After several years of planning and preparations, the countdown has begun.
One thousand Friends will gather from every continent for a nine-day encounter - for many it will be life-changing. The conference is open to all Friends - if you are interested in attending, apply for an open place.
The Theme
The theme asks us to reflect on how we can be salt and light and what Friends have to say in the 21st Century. It will be explored through worship, small group discussions, by speakers from across the globe and in working groups, looking at areas such as peace work, poverty and the environment. Study materials on the theme will be distributed widely later in 2011, and it is hoped they will offer inspiration and challenge to participants, Meetings and Churches. (link to study materials page)
In deciding the theme, the International Planning Committee (IPC) drew inspiration from several Bible passages, including Matthew 5:13 (“You are the salt of the earth...”), Matthew 5:14-16 (“You are the light of the world...”), Matthew 6:33 (“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God...”), Matthew 6:9-13 (the Lord’s Prayer), Micah 4:4 (“They shall sit under their own vines and fig trees and no one shall make them afraid.”), and Micah 6:8 (“... And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”).
The theme is supplemented by a passage from Luke, 17:20-21. “The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed … the Kingdom of God is among you.”
The second supporting quote for the theme is from the eighteenth century American Friend John Woolman: “We have the prospect of one common interest from which our own is inseparable, to turn all we possess into the channel of universal love becomes the business of our lives.”
“This theme unites the spiritual foundation of our faith with our understanding of the basis of our work in the world in all its diversity,” said FWCC General Secretary Nancy Irving.
Worship will underpin our time together - each day there will be opportunities for stillness, prayer, singing and experiencing the diversity of Friends' worship. A number of keynote speakers will help us to explore our theme. Participants will be assigned a home group - small groups which will meet daily with more time for discussion, worship sharing and to get to know other Friends on a deep level.
During the first three days of the conference, working groups look at how Friends can respond to aspects of the theme. They will be offered on around 40 different topics, or threads, and the insights which emerge will be woven together later in the conference. If you are attending and are interested in leading a working group, please indicate that on your application form or contact us.
On Saturday excursions to local sites of interest will be arranged or participants can relax on campus.
The Venue
Kabarak is a purpose-built university on a 600 acre farm, 20km northwest of Nakuru, in Kenya's Rift Valley. Its motto is 'Education in Biblical Perspective.' Participants will be housed in dormitories on campus and fed in the campus dining hall. The campus also features an outdoor swimming pool, sports areas, and tree-shaded lawns.
Nakuru is on a high plateau, over 1 km in altitude. The weather is pleasantly warm but not hot or humid. There may be afternoon rain showers. More information will be available before the conference.