As over 2100 women prepare for the second weekend of the Women's Katoomba Convention this Saturday, Katoomba Christian Convention is already gearing up for the revamped October Katoomba Convention called KC Plus.
KC Plus organising committee member Michael Orpwood is spearheading the image makeover of the convention which will be held from October 1 to 3.
Mr Orpwood hopes to broaden the appeal of the October long weekend convention which is now in its tenth year.
"In previous years the October Convention was seen as the convention primarily for older people. It was commonly referred to as the "oldies Katoomba Convention' rather than the October Katoomba Convention," says the retired lawyer and Christ Church, Gladesville parishioner.
KC Plus has added child caring facilities for the first time.
"We have made it easier for families to attend by offering child care facilities. Parents can enjoy the teaching without concerns as to what their children are doing during the sessions," Mr Orpwood says.
The rebranding of October Convention as KC Plus started last year with the introduction of training seminars to complement the Bible talks.
"We wanted to add what we think is a very significant element to the convention which is a training component," Mr Orpwood says.
"In addition to getting excellent Bible teaching, there will be an opportunity to attend a number of practical seminars."
The range of ten seminars include "Parenting: Does it Require a Super Nanny?', "Building Better Marriages' and "Preparing for Retirement'.
Mr Orpwood, who retired 18 months ago is leading the retirement seminar.
"I have gone through the experience, and I did not retire well. I don't think I prepared properly for retirement. I am anxious that other people should be better prepared than me," he says.
"I will look at the theology of work and question the popular view of retirement. I will also deal with the balance between so-called secular work and gospel work," he says.
Mr Orpwood hopes the practical seminars will encourage people to use their talents and abilities more effectively in ministry.
"We believe people ought to be given opportunities to see how to put into practice the things they have been taught. When they return from the mountain top they will be ready to take plunges in ministry that they haven't taken before but are now equipped to take.
