Fellowship
For many, our fellowship groups are one of the highlights of the week, and they are a great opportunity to reflect and discuss what you’ve heard throughout Aber25 as well giving you the chance to think biblically through some of the issues facing us today. Details of the programme can be found below and in the calendar.
Aber Lounge
Looking for somewhere informal to relax and spend time with others during the conference? Aber Lounge provides a welcoming space to enjoy a coffee, meet new people, and catch up with friends. Whether you’re new to Aber or a regular visitor, do come along—you’ll receive a warm welcome.
Join us in the Theatre Bar on Sunday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm and on Monday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
During the Mission Exhibition from Tuesday to Friday in Medrus (2:30 pm–5:00 pm), there will also be an informal opportunity to meet at the Exhibition café, with tea and coffee available. While no formal hosting is planned, it’s a great chance to create your own space for fellowship during the week. Simply drop in, bring a friend, or arrange to meet others.
Extra Time:
Extratime is a series of events (morning, afternoon and evening) for 16-22 year olds.
There is a full programme of events that can be seen here
Examples include:
Morning Sessions:
Start your day with us in the International Politics Building for breakfast, devotions, and prayer as we consider how we are called to live alongside one another — be encouraged and challenged to live like Christ in His church.
How do we seek to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ? In what ways can we show vulnerability in order to be helped? How does God's word call us to do so?
In a time of isolation, Jesus models attentive servitude in church family. Guided by Ed Welch's Side by Side, we'll explore this together through daily discussions:
- Monday: Ready for One Another
- Tuesday: Move Toward One Another
- Wednesday: Enjoy One Another
- Thursday: Walk with One Another
- Friday: Helping Fellow Sinners
Evening Sessions:
In the evenings we'll be exploring our week's theme of 'Authenticity'. We'll discuss in groups our understanding of how God has shaped all of us and how that should affect our perspective. Jesus calls us to examine ourselves and how we respond to the world around us, so where do we start?
Take Time:
Take Time is focused on those in their twenties and thirties and take place in the evening 8:30pm (Medrus 1). They also join Extratime for the morning seminar options (International Politics).
Mike and Susana Chalmers, and Dafydd Williams are leading Take Time.
Sunday - Take Time: Introductions A social opportunity to renew friendships and make new ones as we chat over a cuppa at the beginning of the week.
Monday - In conversation with Phil Swann We'll be chatting with our main speaker for the week, Phil Swann. It'll be a great chance to hear something of his story and to get a flavour of what he'll be preaching on during the week.
Tuesday - Facing a task unfinished None of us are exempt from the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to "go and make disciples of all nations...", and yet we often don't find evangelism easy. We'll be spending some time reminding one another of how exciting evangelism is and encouraging one another to boldly share Jesus with those who don't know him yet.
Wednesday - Vicky's Story: Meeting God in the Bible We'll be hearing Vicky's testimony—her story of how Jesus saved her and transformed her life is truly from darkness to light.
Thursday - In conversation with Andrew Norbury Andrew is preaching in the Great Hall this evening. Come and spend more time with him tonight as he shares with us.
Time Out:
Leaders: Jonathan & Caroline Hodgins.
A relaxed space to unwind, reflect on what you’ve heard, and enjoy fellowship together for those in mid-life.
Evening Sessions (C22)
Monday – Heart
Welcome to Time Out at Aber. Whether this is your first visit or your twenty-first, you are very welcome. Join us for conversation, refreshments, and a short devotion as we begin the week together. No awkward ice breakers, we promise!
Tuesday – Mind
Emotions, patterns of thinking, and traumatic events can be a great challenge to Christians and their churches. Phil Swann has a particular pastoral interest in this area and he will explore how some of these things impact us and our churches, and how we may support others to survive—and even thrive—after trauma.
Wednesday – Strength
Discipling is hard work and lots of us feel overwhelmed by the challenge. Rico Tice is best known for Christianity Explored, a course that introduces people to Jesus. In this session Rico will help us think about the ongoing challenges and opportunities that come with a discipline a new believer.
Thursday – Soul
We are delighted to welcome the acclaimed artist Ben Midgley. He will introduce us to a few of his favourite pieces of art, tell us why they matter to him, and show us how art can nourish your soul.
Prime Time:
Prime Time fellowship group meetings are aimed at "those in their prime" and usually attract a good number of people (around 80) with an age range of 55-80. The meetings, this year, will be held Monday to Thursday evenings inclusive in the Round Studio which is close to the Main Hall. There should be plenty of space and good acoustics. The meetings will run from 8-30pm-9-30pm approximately.
The aim is to be quite informal with coffee and biscuits beforehand. The speaker for the evening is then introduced and speaks for about 15-20 minutes on the topic for the evening. This will be followed by questions/discussion for a further 15-20 minutes.
This year’s theme: “A Word in Season” Our aim is to help Christians consider how to speak wisely, helpfully, and at the right time into different life situations, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Monday – A word in season to connect to today’s young people
Speaker: Alun Ebenezer
Alun, an experienced Christian leader among young people and a head teacher, will help us think about how we can connect meaningfully and spiritually with the younger generation.
Tuesday – A word in season to those who have been bereaved
Speaker: Jeremy Bailey
Drawing on many years of pastoral ministry, Jeremy will help us consider how to offer comfort, wisdom, and support to those facing loss.
Wednesday – Pastoral care in today’s society (Interview with Phil Swann) In conversation with Phil Swann
Through an interview format, we will explore the realities of pastoral care today and how church members can support their leaders. We will also reflect on how to offer spiritual help—including “a word in season”—to those facing the end of life.
Thursday – A word in season to loved ones who are not yet saved
Speaker: J P Earnest
J P will share insights from years of evangelism, helping us think about fresh and thoughtful ways to speak the gospel to family and friends who have not yet come to faith.
Alan and Elizabeth Gilmore.