What's New?

Conference Talks 2024

Recordings of the three talks from the 2024 Conference in October are now available. You will find links to them below.

At this Conference it was decided to draw on Connexion members to speak, rather than invite an external key speaker. From the positive feedback we have received about each of the talks, this choice proved to be a great success.

Supporting the overall theme of the Conference, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Ben Quant began on Monday with 'Yesterday: Selina and Us', followed on Tuesday by David Bachelor speaking on 'Today: The Church' and Peter Earle rounding the event up on Wednesday with 'Tomorrow: The Call to Mission'.

 

 

The annual Conference is a hugely popular event and an ideal opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in the lovely surroundings at High Leigh, for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. Younger members are also well catered for with a separate Youth Conference and a programme of activities for younger children.  

Dates for the next Conference have now been set and will take place from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 October 2025, at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon.

We hope you will enjoy each of the talks and look forward to seeing you in October!

 

Enjoying the Conference

Our 2024 Conference was a great success, enjoyed by all ages with a mixture of fun, teaching, worship and friendship.

The three-day event included a variety of activities, which were much appreciated, and this year the three daily talks, which took up the theme of The Connexion - past, present and future - were delivered by our own 'in-house' speakers,  

Day 1 - Yesterday: Selina and Us. The Countess' Legacy - by Ben Quant

Day 2 - Today: The Church - by David Batchelor

Day 3: Tomorrow: The Future, A Call to Mission - by Peter Earle

Joe and Elizabeth Gregory treated us to a fine double-act as an entertaining tribute for Joe's two years in the role of President.

conf 2024 joe eliz gregory

And Janet O'Shea, Chair of SLM, was welcomed in as the new President!

janet oshea conference

Our Connexion Youth Group enjoyed their own activities and discussion and younger members
were also kept entertained over the three days.

conf 2024 youth group

The hospitality at High Leigh is always good, and this year was no different. Everyone was treated
to delicious food, with tea and coffee 'on-tap' in the social areas throughout the day.

conf 2024 social

Finally, the all-age worship services were enjoyed by everyone, with great music, song and prayer!

conf 2024 worship music

conf 2024 worship youth

conf 2024 worship2

conf 2024 worship

New Connexion President

At the Conference, the Connexion Trustees extended their gratitude to Joe Gregory for his tremendous work as President for the past two years, ably supported by his wife Elizabeth. Huge thanks to them both!

The Trustees were also delighted to welcome Janet O'Shea, a well-known figure within the Connexion Community for her tireless work with the Sierra Leone Mission, as the new Connexion President. Congratulations Janet!

Read Janet's first President's Address below:

'I can’t believe this is really happening… my dad would have been so proud! He regularly attended the conference at Herne Bay and we often entertained ‘dignitaries’ Quinton De'Ath, Gilbert Kirby, Douglas Staplehurst and Ken Stone to name a few.

I am certainly not a preacher but I do love sharing the work that we are linked with in Sierra Leone. I would be happy to visit any of our Churches armed with a presentation. It is one subject that has become part of me especially in the past 12 years.

I would like to give you some background to my story as I take up this role. I was born in 1953 in St Ives Cornwall to Eddie and Eleanor Murt. My dad was a lifelong member of Zion Congregational Church and my mum was a Salvationist. I was dually dedicated in Zion under the Salvation Army (SA) flag.

Zion in those days was full and also boasted a choir. I remember the sermons were at least an hour long and I was fascinated when men often shouted out ‘Amen’ or ‘Hallelujah!’ during the proceedings. Everyone seemed to have a favourite hymn and on a regular basis a lone voice would start up the last verse often after already singing seven verses.

Sunday School was in the afternoon and we often boasted 100 children. My Sunday consisted of 9am SA open air, 10:45 Zion service, 2pm Zion Sunday School, 5pm SA open air, 6pm Zion service, 8pm SA Hymn singing on the slipway.

In my teens I joined the Youth for Christ choir, not my choice! However it was during one of the rallies that I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. I was blessed with at least 30 other young people also becoming Christians: we would spontaneously hold open airs, beach mission, prayer meetings, Bible studies. A treasured period in my life.

I went away to Bristol to train as a teacher in 1971. It was a tough time. I had been cocooned in St.Ives and I found myself questioning my faith. However God had His hand on me and He didn’t let me go.

I returned to St Ives after my training and landed a job in the town at St Ives Infant School where I remained for 38 years. During that time I settled into married life and Ralph and I were blessed with two girls; Hannah and Ruth. A month after we were married Ralph injured his back which began a spiral of health issues. He had discs removed from his back, he had four heart attacks, a quadruple bi-pass, a stroke, he suffered with kidney stones, etc etc. multiple admissions to hospital and emergency episodes. Life was far from easy and as I look back I recognise that it was only through God’s grace and presence that we survived through 45 years of marriage. Ralph is healed now and enjoying the blessings of heaven.

During these years I witnessed a huge decline in numbers attending Zion. The ministry has always been faithful, following the Bible with Godly leadership. Sometimes tradition took precedence and there was a culture of ‘holding on’ instead of ‘passing on the baton.’ By 2013 we were down to five regular attenders.

It was a time to really seek God’s face for the future. One Sunday the preacher didn’t turn up and the visitors, it was summer, kept coming in. What should we do? We decided to let the Spirit lead the service and explained this to the congregation. Two ladies came to the front, they were from America. Two years earlier their daughters had visited Zion and on their return to the states had started to pray for us. The ladies produced a banner, it was made from a wedding dress and had five figures on it going into the world. A gentleman then stood up and told us that God wanted us to ‘Wait on Him’

In 2015 we offered the pastorate to Tim Dennick. The Trustees were not happy… I still have the letter. They didn’t think that we could afford a pastor, nothing against Tim!

Sometimes we have to step out in faith. We can now boast nine members however we also have 10 teenagers, five children and regular attendance of at least 25 people. Over the last three years we have worked with teams of American evangelists, run Community days, Christmas outreach, supported Beach mission and delivered thousands of leaflets. God has not finished with us, by his Grace He is using us to spread the Good news. I’d like to encourage you if you are in a small church….you are still important to God, seek His will and wait on Him. I am probably the worst offender when it comes to patience. God is building His Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it.

I would like to close with some verses from scripture. Ian Densham used to say always quote scripture it might be the only inspired words you speak!

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

"This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

As Jesus ascended into Heaven, He spoke these words to disciples who were feeling deflated, tired, confused, struggling to carry on:

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere."

Perhaps we are in that place as The Connexion - and need to ask God for a fresh infilling, overflowing of the Holy Spirit in ourselves and our Churches.'

Janet O'Shea

 

Revised Programme

A few tweaks have been made to the Conference programme, mainly due to the very sad passing of Steve Legg, who was battling with cancer. We ask that you will join us in prayer for Steve's family and friends.

The Conference will run from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October 2024 at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

The overall theme for the Conference this year is "Jesus Christ: the same Yesterday, Today and Forever". The programme supports this theme over the three days with a wide range of activities and interests.

It is hugely popular event for all ages, and a great opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in lovely surroundings, for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. Our youths and children will also be provided with a programme of activities alongside the 'grown-up' events to keep everyone entertained, engaged and happy. 

We thank Becky Green who will be leading the Youth Conference, and Jo Kennedy who will lead our children's work.

We look forward to hearing what God's been doing in our communities, both in the UK and Sierra Leone. There is also a chance to help play a part in the future shape and direction of the Connexion, through our Connexion Review. This will involve discussion and exploration of who we are, what we're about and where we are going.

We look forward to seeing you at this fabulously enjoyable and inspiring event!

Revised Conference Programme 2024

Conference Booking Form 2024

Conference Reminder!

Just a reminder that this year's Connexion Conference will run for three days from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October 2024. The location is High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

As in previous years, arrangements are flexible to suit individual preferences. You can opt to come to the whole event or attend dates of your choice - either just for the day or to stay overnight. The booking form below shows prices for different options.

The Conference is hugely popular and a great opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in lovely surroundings, for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. Our youths and children  are also very welcome, and will be provided with a programme of activities alongside the 'grown-up' events to keep everyone entertained, engaged and happy.

The programme for this year’s conference has now been put together and includes a wide range of activities and interests over the three days.

As well as hearing what God's been up to amongst us through the Trustees' AGM and the News from the Churches (with videos!) there is a chance to help play a part in the future shape and direction of the Connexion, through our Connexion Review. This will involve discussion and exploration of who we are and what we're about that will take place across the event -  and no doubt continue beyond…

The celebration of our shared identity in Christ will continue with three speaker slots (one each day). This year, we are listening to the 'wisdom in the room' as all of our speakers are in-house. We have some excellent speakers and felt this was important as we reflect on what God has been doing and where he is leading us as a movement.

Paul Woodbridge will be looking back at the story of the Countess herself and her legacy for us, David Batchelor will be continuing to examine our articles of faith - this time turning to 'The Church' and what it means for us to be God's family today. Finally, Peter Earle will be looking forward at the mission God is calling us to.

Our Youth Conference will joining us again this year, thanks to Becky Green who has agreed to lead them again, and Jo Kennedy will also be back to lead our children's work.

If you haven't signed up already, a Booking Form link is below!

We'd love you to join us for a fabulously enjoyable and inspiring event!

Conference Programme 2024

Conference Booking Form 2024

Conference Programme

The programme for this year’s conference has now been put together and includes a wide range of activities and interests over the three days.

The Conference runs from Monday 28 October to Wednesday 30 October at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire - and it's time to book now!

It's a hugely popular event for the whole Connexion community to come together in friendship to celebrate the heritage of the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion today. The Conference provides a wonderful opportunity to share the importance of our relationship with God, our strong sense of being a family and our emphasis on listening to scripture and mission.

As well as hearing what God's been up to amongst us through the Trustees' AGM and the News from the Churches (with videos!) there is a chance to help play a part in the future shape and direction of the Connexion, through our Connexion Review. This will involve discussion and exploration of who we are and what we're about that will take place across the event -  and no doubt continue beyond…

The celebration of our shared identity in Christ will continue with three speaker slots (one each day). This year, we are listening to the 'wisdom in the room' as all of our speakers are in-house. We have some excellent speakers and felt this was important as we reflect on what God has been doing and where he is leading us as a movement.

Paul Woodbridge will be looking back at the story of the Countess herself and her legacy for us, David Batchelor will be continuing to examine our articles of faith - this time turning to 'The Church' and what it means for us to be God's family today. Finally, Peter Earle will be looking forward at the mission God is calling us to.

Our Youth Conference will joining us again this year, thanks to Becky Green who has agreed to lead them again, and Jo Kennedy will also be back to lead our children's work.

In addition, we hope to welcome the Christian entertainer, Steve Legg, to amuse and delight all ages!

Please Book Now!

More detail about the planned three-day programme is in the link below, together with the booking form.

Please sign up for your place(s) right now - and also encourage others to come and join us for a fabulously enjoyable and inspiring event!

Conference Programme 2024

Conference Booking Form 2024

Book Now! - Conference 2024

It's that time again! This year's Connexion Conference will run for three days from Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October 2024. The location is High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire - and it's time to book now!

As in previous years, arrangements are flexible to suit individual preferences. You can opt to come to the whole event or attend dates of your choice - either just for the day or to stay overnight. The booking form below shows prices for different options.

The Conference is hugely popular and a great opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in lovely surroundings, for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. Our youths and children  are also very welcome, and will be provided with a programme of activities alongside the 'grown-up' events to keep everyone entertained, engaged and happy.

Book Now!

Please put the dates in your diary and encourage your friends to attend as well. We hope for the best attendance yet! 

Complete and submit the booking form below asap to reserve your place(s). 

Conference Booking Form 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Timings

The Conference runs from 11am Monday 28 October, with departure on Wednesday 30 October after lunch.

 

The Conference!

A fine time was had by all at this year’s Connexion Conference - as always!

conference2023 building

This annual event not only provides the perfect opportunity for our Connexion
community to come together in friendship and fun, it also offers time to catch
up on news 
from The Connexion and SLM, draw inspiration from the speaker
and share ideas 
and developments with our group of 22 churches.

conference2023 group

conference2023 talks

This year's speaker was Rev Dr Joseph Boot from the Ezra Institute
for Contemporary Christianity.

conference2023 joseph boot

The youth group and children were also fully occupied and entertained,
throughout the three days, presenting their activities to the delegates at
the all-age service on the final day.

conference 2023 children

conference2023 youth

 

Looking Forward to the Conference!

The Connexion Community are looking forward to the  2023 Connexion Conference, which runs for three days from tomorrow (26 October) at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

It's a hugely popular event with something for everyone in beautiful surroundings. We pray for good weather and that a good time will be had by all! 

Conference schedule outline

Thursday (from 11am) includes worship, the President's Welcome, The Connexion AGM, Family News and after dinner a bit of fun in 'The Countess Escape Room'. 

Friday (all day) starts off with prayer and worship, followed by the first talk by our Key Speaker, Joseph Boot, and the Sierra Leone Mission AGM, which will also include a visit from Magnus Bendu. In the afternoon there's a seminar with David Batchelor, free time to catch up with friends, followed by a second talk from Joseph. After dinner there will be a Part 2 Family News session.

 

Saturday (morning) has the third talk by Joseph, followed by an all-age worship and communion service and lunch. 

Young people and children will also be provided with a programme of activities alongside the 'grown-up' events to keep everyone entertained, engaged and happy.

Conference Programme

Enjoy!

 

Booking Reminder! Conference 2023

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to complete your booking forms for places at our 2023 Connexion Conference. The event runs for three days from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 October at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

Arrangements are flexible to suit your preferences. You can opt to come to the whole event or attend dates of your choice - either just for the day or to stay overnight. The booking form below shows prices for different options.

The Conference is hugely popular and a great opportunity for the whole Connexion Community to enjoy time together in lovely surroundings, for prayer, worship, learning, discussion, inspiration, fun and friendship. 

Day 1 (Thursday from 11am) includes worship, the President's Welcome, The Connexion AGM, Family News and after dinner a bit of fun in 'The Countess Escape Room' - the mind boggles!

Day 2 (Friday - all day) starts off with prayer and worship, followed by the first talk by our Key Speaker, Joseph Boot, and the Sierra Leone Mission AGM, which will also include a visit from Magnus Bendu! In the afternoon there's a seminar with David Batchelor, free time to catch up with friends, followed by a second talk from Joseph. After dinner there will be a Part 2 Family News session.

Day 3 (Saturday morning) has the third talk by Joseph, followed by an all-age worship and communion service and lunch.

Youths and children

Our youths and children will be provided with a programme of activities alongside the 'grown-up' events to keep everyone entertained, engaged and happy.

 

Booking

Conference dates are Thursday 26 October (from 11am) to Saturday 28 October  (lunchtime). However, it is possible to attend the whole event or on selected days if you'd prefer. The booking form shows prices for overnight accommodation as well as costs for day visitors (and meals).

To reserve your places, please complete and submit the booking form below.

Conference Booking Form 

Conference Programme

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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