Singles Convention 2000

TROWEL & SWORD

On Saturday 15th January 2000, 32 people from Reformed churches all over Australia and New Zealand came together to begin a week of convention. What was special about these people was that they were all single. All of them have different stories and journeys. Some of the stories are tragic and sad. Some of the journeys are troublesome. In contrast other journeys have been uneventful and relatively smooth. Irrespective of the journey, they came together knowing that a sense of acceptance and love would prevail... that singleness was not a handicap... that this would be a camp free of stigma and stereotyping.

Saturday was an evening of setting the agenda for the week and getting to know each other. Some renewed friendships and caught up on news. The next day, being Sunday, was dedicated to worship. The common bond we shared was as redeemed people. Crosby De Kretser led us in teaching from Jeremiah 29:11. We looked at how that was applicable to us and at the hope we have knowing that God has a plan for us too. God is sovereign and is control of all things.

In the week that followed we had workshops, outings, tourist electives and dancing. We looked at singleness and sexuality, single parenting, boundaries and looked at Biblical principles of healthy relationships. Some did crafts, some jumped in the pool. Outings included going to an outdoor art sanctuary depicting sculptures of aboriginals, strawberry picking and supper at the Mount Dandenong lookout while watching the sun set over the Melbourne metropolis. We watched the movie “Patch Adams” outside on the grass and sweated away scootin’ our boots, line dancing. Some even got up early (4:00 am) while others didn’t even go to bed so as to go hot air ballooning over the Yarra valley.

By the end of the week we had grown together as a community. We had been challenged, we had grown personally, we understood ourselves a little better, we focused on God a lot, we laughed, we cried, we learnt. We had a great time. We had fun and made friends.

Following is a report written by one of the campers who came for the first time. Hers is an account of initial fear and apprehension. This has been a common feeling of many campers before they attend.

Alan Bosch

“SINGLES 2000”.

Despite the perception that it was a “match-making market”, I decided to dismiss the stereotyping and see for myself. From reports of people who had attended previous conventions; the programme outlined by the ‘Singles 2000’ committee and a huge amount of encouragement from family and friends, curiousity got the better of me. Knowing that God had presented me with this opportunity I felt that He guided and equipped me with the confidence to head to the convention.

A huge welcome by the committee – with an apology regarding the time of a phone-call (an understanding of time differences around Australia is essential Maz!!) reassured me of my decision to come. During registration time I noticed people who felt like I did – but how quickly everyone was included in conversations and made to feel that they belonged. Many friendships where renewed and after the evening ‘get-to-know-you’ activities we quickly fell into the routine of “a port before bed!”

“Boundaries” would have been the catch-cry of this convention. John and Margy Haartsen challenged us to view how and why we do things; the rules we set for ourselves and others, not just once, but constantly during our lives. We where reminded of changes that can occur, and as a result the need to shift boundaries around, so that we can let people in to share with us and also us with them.

“Singleness and Sexuality!” How unusual it is to see these two words in the same statement, generally because single people are not viewed as sexual beings. This workshop, lead by Anne Spoelder, provided the opportunity to discuss how as single Christian people we deal with our sexuality. There is often a perceived awkwardness in discussing such topics, but throughout this forum people asked questions and made reference to Scripture to establish for themselves where they are on this issue.

The convention campsite, in Monbulk (Victoria) was an ideal setting. The facilities provided the opportunity for people to socialise in groups, or retreat on their own if the noise got too much...! Being a group of single people who set their own pace of life, it could be considered a challenge to share one room with so many people and having to jostle for mirror space in the bathroom. Many of us handled the challenge admirably; but some of the guys felt they had to remove doors and place them under sagging mattresses so they could sleep “like babies”. Unfortunately their chivalry was not extended to the females.

The relaxed atmosphere that was created, the readiness of people to share and the fun that we had, certainly made it a convention that catered for “all types of single people from all walks of life”. The one common factor that binds us all together is the love we all have for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As single people, we often feel unsure of God’s plan for our lives and the pressure from within the church and society to be involved in relationships can take its toll on us. We have to be firm in our understanding of His purpose for our life and not allow ourselves to be led into making decisions for our glory rather than God’s.

Our Sunday morning worship service focussed on Jeremiah 29. Even though this letter was addressed to the people of Jerusalem who had gone into exile, approximately 600 years before the birth of Christ, the relevance and significance it has on our lives today is awesome. The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. It is with these words that we need to consider the purpose that the convention has in the lives of single people. Is it just a place to find a partner, or does it provide us with a time to socialise, have fellowship with others in a similar situation, as well as benefit from the relevant workshops and the opportunity to experience growth in our personal lives?

I urge single people (25 and over) in all Reformed Churches in Australia and New Zealand to consider attending the 2001 Convention in Sydney, and that the members of their churches will encourage them in the light of who they are, rather than what they want them to be.

Trynda Terpstra
Reformed Church of Canning, W.A.

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