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Since 1999, Ann has been attending Katoomba Easter Convention. In her story, she explains why KEC has become a family tradition and an unmissable event for the past two decades. We recently had the pleasure of hearing Ann Cunningham’s KCC story which began at KYCK (previously ‘Katoomba Youth Convention’) when she was just a teenager. In 1999, she started attending Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) while pregnant with her eldest daughter. In her story, Ann explains why KEC has become a family tradition and an unmissable event for the past two decades. 1. What is your favourite memory from Katoomba Easter Convention? What brings you back each year? I have been involved with KCC since I was a teenager attending Youth Convention in the big tent on the oval, and then later serving on the organisation committee. Since 1999, I have attended Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) and remember being pregnant there with my oldest daughter. I have returned to KEC because there is always lots to look forward to. For my family, it is a treasured holiday time with extended family, in a beautiful part of the world. Together, we soak in God’s word which is the focus, meet friends and are part of a unified group praising God. For our family it is simply a given that this is something we do every year. The only times I have missed a KEC is when I have been interstate or overseas. 2. How have conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention encouraged you in your faith? My faith has been encouraged in many ways over the years. At times it has been the teaching theme that has been particularly challenging to me personally or answering some issues that are very relevant to our times. Each year, without fail, I have seen more of who God is in his glorious majesty and gained a greater understanding to what he has and is doing in our world. I have come away amazed at the riches and depth of God’s word, as my heart and mind is changed. The teaching at KEC sits with me for months (and sometimes years) and I find the Spirit has used it to prompt me so many times. I have also been so encouraged to be united over the word, with so many other people of all different walks of life. Lastly, to see the teaching for my children – as they grapple with Biblical truths and what it means for them in their lives. 3. What do you think are the benefits of attending conferences like Katoomba Easter Convention? There are many benefits to attending conferences like KEC. The in depth, solid and reliable Bible teaching, encouragement from fellow believers, seeing old friends, hearing about other ministries, being exposed to books and other resources that may be helpful, a chance to stop from normal routine and spend quality time in God’s word alone and with others, showing family and friends the importance to you of God and his word by using your time and money to attend conferences. Join us at KEC 2021Guest speakers Michael Ramsden (RZIM) and Kirk Patston (SMBC) will be joining the KEC platform in 2021. To receive the latest news and updates, you can sign up to our newsletter here: https://easterconvention.com.au/ Help us keep KCC going in 2021 Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) began in 1903 under the banner of being ‘All One in Christ Jesus’. Growing from a small gathering of Christians in a children’s playroom in Katoomba, KCC has continued for over 110 years to bring Christians together and to see transformation in their lives as they sit under God’s Word. While there is much to thank God for, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our financial situation. In June, we commenced a fundraising effort to raise a minimum of $750,000 to see KCC through the challenges of 2020. So far, KCC supporters have contributed over $510,000! We are now seeking to raise the remaining $240,000 before the end of this year. If you have been blessed by the ministry of KCC and have the capacity to give, we would love to invite you to consider donating to our ministry. CLICK HERE to give. Stay up to date with Katoomba Easter Convention
Award-winning author, pastor and international conference speaker, Paul Tripp, will join the Oxygen Live panel to address a talk titled ‘How to Ignite Your Spiritual Health?’ Paul will discuss the topic of spiritual health, its correlation with the current ‘leadership crisis' and share tips for moving forward. On Wednesday 25 November, Paul Tripp will join the Oxygen Live panel to address the topic of spiritual health and its correlation with what he perceives to be the current ‘leadership crisis’. In Paul’s words: "We don’t have just a pastoral crisis; I am convinced from conversation after conversation with pastors and their leadership that we have a leadership crisis.” In this interview titled, ‘How to Ignite Your Spiritual Health?’, Paul will address the core reasons for the current ‘crisis’ among pastors while offering practical ways to move forward. Make sure to tune in on Wednesday 25 November, 12pm (AEST) on the Oxygen Facebook Page.* Paul is a pastor, author, and international conference speaker. His nonprofit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. He has written numerous books, including Dangerous Calling and New Morning Mercies. Paul has served as a valued guest speaker for multiple KCC events including Oxygen, BASECAMP and Katoomba Easter Convention. You can access these old talks for free on the ‘KCC One’ App. To get the latest updates for our Oxygen Live events, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen You can replay previous events ‘What to do when your tank is low’ (Tim Dyer), ‘Ministry Stress: Crisis or Catalyst?’ (Dr Grant Bickerton), ‘What to do when you’re on the brink of burn out’ (Dr Valerie Ling), ‘How do we have joy in our limitations?’ (Zack Eswine) on Facebook or the KCC One App. *Due to differences in time zones, this session will be pre-recorded. Reset Your Ministry Tank with our ‘Time to Reset’ series on the 'KCC One' App! We are pleased to share the ‘Time to Reset’ series on the KCC One App--a collection of handpicked resources designed to refresh people serving in Christian ministry. Featuring past Oxygen talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer, Jen Wilkin and Lyn Worsley, ‘Time to Reset’ has been specially curated to help leaders refuel their ministry tank so that they can continue serving the Gospel with zeal and joy. Here’s a preview of the 8 talks that are available in this series:
Download 'KCC One' on mobile and tablet devices today! Stay up to date with Oxygen resources and events!
We thank God for the ways that technology has enabled the KYCK team to serve thousands of teenagers across Australia and beyond.
Although youth groups were unable to gather in-person at KYCK conference this year, we thank God for the ways that technology allowed us to serve thousands of teenagers through the KYCK 20 Livestreams in Spring and the KYCK Live event in May.
In Spring, 129 youth groups tuned into the KYCK 20 Livestreams to be encouraged from the book of Thessalonians, worship with others in song, and to hear inspiring testimonies. Delegates tuned in from local and regional churches, with the biggest groups represented by St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral in Wollongong, Crossroads Christian Church in Canberra and Christ Church in Gladesville. As KYCK 20 was livestreamed, churches in regional and interstate areas were also able to tune in including youth groups from Reedy Creek (Queensland), Northgate (South Australia), Dubbo, Molong, Singleton, Tamworth, Broken Hill, Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Mudgee, Bathurst and Berry. Watch the video below to see some of the highlights from KYCK this year.
For some, the KYCK 20 Livestream provided a much-needed morale boost for teenagers who had been feeling discouraged and disconnected all year.
“In a season that has left so many feeling distant and isolated, we really felt like part of a larger Christian community tonight. Looking into Thessalonians and turning the youths’ minds away from themselves and towards the lives they can live through Christ is truly something great. Our youth and leaders had such a great time hanging out and gathering around the word of God today.”
According to Michelle, the KYCK 20 Livestream benefited her group of 40 teenagers, who gathered from youth groups across Blackheath, Katoomba, Leura and Wentworth Falls Anglican.
“We had four youth groups get together to hang out and watch online. A great opportunity for teens to get to know each other. Teens who go to youth group, especially those who go to the same schools. Very Encouraging.”
Earlier this April, the KYCK Committee also hosted KYCK Live where God’s word was preached to thousands of teenagers as far and wide as Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, The United States and The United Kingdom. The talks from KYCK Live are available for free on the ‘KCC One’ App.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the KYCK Committee, worship bands CityAlight and Gather, and our 2020 guest speakers Dave Jensen, Ben Staunton, Matt Sparks and Brett Hookham for serving our youth in a tumultuous year. We are thankful to God for your partnership with KCC in the gospel!
Save the dates for KYCK 2021
KYCK will return in 2021 over three April weekends, and one weekend in September. Make sure to save the dates today:
Stay up to date with KYCK
In 2021, churches across the state will be opening their doors to host the NextGen training conference for delegates in their congregation and local area.
In 2021, churches across the state will be opening their doors to host NextGen training conference for delegates in their congregation and local area. NextGen 21 will offer world-class Training Kits, enabling local churches to replicate the training experience with convenience and ease. Each kit will include:
Watch the video below as Gracepoint representative, Pastor Elliot Ku, explains why you should join their church for NextGen 21 or to consider hosting an event in your own church. To contact Elliot about NextGen 21, you can send an email to information@gracepoint.org.au or call (0)2 9643 1999. To find out more about hosting or joining a host church, please email nextgen@kcc.org.au.
Sign up for the NextGen Trainers Info Session!
In order to equip the next generation of NextGen Trainers, we are hosting an Info Session over Zoom! This digital and interactive session will offer tips and tricks to upcoming trainers and will equip them in handling the day-to-day responsibilities required of NextGen trainers and strand group leading.
Save the date in your calendar! Date: Monday 7 December 2020 Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Please note that this Info Session is only available to people who have purchased a ticket. To sign up for this session please refer to the details outlined in your confirmation email upon registration.
Stay up to date with NextGen conference:
On Monday 16 November, KCC will release ‘The Beatitudes’, a video devotional series by Malcolm Gill. Available exclusively on the KCC One App, ‘The Beatitudes’ will take a deep dive into Matthew 5:3–12 where Jesus points us to a thriving blessed life that is both counter-cultural and counter-intuitive. In partnership with Malcolm Gill, we are pleased to release ‘The Beatitudes’, a video devotional series available exclusively on the KCC One App.
Starting Monday 16 November, we will release a daily devotional from Matthew 5:3–12, where Jesus powerfully reminds us, his disciples, of the blessed life that God has called us to. Here’s a preview of what you can expect:
According to Malcolm, the Beatitudes points to a blessed life that is both counter-cultural and counter-intuitive, and “endorsed” by God: “The Beatitudes are not an entry point into the Christian life, rather, they are an invitation to reflect on the life that God desires for those who have already come to know him. The beatitudes remind us of the joys of the God-endorsed life.” Malcolm Gill is a long-time KCC supporter and platform speaker. He has served as the Oxygen Chair, and he has been a valuable guest speaker across KCC conventions. Outside of KCC, Mal has served in churches in Texas and Sydney, and he currently teaches New Testament, Greek and Preaching at Sydney Missionary & Bible College. To access these devotionals, make sure to download the ‘KCC One’ App which is available on mobile and tablet devices: https://www.kcc.org.au/kccone.html
Since 1903, KCC has been committed to gathering delegates from across generations and denominations to hear and respond to the gospel. Hear how KCC conventions has impacted Matt, Jeanette and Penny's lives, as well as the lives of the people in their church and family.
Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) began in 1903 under the banner of being ‘All One in Christ Jesus’. Growing from a small gathering of Christians in a children’s playroom in Katoomba, KCC has continued for over 110 years to bring Christians together and to see transformation in their lives as they sit under God’s Word.
In 2020, KCC continues with its commitment to gather delegates from across generations and denominations to hear and respond to the gospel. ‘My KCC Story’ is a collection of stories documenting the ways that generations have been transformed through KCC conventions. Be inspired by Matt, Jeanette and Penny’s stories below. My KCC Story: Matt
“Every single time I attend a KCC conference I am always reminded to follow Jesus more faithfully and consistently. KCC has changed the lives of many people in our church.”
Matt shares the way he and his church has been blessed by the ministry of KCC, and the role that Onward and Oxygen has played in strengthening and encouraging members to live better lives for Jesus. Be inspired by Matt’s KCC Story here: My KCC Story: Jeanette
“Over 20 years, our [women’s fellowship] group has continued to meet and attend OneLove together.”
Jeannette served on the Women’s Convention committee back when OneLove was known as Women’s Katoomba Convention. Listen to her testimony and hear of the ways that God spoke to thousands of women each year through the ministry of WKC. Be inspired by Jeanette’s KCC Story here: My KCC Story: Penny
“KCC has been life-changing as it has been my constant firm foundation over time.”
Penny’s first KCC event was in 1985 where she remembers singing with thousands of youth on the big top oval. She now has four children, and together as a family they enjoy attending Katoomba Easter Convention each year as it is their “little slice of heaven”. Be inspired by Penny’s KCC Story here:
Watch all the videos in the ‘My KCC Story’ collection on the ‘KCC One’ App or here: https://www.update.kcc.org.au/2020-testimonials/
Help us keep KCC going in 2021
While there is much to thank God for, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our financial situation. In June, we commenced a fundraising effort to raise a minimum of $750,000 to see KCC through the challenges of 2020. So far, KCC supporters have contributed over $510,000! We are now seeking to raise the remaining $240,000 before the end of this year.
If you have been blessed by the ministry of KCC and have the capacity to give, we would love to invite you to consider donating to our ministry. CLICK HERE to give.
Stay up to date with the ministry of KCC:
Award-winning author and pastor, Zack Eswine, will join the Oxygen Live panel to address a talk titled 'How Do We Have Joy in Our Limitations?' Zack will share wisdom on how we can find joy in our limitations as we walk with Jesus. This month, the Oxygen team will continue hosting ‘Oxygen Live’, a series of FREE online Facebook events aimed at helping Christian leaders and ministry workers to prioritise ministry wellbeing and to run refreshed. On Wednesday 18 November at 12PM (AEST)*, an interview with Zack Eswine will premiere on the Oxygen Facebook page. Zack will respond to the question ‘How do we have joy in our limitations?’ 2020 has intensified our awareness of our limitations, and Zack will teach us how to respond to them with joy, while walking with Jesus. Dr. Zack Eswine serves as Pastor at Riverside Church and serves as Director of Homiletics for Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis Missouri. His honest writings about ministry questions, sorrow and hope flow out of his life following Jesus as a pastor, husband and father. His books include The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering our Joy in our Limitations through a daily apprenticeship with Jesus and Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who suffer with Depression. To get the latest updates for our Oxygen Live events, make sure to follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/kcc.oxygen You can replay previous events ‘What to do when your tank is low’ (Tim Dyer), ‘Ministry Stress: Crisis or Catalyst?’ (Dr Grant Bickerton), ‘What to do when you’re on the brink of burn out’ (Dr Valerie Ling) on Facebook or the KCC One App. *Due to differences in time zones, this session will be pre-recorded. Reset Your Ministry Tank with our ‘Time to Reset’ series on the 'KCC One' App! We are pleased to share the ‘Time to Reset’ series on the KCC One App--a collection of handpicked resources designed to refresh people serving in Christian ministry. Featuring past Oxygen talks by Dr Grant Bickerton, Tim Dyer, Jen Wilkin and Lyn Worsley, ‘Time to Reset’ has been specially curated to help leaders refuel their ministry tank so that they can continue serving the Gospel with zeal and joy. Here’s a preview of the 8 talks that are available in this series:
Download 'KCC One' on mobile and tablet devices today! Stay up to date with Oxygen Conference and resources for leaders:
The NextGen 21 Training Kits will feature world-class electives and masterclasses by Francis Chan, Paul Tripp, Nancy Guthrie, Jen Wilkin and more. Register today for your NextGen 21 Training Kit!
Although we won’t be gathering physically in 2021, NextGen will continue to offer world-class Bible training in the form of Training Kits. Each kit will be equipped with plenary talks, electives and masterclasses that are designed to equip delegates in effective and faithful gospel ministry.
The plenary talks will be supplied by Tim Blencowe (Pastor, Macquarie Baptist Church) preaching from the book of Ephesians and Gary Millar (Principal, Queensland Theological College) preaching from the book of Numbers. Delegates will walk away with a better understanding of the gospel as it is outlined in both the Old and New Testament. Numbers with Gary Millar from kcc on Vimeo. Ephesians with Tim Blencowe from kcc on Vimeo.
NextGen 21 Electives & Masterclasses
The Training Kits will also feature past Oxygen electives and Masterclasses provided by renowned Bible teachers from around the world. Delegates can sign up to attend two of the following sessions:
To learn more about each session visit our website: https://nextgen.kcc.org.au/electives-and-masterclasses/
Register now for your NextGen 21 Training Kit
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, NextGen is a conference which exists to train existing and upcoming leaders in youth and children’s ministry.
Why not kickstart 2021 with your ministry team and commit to getting trained up together? To register for your NextGen 21 Training Kit, visit our website.
Stay up to date with NextGen conference:
Cici and Calum’s KCC story began when they attended KYCK conference for high schoolers. At KYCK, they heard the gospel preached and they made the decision to dedicate their lives to Christ. Today, Cici serves as a Youth Group leader in her local church, and Calum has entered full-time Christian ministry. Join us in giving thanks to God for his work in their lives.
My KCC Story: Cici
“I thank God for KCC’s ministry and how it has changed my life, and my friends’ lives and my youth group’s life.”
By God’s grace, Cici Gu became a Christian at KYCK 2012. In 2013, she invited two high school friends to KYCK, and by God’s grace, they too decided to follow Jesus. From there, Cici developed a passion for evangelism and signed up to NextGen conference to be trained in reading and teaching the Bible to others. She now faithfully serves as a Youth Leader in her local church. Be encouraged and inspired by Cici's KCC Story here:
Have you been blessed by the ministry of KCC? We would love to invite you to GIVE to our ministry so that we can continue into 2021 and beyond.
My KCC Story: Calum
“My KCC story started with me devoting my life to Christ, coming to know Him at a deeper understanding...and going into full-time ministry, because of KCC.”
In 2013, Calum dedicated his life to Christ at KYCK Conference. Now at 22, Calum speaks of how, through the ministry of KCC, he has also dedicated his life to serving God in full time ministry. Be encouraged and inspired by Calum’s KCC Story here:
Have you been blessed by the ministry of KCC? We would love to invite you to GIVE to our ministry so that we can continue into 2021 and beyond.
Help keep KCC going in 2021
While there is much to thank God for, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our financial situation. In June, we commenced a fundraising effort to raise a minimum of $750,000 to see KCC through the challenges of 2020. So far, KCC supporters have contributed over $510,000! We are now seeking to raise the remaining $240,000 before the end of this year.
If you have been blessed by the ministry of KCC and have the capacity to give, we would love to invite you to consider donating to our ministry. CLICK HERE to give now.
Stay up to date with the ministry of KCC:
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