Together with Trinity Theological Seminary, the Alliance will bring together 100 seminary students from around the world for a three-week residential seminar devoted to "Exploring new frontiers in mission". Through lectures, seminars, exposure visits, contextual experiences, the sharing of stories and participation in the life of the churches in Ghana, students will explore the missiological, theological and confessional implications of the theme "That All may have Life in Fullness".

The seminar will take place from July 22 to August 15 2004. Up to four credit hours are available. Students will live and work on the Trinity campus, not far from where the general council will meet. Students will participate fully in the life of the council through Bible studies, worship, plenary and issue discussion and other events.

Click here for more information (pdf). Click here to apply (pdf).

Reformed youth forum (RYF)

Delegates to the general council who are between 18 and 30 years old, together with young Presbyterians from Ghana, are invited to gather just prior to the meeting to share, exchange and develop their vision for mission in today's world. The forum will take place at the University of Ghana from July 27 to 30 2004.

RYF participants will reflect on the theme "That All may have Life in Fullness" from different aspects, especially in the context of globalization, poverty, ecological devastation and inequality between peoples, nations and regions. They will consider the importance of the mission of the church today and the ways that young people can participate. RYF is also a chance for youth delegates to learn about the World Alliance and prepare for effective participation in the general council. RYF will produce a message to be delivered to the general council

The forum is coordinated by Ms Yueh-Wen Lu, youth secretary.

Stewards' programme

The Alliance will gather 55 young people (18-30 years old) from around the world to serve as stewards, making life-long friends, gaining global ecumenical experience and helping to ensure that the general council runs smoothly. The work of the stewards is essential. Without stewards to make sure that rooms are set up, papers distributed, mail delivered, people counted, etc., there would be no general council at all! The programme runs from July 23 to August 15 2004.

The application deadline is May 31 2003. Click here for an application form (pdf).

Visitors' programme

People from anywhere in the world interested in the people, churches and culture of Ghana and eager to be strengthened by the witness of the worldwide Reformed family are invited to join the visitors' programme. Visitors will share in worship, Bible study, discussions, visitation programmes, cultural events and celebrations. When delegates are busy in committees, visitors will have their own programme on "Mission for Life in Fullness".

Visitors should budget US$30 per day for board and lodging in the student dormitories of the University of Ghana. Click here to register (pdf).

Women's pre-conference

All women attending the general council are invited to gather before the meeting with women from Ghana. The pre-conference brings together Reformed women from all over the world to celebrate life, worship and share their stories with one another. The pre-conference will take place at the University of Ghana from July 27 to 30 2004.

Participants will study the theme "That All may have Life in Fullness" through the eyes of women, contributing a unique perspective to the general council discussion on the theme's implications for our covenant as a family of churches, our mission among God's people and the spiritual life of our congregations. Participants will also reflect on the work of the department of partnership of women and men between 1997 and 2004, beginning to envision its future. The pre-conference will provide orientation and training to maximize the participation of women in the general council

The event is coordinated by Rev Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, secretary for partnership of women and men.