Open Day 1 September, Training Event 2-4 September 2022

Worried about Covid and cancellation – scroll down for more information
Our theme is “Grounded”
Our keynote speaker will be Alan Jamieson

Alan recently completed his spiritual direction training with Te Wairua Mahi, and has for many years been Senior Pastor at Christchurch’s South West Baptist Church. Alan also teaches Missional Leadership and Christian Spirituality at Carey Baptist College and is the new general director of the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society.
Alan Jamieson is well-known within New Zealand churches for his well-researched and thought-provoking writings on the relationship between church, faith and culture in New Zealand. We are excited that he is available and willing to share with us.
Covid:
ACSD recognises the ever changing nature of NZ’s management of Covid 19. We are unable to predict what guidelines will exist by the start of September, but we will support requirements of any facility we hire (El Rancho for the main event, as well as day venues for the Open Day). It is anticipated that these places will enforce the most conservative standard to ensure the safety of all who gather there – which is true as of March 2022. Updates will be advised to those who have registered, as we become aware of them, but by all means contact the venues directly if you have concerns.
Accommodation
Bed linen and towel is supplied
- You can choose to share a room, and indicate a preference of who you might like to share with
- There are some Single bed options – though these are limited, so get in early.
- If you have accommodation nearby you can live out, all meals except breakfast are included in the price
- You can stay Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Sunday
Transport?
Flights are already available for September 2022 with Air NZ, so for those of you wanting to arrange transport, know that registrations will open at 9am, ready for a 10am start on Friday – and we will finish after lunch on the Sunday. In due course we will ask who needs help with getting from the train station in Waikanae to El Rancho itself. When booking flights – remember that there is also an Open Day on the Thursday from 10-4pm
Seminars at Grounded
1. Finding our feet – A Place to Stand Adrienne Thompson
For our directees and ourselves, a spirituality grounded in the land and history of Aotearoa. As a way into this kaupapa we will connect with the landscape and stories of Waikanae – the river, the estuary and the Island, the Iwi Māori and the Iwi Pākehā who have made their homes here over the centuries.
2. Tangata Tū ki te Whenua …. – Phil Cody
A shared exploration of what Māori may teach us about being grounded. Looking at aspects such as Identity, Creation, Soil and Sea, Humour…
3. Getting to know your shadow side – John Axcell
An introduction to our shadow side; that part of our self that we reject, repress and deny. The workshop will look at how our shadow side develops and what effect it has on our life. We will then explore the idea that until we undertake the work of accepting and welcoming the dark side within us, we cannot be balanced or whole.
4. Ungrounded, Grounded, Groundless – Pip Nichols
Our lives as Spiritual Companions may entail supporting people to move from being ungrounded to grounded, and when understanding these two – to groundless. And we ourselves will experience these three ‘states’ on a daily basis too…
Fortunately, it is likely that our prayer practices will gradually open the veil to greater groundedness in our human selves and greater groundlessness in the Divine… and from this ‘presence’ we’ll be able to
support our companionees as well…
During the workshop, we will play with all three concepts or states, and with some ways to
allow the veil to fall open by itself…
5. Whakaaroaro – to ponder, consider, contemplate
Would you like to connect with others, process what you’ve been receiving, or a bit of both? This is a dedicated contemplative room available during all Seminars
Our Thursday Open Day for Members + others
As in previous years, there will be a preceding “Open Day” (also open to non ACSD members) on Thursday 1st September 2022, from 10am till 4pm in Tawa or Thorndon. Transport options to get you and your luggage to Waikanae at the end of this day will be explained nearer the time.
More information on the Open Day and choices
The emphasis is on Professional Development, and we are excited to offer three different workshops from which you can select the one that best suits you… full details coming soon!
Cancellation Policy
After 26th June 2022, should you cancel your booking, regrettably there can be no refunds. This is because our fees/costs are based on a minimum number of 66 attendees, and we have to honour our commitment to caterers and venue hire.
However should the whole 2022 Training Event be cancelled due to Covid-19, ACSD will refund you your fees less a non-refundable deposit for administration costs of $20.