Downtown Church Network 2011
First United Methodist Church, Colorado Springs, CO
A Gathering of Pastors and Staff
of Downtown Churches
October 5-7, 2011
Who should come to DCN 2011?
What will happen at the gathering?
When does the event start and end?
How much does it cost?
How do I get to Colorado Springs?
What about housing?
How do I register?
How late can I register?
Who can I call if I have a question?
Who should come to DCN 2011?
The Downtown Church Network (DCN) is a peer-learning event for pastors and staff of churches in downtown metropolitan areas of 100,000 + in population. Pastors are encouraged to bring staff from all ministry areas so that they may network as well.
What will happen at this year’s gathering?
This is an event that focuses on learning from one another. DCN does not bring in lecturers to speak to us about how to run a successful “downtown church”. Instead, we believe the needed expertise comes from the collective wisdom of those in attendance at DCN. Through a number of settings, you will have the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences. There will be plenary sessions for the entire group, structured workshops for specific ministry areas, time for you to interact with colleagues, and worship.
When does the event start and end?
DCN 2011 kicks off on Wednesday, October 5 at 1:00 pm and concludes by noon on Friday, October 7. Considering that some of you may have to fly in on Tuesday to arrive in time, we are organizing outings in our historic city for those of you who don’t have anything to do on Wednesday morning.
How much does it cost?
We are happy to say that the registration fee will remain at $60 per person again this year. That cost helps defray the costs incurred by us and provides continental breakfasts, snacks, event materials and lunch on Thursday. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the event, housing, and the cost of dinner on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
How do I get to Colorado Springs?
If flying, consider either the Colorado Springs Airport or Denver International (DIA). Many flights to Colorado Springs will stop in Denver first before continuing on to Colorado Springs. If you are planning on renting a car at the airport, it may be more economical to drive from Denver to the Springs. The drive time from DIA to downtown Colorado Springs is approximately 80 minutes. If you are flying to Colorado Springs and need transportation to and from the airport, please contact Stefanie Hecht once you have made your travel arrangements.
What about housing?
Special rates have been negotiated with The Antlers Hilton. Contact the hotel directly at 719-955-5600 ext. 409 or toll free at 866-299-4602. Let them know that the block of rooms is reserved under “Downtown Church Network Group.” Room rates are $129 per night; single or double not including fees and taxes. September 5, 2011 is the deadline for these rates. The standard room rate is NOT for a mountain view room. The up charge for “the view” is $15 per room/per night. To view information about the Antlers Hilton, visit their web site at www.antlers.com. The hotel is seven blocks from the church. This is very walkable through our downtown but we will also be running church vans to and from the hotel. If you can come to Colorado early or stay on a few days after the conference, the group rates will be honored for 2 days before and 2 days after DCN. Self-parking is complimentary to hotel guests. The hotel does not offer a complimentary breakfast although they have a full service restaurant and we will be serving a continental breakfast at the church both Thursday and Friday mornings.
How do I register?
You can register on line with a credit card. Or complete the paper registration form and send with the registration fee to:
Downtown Church Network 2011
Deb Smith
General Board of Discipleship
P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203
Remember to make hotel reservations directly with The Antlers Hilton. (See What About housing? above.)
How late can I register?
Registrations and hotel reservations are due by September 5, 2011. We cannot guarantee that hotel rooms and the negotiated rate will be available after that date.
Who can I call if I have a question?
For questions related to Colorado Springs, the host church or other questions about your stay contact Stephanie Hecht at 719.471.8522 ext 237 or email Stefanieh@fumc-cs.org.
If you know of others who should be invited or have additional questions contact Betsey Heavner at bheavner@gbod.org or 877.899.2780 ext. 7295 or Deb Smith at dsmith@gbod.org or 877.899.2780 ext. 7135.
