To Excel as women - London Women's Convention relocates

Ann Benton is the chairman of the London Women’s Convention (LWC) which takes place in 2008 on Saturday October 4. It is a day of Bible exposition and worship by women for women alongside seminars addressing issues relevant to women’s lives. LWC began in 2004 and the 2008 convention will be the fifth. This year there are changes afoot and Ann spoke to EN about them.

EN: Why the change of venue for LWC?

AB: For years we have run two identical meetings on consecutive Saturdays in order to accommodate the numbers who wanted to come. But since one of the special aspects about LWC is the sense of unity it generates across the denominations, we always wanted to have one annual event as the Men’s Convention does.

It is really difficult and expensive to find large venues for hire in central London but we are excited that this year to have secured the use of the vast Excel Centre in London’s Docklands.

Truth from Ruth

EN: What is the convention about this year?

AB: The day is titled ‘From chaos to splendour’ and for the first time we are venturing into the Old Testament. Carrie Sandom will be giving an exposition of Ruth. There are obvious points of identification with the two main female characters in the book. But apart from this, Ruth contains glorious teaching on God’s sovereign loving purposes which embrace all nations, all of history and all the details of our lives.

EN: What else will make up the day?

AB: We are thrilled to be welcoming to the platform Dr. Helen Roseveare who will tell her own story and ask the question, ‘Is it worth putting Jesus first — in this chaotic world of today?’ As a person who lived through the chaos of civil war in the Congo and personally suffered at the hands of ruthless militia men, she is well qualified to talk about faith in the darkest situations.

Due to the bigger venue we are able to offer a larger range of special interest seminars which cover themes touched on in Ruth. These include such things as caring for elderly parents, childlessness, how much a single person should look for marriage, faith in the workplace, and welcoming foreigners and strangers.

EN: What do people like most about the convention?

AB: I read through every single evaluation form from last year’s convention and saw a uniformity of response.

People are inspired by the depth of teaching. The other most popular aspect of the day is the uplifting times of united singing. In response to the request for an extended time of praise and worship there will be a session of reflections on Psalm 130 led by Lizzy Smallwood, interspersed with songs old and new led by Andy Fenton and his excellent group of musicians.

EN: Why not an all-female band?

AB: We have discussed this at committee. But the important thing is to have a good band of accomplished and adaptable musicians who work well together with minimal opportunity for rehearsal. We have yet to discover an all-female band like that. The mixed group, led by Andy Fenton, has served us well and we get a great deal of positive feedback on their sensitive, polished and inspiring input.

LWC is not anti-men and we don’t have a problem with including men on the platform.

What’s new?

EN: How do the facilities at the Excel Centre compare with previous venues?

AB: The good news for women is that there are lots more toilets. You might say that this year we have put the WC into LWC!

For those who have travelled and are desperate for a coffee when they arrive, there are plenty of coffee shops and outlets in and around the new venue. In order to keep costs down we are serving beverages included in the ticket price only in the morning break, although there will be drinks available to buy in the afternoon. You would be staggered how much it adds to the ticket price to have tea and coffee laid on. Another plus about the Excel Centre is that participants can bring their own food and drink and consume it in the auditorium if they wish,

EN: How can readers find out more?

AB: Go to the Christian Conventions website, www.christianconventions.org.uk/lwc, where you will find more information about the programme and seminar options. You can also book online.

To get a flavour of the convention there is a short video on the website featuring something of what went on last year.

EN: What would you say to persuade women to spend October 4 at LWC?

AB: Simply that this is a unique opportunity to be inspired in your faith, to express unity and solidarity in the cause of Christ and to offer praise to the living God alongside thousands of other Christian women. Don’t miss it!

Tickets cost £26.00 each and bookings can be made online or by telephone (0845 225 0880).