To help you navigate the schedule, here are a few of the highlights.
Young Adult Hospitality Nights
On Thursday and Friday evenings, join us for time with other young adults — free food provided! We’ll be gathering after the evening activities, usually from about 9 until 11 p.m., in an open-house style. Drop by, meet new people, and catch up with friends participating in other conferences. Hotel suite number to be announced.
College Age Mission Excursion
Any college-age individuals (at least 18 years old) who would like an alternative learning experience are more than welcome to join the Collegiate Track participants from the Pathways at Big Tent in a mission excursion from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, July 1. There is no extra cost for regular Big Tent participants, who would miss the afternoon workshop period. We will be traveling off-site. If you are interested, email Adrian McMullen.
World Mission Matters Young Adult Track Dinner/Fellowship
On Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m., young adult conference participants, ages 18-35, will have a chance to join together for a service learning opportunity with Urban Mountain Farms, a local intentional community in Indianapolis. Space will be created for young adults to reflect upon the time at Big Tent thus far and to discuss various questions such as: What is mutual mission? What can we, as young adults, contribute to Presbyterian mission? What does our experience tell us about how to engage in future mission opportunities? Dinner is included, and transportation is provided. Registration is necessary and available as part of Big Tent registration.
Clergywomen’s Leadership Institute/Young Women’s Leadership Development
Clergywomen’s Leadership Institute is offering a track designed specifically for young adult women. There will be workshops offered for and by young women. These workshops will address issues pertinent to today’s young women. On Thursday evening at 7 p.m., CLI and YWLD will jointly sponsor a hospitality suite. See Clergywomen's Leadership Institute / Young Women's Leadership Development for detailed information.