We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be speaking at Onward Youth this June.
Hosted by Katoomba Christian Convention, Onward Youth is an event helping high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.
In 2023, Onward Youth will explore the theme, “True and Good – Can Christianity Be Both?” If following Jesus is a ‘good’ thing, why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting? If I struggle with these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?
We are pleased to announce that Alan Au will be joining the Onward platform to address these questions and to unpack the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can be both.
Alan has been leading Captivate Presbyterian Church in North Ryde for the last 6 years. He’s married to Beatrice, and they have three crazy kids. He dabbles in baking and Brazilian ju jitsu. He thinks that cheese Twisties are the bomb and chicken Twisties are an abomination.
Alan spent most of his high school years wondering whether God’s love for him is true and has spent the rest of his life working out how to live out God’s love.
Get a taste of his teaching here:
‘The Search for HAPPY’ by Alan Au
In this sermon series, Alan helps us to question how the “pursuit of happy” drives our decisions and pursuits, and whether this should be the meaning of life. He shows us the potential problems of making happiness our ultimate pursuit and contrasts it with God’s call for Christians to seek treasures in heaven and peace in Christ.
What makes you truly happy? This was the first of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
How can we be truly happy in an unhappy world? This was the second of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
Will you pursue true happiness above all else? This was the final of 3 talks on our search for ‘happy’.
Hear Alan speak at Onward 23!
Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June, 6:30-9:30pm at ‘The Concourse’ in Chatswood.
For more information on the event, speakers, and ticket options please visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/
Onward 23 – True & Good – Can Christianity Be Both?
Get to know our Onward 23 keynote speaker, Alan Au.
By Heidi Tai
6 Ways to Prepare for Easter Convention This Weekend
Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) is right around the corner! Here’s 6 ways to prepare your hearts, minds and families for the long weekend with us.
1. Secure your spot at the Easter Sunday Night Dinner
Get the family together and enjoy a hot, catered dinner and fellowship with other attendees. The Easter Sunday Night dinner is separately bookable from your conference ticket registration. For attendees who have booked accommodation onsite with StayKCC (not including camping & CMS) and volunteers staying onsite, this has been included in your booking.
Pricing:
Adults and children over 12 years: $20
Children (3-12 years): $15
Children under 3 are free.
If you have already purchased your KEC tickets and would like to add on the special night dinner, you can purchase directly through our ticketing system or give us a call on 1300 737 140.
2. Meditate on passages that will be preached at KEC 23
This year we are pleased to host a combination of local and international speakers and special guests including Ed Stetzer, Dan Paterson, Sam Chan, Malcolm Gill, Jonathan Dykes, Judith Calf and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker.
Together, they will explore the theme, “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. To prepare your hearts for Easter, we encourage you to meditate on the passages that will be preached at KEC:
Make sure your tickets are ready upon entry. If you registered on or before close of business 23 March 2023, please bring the tickets that you received in the mail. If you registered after this date, please arrive a little earlier on Good Friday morning to pick up your tickets from the Info Tent on site.
4. Pack for all types of weather
The weather in Katoomba can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack for rain, hail and shine! Don’t forget your rain jacket, warm clothes, and comfortable gear for enjoying the outdoors during free time!
5. Stay up to date with KEC on socials and the KCC One app
Stay up to date with the latest KEC news, and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats.
6. Tune your heart for worship with our Spotify playlist
Familiarise yourself with the songs being played at KEC by following our Spotify playlist.
Katoomba Easter Convention is returning this Easter long weekend to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. At KEC this year, delegates will be empowered to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.
We praise God for our range of international and local speakers who have accepted the invitation to address this important topic. Here’s a sneak peek of the speakers and talks that will be covered this Easter long weekend:
Ed Stetzer
Ed Stetzer is a Professor and Dean at Wheaton College where he also serves as Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.
Ed will share four talks from the book of Psalms:
Psalm 1 – The ‘Rock Solid’ Word (TRSW) Focuses Our Direction to God’s Pathway
Psalm 19 – TRSW Frames Our Decisions for God’s Honour
Psalm 23 – TRSW Feeds Our Desire for God’s Presence
Psalm 84 – TRSW Fuels Our Devotion to God’s Glory
Dan Paterson
Dan Paterson is the founder of ‘Questioning Christianity’, a ministry helping you connect the Christian story to life’s deepest questions. Dan will unpack the Easter story over three talks from the following books:
Matthew 27:32-54 – Otherworldly Suffering
Mark 14:66-72 & Mark 15:42-47 – Re-enchanting Humanity
Luke 24:1-12 & 36-49 – Turning Graves into Gardens
Sam Chan
Sam Chan is the lead mentor and trainer at EvQ School of Evangelism, a ministry of City Bible Forum) and author of How to talk about Jesus (without being THAT guy). Sam will share three talks from the Gospel of John:
John 20:24-31 – How do I know the Bible is True?
John 8:40-48 – How do I know the Bible is Good?
John 2:1-12 – How do I know the Bible is Beautiful?
More talks from Special Guests!
PLUS, more talks from our Special Guests on a range of topics:
Jonathan Dykes (Executive Director, Katoomba Christian Convention) The Bible in Everyday Life: Rain & Snow (Isaiah 55)
Malcolm Gill (Lead Pastor, Multicultural Bible Ministry) The Bible in Everyday Life: Lamp & Light (Psalm 119:105)
Sarah Irving-Stonebraker (Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation, Australian Catholic University) How Oxford and Peter Singer led an Atheist Historian to Jesus A Strong Foundation: How History Can Help us in a Confused World
Judith Calf (Program Manager for Theological Education, Anglican Aid) Keep Them and Do Them
There’s still time to join us at KEC!
Dates: Easter long weekend, 7-10 April 2023 Venue: StayKCC, Katoomba
Katoomba Easter Convention is less than two weeks away, so don’t delay in booking your tickets. Register now at: https://easterconvention.com/
A sneak peek of the 15 talks confirmed for Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) this April.
By Heidi Tai
True and Good. Can Christianity Be Both?
If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this commonly asked question.
Onward 23 Promo Video
True AND Good – Can Christianity be both?
Christianity claims to be true and good.
But sometimes, following Jesus leads us down narrow paths that doesn’t always feel very good.
If following Jesus is such a ‘good’ thing, then why does life sometimes feel uncomfortable, lonely, hard and limiting?
And if I struggle with all these things, how can I trust that the way of Jesus is not only true, but also for my good?
In a world that’s increasingly hostile towards Christianity, how can I live a life that displays the goodness of Jesus?
Onward Youth is returning Friday 23 June to address these commonly asked questions. Held at The Concourse (Chatswood), guest speakers Dave Jensen and Alan Au will address the tension of truth and goodness, and whether Christianity can truly be both.
Delegates from Onward 22
Registrations open this Friday 31 March!
Onward Youth is a one-night event that helps high schoolers make sense of the culture and world around them with a gospel lens and equips them to stand firm for their faith.
In 2023, Onward Youth will:
Engage teens with the goodness of following Jesus.
Equip teens to know that following Jesus is good; and
Empower teens to show their friends that Christianity is both true and good.
Registrations will open this Friday 31 March. For more information, visit our website: https://www.onwardevent.com/
If following Jesus is true and good, then why does it sometimes feel so uncomfortable? Onward Youth returns this June to address this FAQ.
By Heidi Tai
Jonathan Dykes Confirmed as Guest Speaker at Katoomba Easter Convention
We are thrilled to announce that Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) 2023.
KEC 23 Guest Speaker: Jonathan Dykes
Katoomba Easter Convention will return on 7-10 April 2023, to address the theme “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a time where God’s word is often met with mistrust and skepticism, KEC will empower delegates to have confidence in the Bible’s authority, while refreshing their desire to hear, understand and live by God’s word.
To address this topic, Jonathan Dykes will return to the KEC platform as a guest speaker. A long-time attendee and volunteer on KCC committees, Jonathan was appointed as Executive Director of Katoomba Christian Convention (KCC) in 2012. Prior to this, he served as a faculty member at Sydney Missionary & Bible College (SMBC) teaching Preaching and on the staff teams at St Thomas’ Anglican Church North Sydney and City Bible Forum.
For Jonathan, attending KEC every year has become an important family tradition—one that communicates to his children the preciousness of Easter and hearing from God’s word:
“Making the effort to go to KEC every year helps communicate to our kids that Easter is a special time and that dedicating time to listen to God is a priority.
“It has become our regular retreat space – away from interruptions, distractions and busyness – where we can talk as a whole family about what it means to follow Jesus Christ.”
At Katoomba Easter Convention 2023, we’re ready to serve you with a family-friendlyprogram that will empower you to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by God. Whether you join us in the beautiful mountain air of Katoomba, or from your living room or holiday home elsewhere, our absolute priority is to provide a program that will continue to be a time of significant spiritual impact for every member of your family.
For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/
Jonathan Dykes will return to speak at Katoomba Easter Convention 2023.
By Heidi Tai
5 Reasons to Make Katoomba Easter Convention A Family Tradition
Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether you’re gathering to decorate a Christmas tree, wrap dumplings, or to celebrate a meaningful holiday by the sea, family traditions are important for establishing foundational values and moments of deep bonding.
Since 1962, Katoomba Easter Convention (KEC) has become a family tradition for many—a cherished space for people of all cultures, generations and denominations to gather as ‘one in Christ Jesus’, to hear and respond to God’s word.
5 reasons to make KEC a family tradition this Easter:
Model to your family the significance of Easter
For the Christian, Easter is a significant time of remembering the death and resurrection of Christ and how it applies to everyday life. Attending KEC can be a big sacrifice of time, money and resources, but by prioritising spiritual growth, we communicate to our families that Easter is more than a long weekend of chocolate eggs and bunnies.
“KEC has been great for my family to get away from the challenges and distractions of life to spend time reflecting on God. KEC is a great reminder that Easter isn’t about chocolate or holidays, rather it is a time to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection and how that should shape our daily lives.”
Verity Hall, KEC Delegate and Volunteer
Start each year deeply rooted in God’s word
At KEC, hearing and responding to God’s word is the priority. At a time where we and our children are bombarded by competing messages, values and ideals, it is important to start the year well, rooted in God’s word. Each year, KEC invites gifted Bible teachers to preach on relevant topics. In 2023, main speakers Ed Stetzer and Dan Paterson, and special guests Malcolm Gill, Sam Chan and Jonathan Dykes will speak on the topic “Rock Solid: Trusting God’s Word in a World of Confusion”. In a world of scepticism and confusion, KEC will empower your family to believe that the Bible is true, trustworthy and inspired by a good and gracious God.
“Through the Kid’s program, I was annually fed with engaging and solid Bible teaching, which allowed me to thank Jesus for what he has done in every stage of life. KEC has been a major influence in the way I know Jesus and express my faith today.”
Anna Kreicers, KEC Delegate and Volunteer
A commitment to annual Sabbath rest as a family
What if the Easter long weekend could become a time of regular Sabbath rest for your family?
Attending KEC may take some effort but once you arrive, you will be invited to rest in God’s word in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Drop off your little ones at our children’s programs and enjoy mornings being refreshed by Bible talks, inspiring testimonies, and uplifting worship in song. Spend afternoons relaxing with friends and family, surrounded by golden Autumn hues. Swap out screen time for meaning conversation and prayer in crisp mountain air. Away from the interruptions and distractions of city life, KEC is a space for your family to deeply consider what it means to love and live for Jesus.
“I love watching the dedicated Toddler team in action. Young Adult leaders who volunteer their Easter break to lovingly care for little ones so that their parents can benefit from undisturbed bible teaching in the auditorium. That is Christian community in action.”
John & Jenny, KEC Delegates and Volunteers
Expand your family’s view of God’s world and the global church
Attending KEC will show your family that God’s world is much bigger than the four walls of the local church, and that He is working powerfully across our country and world. At a time when being a Christian can feel lonely or isolating, KEC is a powerful reminder that we belong to a bigger spiritual family, and for life-long friendships to be formed. By highlighting stories of the persecuted and vulnerable, delegates are given the opportunity to consider how they can be part of God’s mission too.
“Over the years we have seen children grow into adults with children and seen God working in people’s lives. As a volunteer I have met in person, many different godly people from Australia and all the over the world.”
Gordon, KEC Delegate and Volunteer
Inspire your family into a lifetime of faithful gospel service
KEC relies on the power of volunteers—from our children’s program leaders to our ushers on the day, each volunteer helps to facilitate God’s Word preached from the platform. This volunteer model has impacted many delegates and created a strong culture of gospel generosity and sacrifice. We thank God that over six decades, we have witnessed delegates flourishing into men and women of faith—serving their local churches and KCC events as staff, committee members and volunteers!
“We first started volunteering after our children were all in high school. We were so grateful for the volunteers that had looked after them that we decided to give some time and energy ourselves. We really enjoy being part of a team committed to serving their brothers and sisters, and we’ve formed great friendships as a result.”
Ross & Karen, KEC Delegates and Volunteers
Go Together. Grow Together.
Are you ready to make KEC a family tradition this Easter?
For more information on ticket types, pricing, family packages and children’s programs visit our website: https://easterconvention.com/
Family traditions are experiences, activities, attitudes, or ideals that are passed down across generations. Whether
By Heidi Tai
10 Ways to Prepare for KYCK This April
Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference both in-person in the Blue Mountains, and via the KYCK Online livestream. If you’re joining us, here are 10 ways you can prepare for KYCK next month:
Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference both in-person in the Blue Mountains, and via livestream on KYCK Online. Youth will hear from guest speakers Alan Au, Mike Dicker and Daniel Leach as they preach from the book of Philippians on the theme of “Joy”. Whether you’re joining us in-person or online, here are 10 ways you can prepare for KYCK this April:
1. Tune your heart for worship with the KYCK 22 playlist Whether you’re wanting a shout-out-loud worship session or some mellow praise to study to, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack to get you pumped for KYCK22!Listen here.
3. Learn the KYCK memory verse for your chance to WIN a prize!
The KYCK 2022 Memory Verse isPhilippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Start committing this verse to memory as there will be a competition and prizes to win at each KYCK weekend!
4. Pray for God to work powerfully through KYCK Please join us in committing KYCK to God in prayer: Pray that as the gospel is preached at KYCK, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth. Pray that God will protect our speakers Alan, Dan and Mike ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel faithfully and clearly. Pray that as hearts are filled with God’s love, youth will continue to stand firm in the gospel and in their faith. Pray that KYCK will be an opportunity for kids and teens who don’t know Jesus to meet Him for the first time. Pray that KYCK22 will be free of technical hiccups and that the AV team will work faithfully and effectively.
5. Pre-order your KYCK merch
We’ve got a fresh drop of KYCK merch for this year! Rep KYCK with an ethically produced tee or hoodie! Pre-orders close at midnight Friday, a week prior to each weekend. For more information visit: www.kyck.org.au/merch
6. Secure your KYCK Online Experience Pack If you can’t make it to Katoomba, you can join us on the KYCK Online livestream on the KYCK #2 weekend. KYCK Online tickets are $71 and include an Experience Pack with a booklet, pen, wristband and KYCK 22 tee!If you’re joining us online, please register by midnight Sunday 3 April to ensure that you get your Experience Packs on time:www.kyck.org.au/kyck-online
8. RSVP for the KYCK BBQ Support high school scripture and teachers by being part of the Saturday night BBQ at KYCK! The BBQ will take place each KYCK Saturday, 6:15pm-7:30pm in the Plaza. The cost is $5 and includes 2 sausage sandwiches and a soft drink. RSVP here: www.kyck.org.au/saturday-bbq
9. Sign up for the KYCK ON Soccer Competition
On Saturday afternoon, youth groups are invited to play in the KYCK On Soccer Competition, with the winner for each weekend being declared the champions and awarded the prestigious KYCK On Cup! Fun activities and prizes for best supporters will also be organised for the day. For more info or to sign up visit: www.kyck.org.au/kyck-on
10. LOVE KYCK? Give us a shout out and help us spread the word!
We want as many teens as possible to be blessed at KYCK this year! If you love KYCK and want more people to know about the event, why not give us a shout out on social media or invite your friends to join you?
Registrations are now open for all weekends and tickets are $84 for KYCK #1 and #2 and $79 for #3 and #4. If you can’t make it to Katoomba, you can join us on the KYCK Online livestream on the KYCK #2 weekend. KYCK Online tickets are $71 and include an Experience Pack with a booklet, pen, wristband and KYCK 22 tee! If you’re joining us online, please register by midnight Sunday 3 April to ensure that you get your Experience Packs on time. For more information about ticket options, visit the KYCK website: www.kyck.org.au/register
Stay up to date with KYCK
Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference
