The CCIW Weekend Away is the first time all four sites of Christ Church Inner West have been able to gather together off site. It has been three years in the making and we're really looking forward to getting to spend time together and build in community.
We hope that the weekend will knit our congregations together and deepen our unity and love for one another.
We'll be joined by speaker Rory Shiner, who will encourage us to be fearless everyday witnesses, ready to share the beauty of the gospel without hiding parts of ourselves, and being authentic in our faith in every sphere.
Basecamp is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, lead by Paige and Ethan Crosweller.
In 2022 Basecamp is directed by Paige and Ethan.
Paige's favourite thing about Basecamp is jumping castle day.
Ethan’s favourite thing about Basecamp is the singing and dancing.
Paige and Ethan are a part of St Oswald's Haberfield, and have been volunteering at Basecamp since 2018.
During Basecamp your child will be assigned to a small group of about 12 kids and two leaders
Basecamp is run by a team of about 40 leaders who lead small groups, run activities and supervise the out-of-school-hours program.
All of our Basecamp volunteers have completed safe ministry training and working with children checks in line with the NSW Government and Sydney Anglican Diocese protocols around safe ministry for children and vulnerable people.
In 2022 Basecamp is directed by Paige and Ethan.
Paige's favourite thing about Basecamp is jumping castle day.
Ethan’s favourite thing about Basecamp is the singing and dancing.
Paige and Ethan are a part of St Oswald's Haberfield, and have been volunteering at Basecamp since 2018.
During Basecamp your child will be assigned to a small group of about 12 kids and two leaders.
Basecamp is run by a team of about 40 leaders who lead small groups, run activities and supervise the out-of-school-hours program.
All of our Basecamp volunteers have completed safe ministry training and working with children checks in line with the NSW Government and Sydney Anglican Diocese protocols around safe ministry for children and vulnerable people.
What is the theme?
The theme for the weekend is 'Fearless Faith'.
Who is the speaker?
Rory Shiner will be our guest speaker for the weekend. Rory Shiner studied Arts at the University of Western Australia and theology at Moore College in Sydney. His PhD is on the life and work of Donald Robinson. He is senior pastor of Providence City Church in Perth, where he lives with his wife, Susan, and their four boys. He has the author of 'The World Next Door', 'Raised Forever' and 'One Forever'.
What can we expect in the schedule?
The details of the schedule are still being worked through, however you can expect time praying together, praising in song, opening the bible, and hearing from God's word. In addition we'll have some time to connect as individual sites. You'll also get to enjoy the beautiful site and its surrounds during free time.
Will I be able to find other people from my congregation?
Yes. We will provide a set opportunity to gather with your site/ congregation during the weekend.
Will kids and youth programs be on offer over the weekend?
Yes. We will have kids and youth programs across the weekend. This will include Creche (0-4 year olds), Kids (4-12 year olds), and Teens (12-17 year olds).
Is there the option to join online?
Unfortunately we won't be able to livestream the weekend. We will however record the sessions and can make them available after the weekend.
I'm not sure if I'm a Christian yet, am I still welcome to come?
If you are still exploring what it is to be a Christian, you are still very welcome to come along and participate in every aspect of the weekend.
My partner isn't a Christian, are they welcome to come too?
If your partner is not a believer, they are welcome to come too. If they are open to Christian things, they would be welcome to participate in every aspect of the weekend. If they aren't interested in exploring there are other activities in the surrounding area (beach, cafes, nice walks, etc.) that they could go to instead. They are welcome to participate in our meals and other free time/evening activities.
When is the CCIW Weekend Away?
Friday 5th - Sunday 7th May 2023
Where will the CCIW Weekend Away be held?
We are going to the Tops Conference Centre in Stanwell Tops.
51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508
Find out more about the Tops Conference Centre on their website: https://thetops.com.au/
What time should I arrive on Friday?
You can arrive at the Tops Conference centre any time from 6pm on Friday the 5th of May. There is no dinner provided on the Friday night, but there will be supper. Our first session kicking off the weekend will be at 8pm Friday 5th May.
Do I need to bring my own linen and towels?
Yes, please bring all linen and towels. You will also need to bring either a doona or a sleeping bag. See this list from the Tops for further information.
Will the venue cater my dietary requirements?
Yes, The Tops conference centre is very skilled at accommodating for different dietary needs. Please notify us in the registration form and we will ensure that is communicated to the site.
Is there coffee available?
Yes! We will bring our two batch brewing coffee machines to the weekend.
What things are there to do in the local area during free time?
The Tops is in a beautiful location with lots of options to explore God's creation. Stanwell Park Beach is a ten minute drive away and there are number of bushwalk tracks nearby, as well as lovely cafes you could visit during free time.
What happens if become unwell on the Weekend?
If you feel unwell on the weekend, we would encourage you to head home as soon as possible. We do not expect or require individuals to do a RAT on or before the weekend.
If I can't come, will there still be services in the Inner West on the Sunday?
Yes, those of us still in Sydney will gather for a combined service at St Oswald's Haberfield on Sunday 7 May.
Who should I contact if I have other questions?
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact your site pastor, St John's Associate Pastor Louisa Macourt (Louisa@cciw.church) or one of the Weekend Away planning team members from your site:
St John's Ashfield:
- Sarah Glover (sarah.gilmore96@gmail.com)
- Isaac Eveleigh (iweveleigh@gmail.com)
St Bede's Drummoyne
- Emily Adcock (emilyadcockis@gmail.com)
St Alban's Five Dock:
- Susan Sukkar (susan.sukkar@det.nsw.edu.au)
- Tam Ramsay (taminarmidale@gmail.com)
St Oswald's Haberfield
- Mark Simmons (marksimmons4600@hotmail.com)
- Sarah Codrington (sarahcodrington2@gmail.com)