Thursday:

Optional, Pre-Conference Tours | Want a taste of the local flavor of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota? There are four Pre-Conference tour options available on Thursday afternoon. The tours will depart mid-morning on Thursday, so you will have the option of coming in Wednesday night or arriving Thursday morning.

Optional, Pre-Conference Special Club Coordinator Training | Club Coordinators are encouraged to attend this complimentary, pre-conference training. This opportunity will be a special time to appreciate and love-on the incredible women who lead their GEMS Clubs. You will be treated to an overview and explanation of the three new curriculums, of the revised Awareness Level materials, the new girls’ CD, and so much more! Club Coordinators who wish to join us for a Pre-Conference tour can still participate in the special Club Coordinator Training scheduled for early Thursday morning.

Women’s Special Night of Worship | As we anticipate a Conference designed to rekindle our passion for God, for service, and for others we will begin by pushing the pause button. This special time of worship will refocus our attention and realign our priorities to stand in awe of the One who loved us with His very life. Before the start of the Conference we will focus on the power of God’s love and forgiveness, surrendering the cares and busyness of life.

Friday:

GEMS Expo | It’s a GEMS Expo Extravaganza! Spend Friday afternoon browsing and interacting with others as you explore the exposition and gather a wealth of information within this fair-like setting. Interactive booths will demonstrate new curriculums, provide helpful teaching instruction, and give fun, club-enriching ideas! Booths like “Going, Going, Green!” “Captivating Classrooms,” “Invite a Friend,” and “Fundraising that WORKS,” are just a few of the things you’ll experience.

GEMS Annual Theme Presentation Feed the Fire! | Where there’s smoke, there’s fire! If a fire test was done on your heart, measuring your love for Jesus, would you set off smoke alarms? If lukewarm and burned out are a better description of your heart, it’s time to Feed the Fire! In this three-part theme venue that includes a fire station, fire safety class, and an outside bon fire, you’ll discern what puts fires out, what to do if the fire goes out, and how to keep a love for Jesus and passion for service burning. Move from apathy to action, keeping your spiritual fervor serving the Lord! See you at the fire station!

Saturday:

Women’s Evening Away – Dinner Boat Cruise | A relaxing evening of fellowship awaits you on the dock of the Padelford Riverboat Company! Prepare yourself for cruising up the mighty Mississippi River on a paddleboat while taking in the beautiful scenery, gentle breeze, and watching the sun set across the Minnesota sky. Oh, and don’t forget the food! A special dinner featuring Minnesota cuisine will be served as we enjoy our trip on the beautiful Mississippi River. You are certain to relax and enjoy this special night created just for you as we reflect on the goodness of God and enjoy the friendships of our sisters-in-Christ.

Sunday:

Feed the Passion Bible Studies | Throughout the Conference weekend you’ll have many moments of self evaluation as we study the Feed the Fire! theme. You may be convicted of areas where apathy and complacency have taken root in your life and you will definitely have opportunities to rekindle the flame of your passion for Christ! The Sunday morning Feed the Passion Bible Studies will be the final small group opportunity to ignite your passion for serving God. This encouragement/Bible study time will grow your knowledge of the Word and equip you to boldly take back territory for the King of Kings!

Communion / Worship Service | Being able to come to the communion table is a humbling experience as we contemplate Jesus’ amazing gift of LIFE. Because of our imperfections and weaknesses our need for the cross is great! God calls us to be bold in proclaiming and modeling this truth to girls. Mentoring is a privilege, but it’s not without its apprehensions. That’s why it is crucial that we, as mentors, also allow ourselves to be nurtured and guided by others. We will close out the weekend with an inspiring closing communion and worship service focusing on the privilege of mentoring and being mentored in light of Christ’s humility and sacrifice.

Retooled & NEW Curriculum!
Yes, it’s true! There are THREE New Curriculums and a curriculum update debuting in 2010! Come learn more about the NEW Discovery Place Badge Book, the updated Awareness Level curriculum, the NEW MTN Advanced Level curriculum, and the NEW True Beauty – for such a time as this! Advanced Level curriculum.

Girls’ NEW Worship CD: Love In Every Language
GEMS is releasing a fantastic new girls’ music CD for club use that your girls are sure to love! Featuring the voices of Sarah Barry and various youth and children, this girl-friendly CD will get your GEMS excited about worship time! The songs included encourage listeners to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world and to show His love to our neighbors and to the nations. It is inspired by The Esther School Project and includes voices of girls from Zambian GEMS Clubs. The CD will inspire girls and women to pray and work on behalf of our brothers and sisters EVERYWHERE.