SPEAKERS
Rev Terry Johnson
Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA.
Rev. Terry Johnson will be leading the Main Sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Dr. Eric Watkins
Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church in St. San Marcos, Calif. Instructor of Ministerial Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary
Dr. Eric Watkins will be leading the Main Sessions on Tuesday and Thursday.
Rev. Terry Johnson
Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA
God is Holy. The greatest honor and highest title that can be assigned to God’s name is that He is holy. In this session you will learn about the holiness of God as well as the implications that God’s holiness has upon the way we live in relationship to God – the way we view God, pray to God, worship God and live as His holy people.
Rev. Brian Cochran
Redeemer Reformation Church (URC), Regina, SK
God is Unchanging. We have only ever known change. We live in a world that is constantly changing. We are constantly changing. We change our minds, we change our opinions, we change physically, intellectually, and even spiritually as we are renewed by God’s Spirit of truth. But our God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. In this session you will discover this wonderful attribute of God and see why this is such Good News for us!
Rev. Simon Lievaart
Bethel Reformed Church, URC, Smithers, BC
God "Is". Imagine for a moment that a group of children met together in the living room of their parent’s home. Why are they meeting? To discuss the question “Do our parents actually exist.” That scenario begs all sorts of questions – not the least of which is, “How would those children exist if their parents didn’t?” We’d agree that it is utter foolishness to think that way. Psalm 14 teaches us that the same is true of anyone who denies the existence of God. In this session you will explore what the Bible says about the existence of God and the pride and arrogance of men who question God’s existence.
Dr. Eric Watkins
Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church in St. San Marcos, Calif. Instructor of Ministerial Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary
God is Truth. A new trend began a few years ago where people stopped using the phrase “the truth” and replaced it with phrases like “my truth” and “your truth.” Supposedly this shows respect for diverse opinions and perspectives, and it is also meant to discourage those who might insist that there is one truth or that theirs is the exclusive truth. In this session you will explore the Biblical concept of truth and see that God ties His identity to the truth of His Word, and Jesus Christ called Himself “The Truth”.
Dr. William den Hollander
Langley Canadian Reformed Church/Professor of New Testament at the Canadian Reformed Seminary
God is Wrathful. Modern sensitivities make it very difficult (even offensive) to teach and preach about a God of wrath, about a God who sees fit to punish unrepentant sinners with an eternity in hell. To them, God’s wrath is an ugly aspect of God’s character. But what about you? What do you think about God’s wrath? What should you think about it? In this session you will explore the Biblical view of God’s wrath and see the glorious way that God’s wrath is turned away.
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Rev. John van Eyk
Trinity Reformed Church URC, Lethbridge, AB
God is Good. When US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe got injured 6 minutes into the final game of her career, she said to reporters: “Well, that’s proof that there is no God”. To Megan Rapinoe, what good is God if he lets bad things happen to us? This reflects a warped view of God and a perverted view of God’s goodness. In this session you will discover that God’s goodness is not so much something God does, but it is who God is. His goodness belongs to the essence of His being.
Rev. Hendrik Alkema
Smithers Canadian Reformed Church., Smithers, BC
God is Wonderful Counselor (Guys only): When a company manufactures a product, they provide an instruction manual which explains product maintenance, service schedule, and replacement parts, etc. They know best how to care for their product. In similar fashion, God shows great care and concern for us. God is fully aware that we are fragile vessels living in a sinful world, and each of us is prone to break down and malfunction. In this session you will explore the Good News that God is our Wonderful Counselor who sympathises with us, and knows how to comfort, encourage and restore us.
Kristen Kottelenberg Alkema
Smithers Canadian Reformed Church, Smithers, BC
God is Wonderful Counselor (Ladies only): When a company manufactures a product, they provide an instruction manual which explains product maintenance, service schedule, and replacement parts, etc. They know best how to care for their product. In similar fashion, God shows great care and concern for us. God is fully aware that we are fragile vessels living in a sinful world, and each of us is prone to break down and malfunction. In this session you will explore the Good News that God is our Wonderful Counselor who sympathises with us, and knows how to comfort, encourage and restore us.
Rev. Aidan Plug
Langley Canadian Reformed Church, Langley, BC
God is Gracious. If mercy is God withholding punishment, then grace can be defined as God giving us what we did not earn. In other words, your salvation is about so much more than simply avoiding Hell. It is about receiving the gift of eternal life. Grace is about us deserving Hell, but getting life with Jesus in glory! In this session you will explore the attribute of God’s grace and see what makes God’s grace so amazing.
Rev. Aaron Van Der Heiden
Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church, URC, Abbotsford, BC
God is Patient. God is never in a rush. God is never hurried or worried. God always remains “on schedule,” and He never allows anything or anyone to fall through the cracks. That’s because God is patient, and His patience is power, and it results in man’s salvation. In this session you will explore the glory and blessings of God’s patience, and you will also learn how God’s patience within us can transform our lives.
Rev. Robert Van der Woerd
Redeemer URC, Lacombe, AB
God is Merciful. Pastor and author Voddie Baucham wrote: “Do you know it was God’s mercy that woke you up this morning? Because (otherwise) God’s judgment should’ve killed you last night.” Mercy is essentially an act of God whereby he withholds punishment – he does not treat us as our sins deserve. In this session you will learn about the mercy of God and see how God calls us to respond in like manner.
Rev. Kelvin Tiemstra
Faith Reformed Church, URC, Telwa, BC
God is Love. How do you define love? Is love merely a feeling, an emotion, a romantic idea? And, who defines what love is? Is love universally known and equally expressed by all people, everywhere, across all cultures? In this session you will learn the truth about love. You will not only discover that God is the source of true love, but you will see that the greatest expression of love was revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus our Savior on the cross of Calvary.
Rev. Mark ten Haaf
Providence Canadian Reformed Church, Edmonton, AB
God is Wise. Wisdom has been defined as “knowledge rightly applied.” But as an attribute of God, wisdom belongs to the character and essence of God. Wisdom is who God is. The wisdom of God is seen plainly in the design and creation of the world. It is especially revealed in God’s plan of redemption -- in fact, Jesus is Wisdom Incarnate. In this session you will explore the beauty of God’s wisdom and you will discover that God’s wisdom is for young people as well!
Rev. Charles Van Hoffen
Redemption Reformed Church (URC), Chilliwack, BC
God is Sovereign. The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said: “There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s Sovereignty.” While that’s true, it is also true that this attribute can be difficult for God’s children to understand and accept. It seems that God’s plans for our life are often much different from our plans and expectations - and that can cause more grief than comfort. In this session you will discover the Good News of God’s Sovereignty.
DETAILS
Payment Details/Fees
Click tab below to calculate your payment.
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Early-Bird fee ends April 15.
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Registration closes June 10.
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All payments must be received within 7 days of your registration or it will be cancelled.
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Is your church paying your registration fee? Contact us: payments@summitrefcon.org
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What is Summit?Summit is a conference ministry of the Bethel United Reformed Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Summit began in 2016 and for the first 7 years, the name Summit was synonymous with the August Youth Conference. Things changed, however, in February of 2022. That is when Bethel hosted the first annual Summit Reformed Young Adults Conference (RYAC). Now, Summit is the official banner name for Bethel’s Youth and Young Adult Conferences.
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Summit Youth Goalto encourage, edify and equip the youth of Christ's church to live their lives to the glory and honor of God.
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What is the Summit Reformed Youth Conference?The Summit Reformed Youth Conference is a weeklong conference designed to promote spiritual growth and Christian fellowship among high school age young people and young adult singles within our churches. The Summit Youth Conference week is packed with fun and fellowship. There are five Main Worship Sessions, at least four Breakout Sessions, daily devotions, sport’s tournaments, Out-Day activities, free time activities, Talent Show, etc. To put it in the words of those who have come to the Summit Youth Conference: SUMMIT IS AWESOME!
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Can I Come to Summit Alone?Yes. At every Summit Conference we see young people and young adults come to Summit by themselves, yet when they leave, they have forged new relationships and new friendships.
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Are there free time activities at Summit that do not involve sports?Yes. We have an extensive collection of board games and card games that are available to play during your free time. Also, we have outdoor games like Nine-Square, human Dutch Blitz, Can-Jam, etc.
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When can I arrive on Monday?On-Campus registration begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Please do not arrive on campus before 1 p.m. If you do arrive in Calgary before 1 p.m., have lunch, go shopping or site-seeing. Supper will be served at 5 p.m. Monday night's 'Main Session' begins at 7:30 p.m.
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Do Chaperones pay the same registration fees as everyone else?Yes, chaperones pay the same registration fee. That fee covers the cost of your accommodations (room) and food for the week.
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What kind of activities are available.Fun and Fellowship We have lots of great activities planned this year! Out-Day activities Free-Time Games Lawn Games Sports tournaments Swimming 5-K run
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How Can I Support Summit?Summit is supported by personal donations and by local churches. Your church can add Summit to their annual budget or take occasional offerings. To receive a tax receipt for your donation/church offering, your cheque must be made out to "Bethel URC" and put Summit Reformed Conferences" in the memo line. Mail to: Bethel URC 730 - 101st Street SW Calgary, AB T3H 3Z5
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What are the ages for Summit participants?Young People: Range: Students who have completed grade 9 through grade 12. (Grade 12 grads are to register for Summit as Young Poeple). Young Adults: post high singles under the age of 30.
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What if my church cannot send a chaperone?If your church sends a group of young people to Summit, then a chaperone is required (an ideal ratio is 2 chaperones for every 10 young people). If your church only sends 1 or 2 young people and cannot send a chaperone, we can make an exception. Please contact us to let us know.
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How can I raise money to help offset my registration fees?Organizing fundraisers at your church is one of the best ways to offset the cost of your registration fees: Organize a bottle drive Make croquettes and sell them Have a Dutch food sale Bake Sale Car Wash Ice cream social
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If my registration fee only covers the cost of my room and food, who pays for all the other expenses at Summit?Summit relies upon the generous support of the churches (through weekly offerings and annual budget support) as well as personal donations. If your church does not yet support Summit, please ask your deacons to consider it.
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What are the other Summit expenses?While your registration fee covers the cost of your dorm room and food for the week, there are expenses related to the College facilities, travel costs, speaker's honorariums and registration fees, videography, advertising, Summit Staff expenses, as well as the annual overhead costs for the Summit website, etc. All those expenses are paid for by church offerings and personal donations.
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Can I bring a friend who does not attend a Reformed church or is not a believer?If your friend does not attend a Reformed church, be sure that they know what goes on at Summit. Show them the topics that will be discussed. If your friend is not a believer, or does not belong to/attend church, then we do not recommend Summit for them. As Summit organizers, we operate under the assumption that everyone who registers for the Conference has faith in Jesus Christ and is a member of Christ's church.
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What is a day at Summit like?The days at Summit are deliberately busy and long so you can cram in as much learning, fun and fellowship as possible. Each day of Summit features a "Main Session" where we meet together to sing a few songs and hear from one of our Main Session speakers. On Tuesday and Wednesday you will attend the Break-out sessions and also participate in the sports tournaments or in the outside games. Thursday is the Out-Day activity in the afternoon with a special event in the evening. Friday the Conference wraps up at 11:30 a.m.
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What should I bring to Summit?A check-list will be emailed to you a few days before the conference. Here are the main items on that list: FAN for your room. There is no AC in the College dorm rooms. Bible Cell phone & charger (So long as you abide by the rules for cell phones) Notebook & Pen Alarm clock -- or use your cell phone Modest Bathing Suit (see Summit rules) Hoodie or Sweatshirt for cool nights Pocket umbrella or rain parka Sports gear for tournaments (knee pads, shorts, shoes, ankle wraps, etc.) Beach towel or extra towel Talent show material (whatever you need for the show) Out-Day Gear Hikers: wear comfortable shoes (you must wear shoes and not sandals or slides), comfortable clothing, maybe a hat, etc. Rafters: bathing suit, shoes for rafting,
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Summit RulesDRESS CODE We are recommending a policy per I Timothy 2:9 to dress modestly, with decency and propriety. It is our responsibility to provide a proper atmosphere for Biblical learning and fellowship. We would respectfully ask you to honor the policies stated below during the entire conference, including the day away and sports tournaments. Ultimately, dress code is at the discretion of the Conference Committee. SHIRTS • Should be modest and loose-fitting, covering all personal areas (including midriffs and cleavage), not showing undergarments • Should not contain writing or images of an inappropriate nature SHORTS & SKIRTS • Modest and loose-fitting, not showing undergarments BATHING SUITS • Modest bathing suits for both guys and ladies. We respectfully request that you adhere to the above recommendations for the good of the conference and honor of Christ’s name. Thank you. CONFERENCE RULES Conference attendees will be cooperative, contribute to the well-being of all, participate in conference activities and abide by all rules determined by the conference committee. 1. No entering the dorm rooms of persons of the opposite sex. Young women and young men may not occupy the same dorm room at any time except during SonRise and Son-Set groups. 2. No possession or use of alcohol or drugs on campus or off campus. 3. No weapons, knives, etc. 4. Conference attendees will adhere to the dress code at all times, including tournaments and day away. 5. Conference attendees will respect University property and obey their rules for facility usage and may be held responsible for property damages incurred. 6. Attendance at all conference functions is mandatory. 7. No gaming equipment including computers. 8. No leaving the campus without express permission. *Checking the box on the registration page indicates that you have read these rules and that you agree to abide by them.
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OversightThe Summit Conference Committee organizes each conference. Summit finances are reviewed by the Council of Bethel United Reformed Church, Calgary. (Summit Committee Members are Keith & Laura Davis, Debbie Oostenbrink, Russell & Beckie Vanderveen, Leonard & Jessica VanWoudenberg, and Vincent & Marlize Valentine).
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MondayOn campus registration runs from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. *Please do not arrive on campus before 1 p.m. If you do arrive in Calgary before 1 p.m., go shopping or site-seeing. Supper will be served at 5 p.m. and the Monday night Main Session begins at 7:30 p.m.
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Need a Ride from the Airport? Sign up for the Summit BusSummit has contracted with a local bus service to pick you up from the Calgary international Airport on Monday, Aug. 5, and bring you back on Friday, Aug. 9. The cost will be $25.00 per person, each way, or $50.00 roundtrip. E-transfer your fee to payments@summitrefcon.org please indicate it is for “bussing”. To reserve your spot on the bus, send an email to info@summitrefcon.org. Monday: please note we have TWO pick-up times. 12:00 p.m. (noon) 4:00 p.m. Departure on Friday: One bus will depart Mt. Royal University campus at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at the airport around 1:30 p.m. The Conference ends on Friday at 11:00 a.m. We do not provide lunch on Friday. Use your meal card to buy lunch at the University cafeteria or eat at the airport. What if My Flight Gets Delayed? 1. For Monday, if you encounter delays or changes to your flight itinerary (so that your flight arrives in Calgary after the 4 p.m. bus leaves), you must arrange for a Taxi or Uber or contact your parents to assist you in getting to the MRU Campus. The Summit Staff will not be able to help you. *The MRU campus is about a 35 minute drive from the airport. 2. Be prepared to spend an hour or two waiting at the airport on Monday and Friday.
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Does Summit have a Cancellation Policy?Yes. Before June 1, we can usually give a full refund. After June 1, we may only be able to give a partial refund. NO refunds can be given within 4-5 weeks of the event. The Reason: All the money you paid to Summit as your registration Fee and Outday Fee has already been used to purchase your room and food on campus (which the University charges us for in advance.). Also, we have already ordered T-Shirts, and SWAG, and purchased tickets to attend the Outdays and reserved buses to get you there. *We totally understand that Wild-Fires (and other acts of God that are outside our control) may complicate travel plans, but all we can do is pray that the roads may be open by the time you travel to Calgary, or that you can make alternate travel plans.
2023 MEDIA
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