Apprentice Gathering Updates

Below are updates and information on the Apprentice Gathering 2024. New updates are provided every Thursday leading up to the first day of the conference.

Q&A about the Thursday and Friday Lunch Offer 

As we mentioned last week, the on-campus Casado Student Center Cafeteria is offering prepaid lunch tickets for Thursday and/or Friday.  There have been some questions, so we wanted to pass them on. 

  • Are TAG attendees allowed to eat with the students in the cafeteria? 
    • Unfortunately, there is no seating capacity in the cafeteria for TAG attendees.  The luncheon will be held in the lower level of Casado.  An elevator is available if needed  
  • May I buy multiple tickets for my group? 
    • We request that the tickets be purchased individually so each person will have his/her electronic receipt to present at the door.   
  • Do I have to purchase the tickets in advance? 
    • Lunch tickets will be available for purchase during the gathering.  However, you may experience some wait-time in the “Buy Here” line. 
  • Will there be gluten-free options available for lunch? 
    • Yes, gluten-free options will be available. 
  • How much are the tickets? 

 

 

Session Choices:   

Speaking of reoccurring questions, several of you have indicated that you don’t remember what intensive and workshop choices you made.  Not to worry!  Thanks to Sarah, TAG Team member extraordinaire, your selections, along with room numbers, will be printed on the name tag that you receive when you check-in.   

 

Shuttle Service:   

We have a complimentary shuttle service consisting of three (3) 15-passenger vans that will circulate between the conference hotels and the university.   The schedule is as follows: 

  • Thursday- 7:00-9:30 am 11:45 am-1:45 pm 4:00-9:15 pm   
  • Friday- 7:00-9:30 am 11:45 am-2:15 pm 4:30-9:15 pm  
  • Saturday- 7:00-9:30 am 11:45 am-1:15pm   
  • HOTELS PICK-UP/DROP-OFF POINTS:  
  • The Drury pick-up will be under the porte-cochere at the west entrance of the hotel, and Homes2Suites will pick up at the north entrance. 
  • UNIVERSITY PICK-UP/DROP-OFF POINTS:  
  • On Thursday, the university shuttle will drop people off at the Business and Technology Building (BTB), where most intensive sessions will occur. It will be available to pick up intensive participants at 4:30 at BTB and transport them back to the hotel. Your conference booklet will include a map of the university and the shuttle stop will be marked on it. 
  • The university shuttle will stop at the east end of the sidewalk at Davis Hall starting at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday. 
  • We ask for your grace, as there may be some wait time.  Also, in the morning, please consider taking an early shuttle to avoid congestion at the last minute.  There may be over 400 people who need a ride, so it won’t work if everyone waits to leave the hotel at 8:30! 
  • While not a perfect system, we believe this is the most efficient way to transport all who want a ride. Of course, you are welcome to call an Uber or taxi if you prefer. 
  • Finally, if you are ‘stranded’ and need a ride, please call Eddi at 713-516-6359. 

 

Ask An Editor!   

Have you ever considered writing a book, but you aren’t sure where to start?  You are invited to visit with Cindy Bunch, Divisional Vice President and Associate Publisher of InterVarsity Press (IVP).  Cindy, who is also a spiritual director, has worked with a plethora of authors on the writing process.   She has also attended the Apprentice Gathering for years.  Come with your questions for this informal time with a pro!  No sign-up is required.  

When:  Friday, September 27, from 7:45-8:15 am 

Where:  IVP Bookstore, 3rd Floor Davis Hall, Room 304 

 

Conference Overview Schedule 

The following is a bird’s eye view of this year’s gathering.   We will be adding additional options as they come available. 

  • Thursday, Sept. 26 
  • Preconference Intensives-AM 9:00 am-12:00 noon 
  • Lunch 12:00-1:30 pm 
  • Preconference Intensives-PM 1:30-4:30 pm 
  • Group Spiritual Direction Session (sign-up required; see below) 6:00-6:30 pm 
  • Doors open to Alumni Auditorium 6:30-7:00 pm  
  • All-conference opening with Ken Shigematsu 7:00-8:30 pm 

 

  • Friday, Sept. 27   
  • All-Conference with Heather Thompson Day 8:30-9:45 am  
  • BREAK 9:45-10:45 am 
  • All-Conference with Skye Jethani AND Singing Quakers 10:45 am-12:15 pm 
  • Lunch 12:15-2:00 pm 
  • Afternoon Workshop #1 2:00-3:15 pm 
  • BREAK 3:15-3:45 pm 
  • Afternoon Workshop #2 3:45-5:00 pm 
  • Fun, Food Fellowship on the Plaza 5:30-6:45 pm 
  • Panel Discussion led by Jim Smith 7:00-7:45 pm  

 

  • Saturday, Sept. 28  
  • Group Spiritual Direction Session (sign-up required; see below) 7:45-8:15 am 
  • All-Conference with Emily Freeman 8:30-9:55 am 
  • BREAK 9:55-10:30 am 
  • All-Conference with Brian Zahnd 10:30-11:40 am 
  • Closing Announcements & Benediction 11:40-12:00 noon
     

Group Spiritual Direction Sessions:  

Kristi Gaultiere and her team at Soul Shepherding will facilitate complementary group spiritual direction sessions, offering a resource for individuals wishing to explore spiritual direction within a group.  These sessions will be offered on Thursday and Saturday, and seating is limited.   

  • THIS SESSION IS NOW FULL.  To register for a GROUP session on Thursday, September 26, from 6:00-6:30 pm, click here:     
  • To register for a GROUP session on Saturday, Sept 28, from 7:45-8:15 am, click here:  

 

Friday Night Fun, Food, and Fellowship!   

This is our second year to schedule a special time of relaxation and relationship-building on Friday evening.  After the workshops end at 5:00, you are invited to join us on the Rose Window Plaza in front of Davis Hall to connect with fellow Jesus lovers, visit with TAG presenters, have your books signed, and enjoy a sandwich box from Jersey Mike’s.   

Is there anything I need to do to participate in this event?   

If you want to order a sandwich box, please click this link and complete the form.  Thanks to a generous discount from Jersey Mike’s, the boxes cost $9. They include a full sandwich, chips, and a cookie.  Water will also be provided.  (Sandwich boxes will not be available for purchase during the event; they must be purchased before the event).

What is the schedule for Friday night? 

5:30-6:45-  Gather on Rose Window Plaza for food and fellowship and book signing 

6:45-7:00-  Move to the Alumni Auditorium (3rd floor Davis) 

7:00-7:45-  Panel Discussion with aTalk (plenary) speakers led by Jim Smith 

7:45- Shuttles will transport people back to conference hotels 

 

Please know that we are praying for each of you as you prepare for the gathering.  If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, give us a shout.  (Eddi Porter – eddip@hotmail.com  713-516-6359 (cell)