03 January - 08 January
Between Two Worlds
Be immersed in God’s word with His people.
At CMS QNNSW Summer School, you will hear captivating, real-life stories from our missionaries. You will learn from passionate Bible teachers. You will be challenged and inspired to see the gospel reach the world.
Find out more about the event:
Program
Speakers
Accommodation
Children & Youth
Rest and Recreation
FAQs
Share
When
Friday 3 January – Wednesday 8 January, 2025
Where
Mt Tamborine Convention Centre | 237 Beacon Rd, North Tamborine, Queensland
Program
Download our provisional program.
Our program
We have an exciting program that will prepare you uniquely for mission, whether at home or in another culture altogether.
What does that look like? We’re glad you asked…
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- Bible teaching and missionaries sharing God’s passion for his world
- Time to connect with God and other like-minded Christians in beautiful surroundings
- An engaging, fun and gospel-centred children & youth program
- Singing and praising God in the sessions
- Electives designed to help you grow in your understanding of global mission
- A waterslide for kids and an Ultimate Tree Climb for the adventurous
Registration Closing Date
Meals, on-site accommodation and the children & youth program closes on 2 December (or earlier if fully booked).
Register as a day visitor in advance or at Summer School. Morning sessions start at 9am and evening sessions at 7pm.
Speakers
Greg Anderson
Greg is the sixth Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory. Prior to commencing as Bishop in 2014, he had been the Head of the Department of Mission at Moore Theological College, Sydney since 2007. Prior to that he and his wife, Annette, worked in the Northern Territory from 1995 as missionaries with CMS. Greg has trained Indigenous church leaders at Nungalinya College, Darwin, and served as Indigenous Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of the Northern Territory. His interest in the Aboriginal Church began when he was researching the traditional music of central Arnhem Land.
Two guest speakers, James and Miriam Woods, will join Greg for Summer School 2025. James is a CMS Co-Mission Partner, community and church leader, student and Indigenous Teacher at Nungalinya College in Darwin, and Miriam brings a wealth of ministry experience from several years serving in the region.
Missionaries
Bruce & Libby
Serving in Nepal
Bruce & Libby’s favourite verse is Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”. They find this to be a comforting verse of assurance of God’s presence and understanding in all situations. Bruce & Libby believe that being invited by God to pray for his mission is a privilege and is how we can participate in it, whether in Australia or overseas.
For this year’s Summer School, Bruce & Libby are looking forward to meeting old and new friends and to say a big thank-you for faithful and persevering support in prayer and finances over many years.
Keith & Marion Birchley
Serving in Papua New Guinea
Keith & Marion’s favourite Bible book is a hard question to answer because it depends on what book they are in at the time. Over the last few years, they found it wonderful to spend time in John’s gospel and 1 John. If Keith & Marion are not praying for God’s mission, then they believe their vision is too small; from Genesis on, God has a vision for the nations, not just our family and friends.
For Summer School this year, they are looking forward to simply being there, for a taste of heaven with the Word, fellowship, praise, and creation! It has been a while and it will be a joy to see many who have supported them in prayer, financially and with letters.
Bill & Linda Colyer
Serving in Vanuatu
Bill’s favourite book is Isaiah because of its memorable, majestic pictures of God, and Linda loves how Ezekiel 33:11 shows God’s heart for us – longing for his people to turn to him. When we pray for mission, it’s great to know that we’re praying for something God deeply desires – for people to know him and live with him forever. “How cool it is that God chooses to work through our prayers. He could do anything without us, but he chooses to involve us in his work in the world!” (Linda).
For this year’s Summer School, Bill is looking forward to hearing about the stories of God’s work around the world, and Linda is excited about seeing a whole range of people and being encouraged together after a few years of being unable to come.
Gillian Law
Serving in Italy
Gillian finds it hard to pinpoint any one part of the Bible that is her ‘favourite’. She instead challenges herself to believe that ALL of God’s word is GOOD – even the bits that are hard to accept or apply. Praying regularly for God’s global mission is how we can change our priorities and desires to be more invested in what God is doing beyond our local context, even if we never meet the people we’re praying for until the new creation.
For this year’s Summer School, Gillian is looking forward to seeing and meeting people: it’s been a while since she last came and there are many of her partners who come that she doesn’t get to visit on home assignment. She’s also looking forward to the children & youth program because of their great questions!
David Pettett
Serving in the Solomon Islands
David loves the story of the Gerasene Demoniac. Here is a man who is crazy and completely uncontrollable. He encounters Jesus and he is now clothed, seated and in his right mind – and he just wants to be with Jesus. David joined CMS because he wanted more people praying for him and the work he is doing. David is greatly encouraged to see God’s answers to prayer when clergy are well equipped to take a Bible-focused ministry into the world.
For this year’s Summer School, David is very much looking forward to meeting people who are praying for him and to hear some great Bible teaching from William Taylor.
Rest and Recreation
Summer School has activities for everyone!
Waterslide
What do you get when you combine a hill, plastic sheets, detergent, shampoo and water? An epic waterslide! Bring your swimmers, sunscreen and towel and join the young and young-at-heart on Saturday afternoon.
Ultimate Tree Climb
Children (aged 9+) or adults can take the challenge of the Vertec Adventure Ultimate Tree Climb on Monday afternoon. If racing against a friend up a 28-metre tree using a knotted rope sounds like fun, then register your interest when you book (limited numbers).
Afternoon Explore
Take a walk, discover the nearby Beacon lookout, and appreciate God’s beautiful nature. If you want quiet, find a shady spot to read a book or pray. For the more active, there are handball & basketball courts and an outdoor chess board. Take a trip into the local area to buy Tamborine’s famous fudge. There is also ice cream, Curtis Falls or the Skywalk nearby.
Electives & Enquirers
If you’d prefer to maximise your time listening to CMS missionaries and other speakers, there is a selection of electives to choose from on Saturday & Sunday, from 2-3pm. If you have been inspired and challenged and want to know more about missionary service for yourself, meet with Mark Fairhurst and missionaries on Monday afternoon.
Annual Summer School Volleyball Championship
It’s on again! Start your training and pull a team together for this fun event for the whole family on Monday afternoon.
Bookshop
Books and resources about mission, Christian living, ministry and more. Purchase something to read in the sunshine in your free time.
Children & Youth
Jono Vink
Senior High speaker
Jono has lived many lives, starting as a carpenter before studying theology and working as a youth minister. He and his wife, Amy, directed a Café and Workshop in Tanzania, discipling women and children in crisis. He also led Christian leadership training in Mara, Tanzania. After returning to Australia, they directed a Christian gap year program in Sydney. Now, he works as a residential youth worker and is eagerly anticipating becoming a grandfather in January.
Jimmy Jensen
Junior High speaker
Jimmy serves as the associate minister at City on a Hill in Brisbane. He and his wife, Chelsea, have two kids called Luke and Sarah. Jimmy’s passionate about seeing the next generation discover the beauty, truth and relevance of Jesus and has been involved in ministry to young people for more than 20 years. He loves all things related to sport – Jimmy watches, plays, discusses and dreams about sport on a regular basis.
Children & Youth from Creche to Grade 12 should come to Summer School!
WHY?
Age-specific programs are designed to ignite interest in mission and encourage interaction with the Bible, all while having fun with new and old friends. Young people will enjoy food, games, friends, learning, chill time, staying up late (sorry parents!) a giant plastic-sheet waterslide, and an option to take on a ‘thrill’ challenge (for higher grades). Add to this a focus on following Jesus and understanding world mission, and you will find the program builds beautifully on the Biblical teaching you are doing at home.
All children aged 3+ will meet missionaries, hear about their unique lives and have the opportunity to interact with them and understand how all Christians can be active in world mission.
Mornings
Age-appropriate Bible teaching, small group discussions and games.
Afternoons
Free time to spend with family, exploring local attractions, playing with new friends or attending electives with parents.
Evenings
Indoor and outdoor activities aimed for maximum fun and friendship.
Many leaders have grown up attending Summer School and can’t wait to share their passion for Jesus and missions. CMS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and adults at Summer School. Therefore, all volunteers and leaders must sign the Code of Conduct. All youth leaders are subject to selection criteria, including a minister’s reference, a Working with Children Check (Blue card) and safe ministry training.
Age/grade groups, based on their 2025 school year:
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- 0–2 year-olds creche (no night program)
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- 3–4 year-olds (no night program)
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- Prep (kindergarten in NSW)–Grade 1 (no night program)
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- Grades 2–3 (night program available only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights)
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- Grades 4–6
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- Grades 7–9
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- Grades 10–12
Accommodation, Food & Costs
Registrations for meals and accommodations are open, however, several accommodation options are fully booked. Visit our accommodation page for more information. Or you can book as a day visitor.
FAQs
Registration will remain open up to and during the conference, January 3-8, 2025. However, registration for accommodation, meals and the children & youth program will close after December 2, 2024. The children & youth program may close earlier, if maximum numbers are reached.
Check-in for day visitors is from 8:30am daily. If you have booked accommodation or camping, the check in and check out times are on the Information Sheet.
Most people drive to the venue, as there is no public transport. The nearest train stations are either Beenleigh (followed by a 40-minute taxi/Uber) or Helensvale (followed by a 30-minute taxi/Uber/bus). People who do not drive should arrange their own transport with friends, family, or other attendees.
We will aim to get the finalised program out as early as we can, however this is a typical day:
8:30am – Register and check-in (for day visitors)
9:00am – Bible talk / children & youth program
10:30am – Morning session / children & youth program
11:00am – International speaker or mission session / children & youth program
12:30pm – Lunch
2:30pm – Electives, activities and free time. Explore the beautiful surrounds, catch up with friends or just have a rest.
5:30pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Evening program / children & youth program
8:30pm – Fellowship and book look.
- Bible, notebook, pen/pencils and your CMS Prayer Diary
- Pillow and pillow case, sheets and blankets/sleeping bags (bottom sheet still required) — linen can be hired through the booking system.
- Mattress topper (single bed) if you like the added comfort!
- Hand sanitiser and face masks (just in case!)
- Casual clothes and wet weather gear (weather on the mountain is changeable and the red, volcanic soil has a special attraction to children’s clothing!)
- Hat, closed-toe shoes and water bottle for the children’s program (named)
- Sunscreen (parents please apply to children before sign-in each session)
- Insect repellent
- Towel and toiletries
- Swimmers for the waterslide or local public pool
- Keep cup/reusable mug and water bottle
- Torch
- Cooking equipment for campers as there is none on site
- Please note: no alcohol, smoking or candles permitted.
The increase in cost was a difficult but necessary decision for CMS to make due to the increase in costs from suppliers across the board. CMS has tried its best to minimise the on charge of price increase to our supporters.
If you want to come to Summer School and are experiencing financial difficulties, please indicate that on the registration (we have a section about Receiving help) or please reach out to CMS by phone on 07 3171 3020 or email qnnsw@cms.org.au. We would love to see how we can help.
Mobile reception is patchy. Any urgent emails for guests may be sent to qnnsw@cms.org.au
This will be checked intermittently during the day. However, we cannot guarantee we are able to pass on any messages.
Pets are not allowed. Only assistance dogs are allowed. Please indicate you are bringing an assistance dog to Summer School on the registration. We require a copy of the current handler identification card showing the details of the handler and the dog.
As part of the booking process, you will be asked about the allergies you have. There is a range of different diet options. If your allergy requires that you carry an Epi-pen, you will be asked to email CMS QNNSW a copy of your ASCIA plan. For people staying at WEC and CMS there is a ‘no nuts’ policy.
Whilst we would love to see everyone who registers at Summer School, it is more loving to stay home if you develop symptoms a few days before the conference.
If you become unwell at Summer School and could be contagious, please consider not attending the main Summer School program and wear a mask.
Please see the terms and conditions below:
1. Registrations can be amended and full refunds given up to and including 1 December 2024. Please contact the CMS office on 07 3171 3020 or qnnsw@cms.org.au.
2. From 2 December 2024 up to and including 16 December 2024, registrations can be cancelled and refund provided. Program registration will receive a full refund, accommodation purchase will receive a partial refund, and meal purchase will not receive a refund.
3. After 16 December 2024 refunds will only be given in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Executive Director of CMS QLD with Northern NSW.
4. If hazardous weather or environmental conditions prohibit the safe running of the conference NO refund will be provided.
Share
We invite you to help us tell the rest of the community about Summer School so that no one misses out!
Download resources to share at your church, youth group, study group, school or across social media:
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03 January - 08 January
06:00 pm - 12:00 pm
QNNSW