ELSA-konference Albanien

Sailing Together

Hvert tredje år mødes søndagsskoler på tværs af Europa for at udveksle de bedste idéer og opbygge hinanden i den lutherske tro. I 2023 mødtes vi i Danmark. i 2026 er det i Albanien. Hele ugen er ELSA, Evangelisk-Luthersk Søndagsskole-Samarbejde, samlet fra hele Europa, primært Nord- og Østeuropa.

I løbet af dagene samles børneledere i kystbyen Durrës, Albanien, til ELSA-konference under temaet Sailing Together. Her fejres 30-års jubilæet for det europæiske samarbejde om søndagsskolearbejde – og der bliver masser af inspiration, fællesskab og nye idéer til arbejdet med børn og unge i kirken. Konferencen byder på workshops og udflugt, hvor deltagerne møder børn og unge i den albanske kirke. Hovedtaler er Odd Ketil Sæbø fra Norge, der sætter fokus på, hvordan Jesus mødte børn – og hvordan vi kan se børn som åndelige aktører, der selv tolker Bibelen ind i deres liv.

Sailing Together
At the ELSA Conference 2026, we will focus on how we work and move forward together.

We will sail together with Jesus – through challenges, with hope, and guided by inspiration.

Through devotions, seminars, shared experiences, and excursions, the conference will encourage and equip us to focus on children and youth in our churches across Europe.

Main Speaker
Odd Ketil Sæbø (b. 1969) has been with the Norwegian Sunday School Association since 1999, serving primarily as Head of Pedagogy and Programme. Over the years, he has been responsible for curriculum development, authored a book, contributed to several publications in the field of children’s theology, and written for children – including books and a TV series.

Currently, Odd Ketil combines part-time work with the association with doctoral studies in children’s theology at MF – The Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society.

At the ELSA Conference, Odd Ketil will explore:

• How Jesus met and valued children.
• Children as spiritual subjects in their relationship with God.
• How children can interpret Bible stories through their own lens and everyday experiences.

30 years of ELSA
A lot has happened in the childrens’ ministry since 1996, the founding year of the organsation.

As we also mark the 30th anniversary of ELSA, we will ask: What role will ELSA play in this important work for the next 30 years?

Conference Fee
Participation fees vary by region. The fee covers full participation in the conference, including accommodation, meals, coffee/tea, and excursions.
If your organisation has trouble financing the conference fee, please let us know during the registration proces.

The conference fee includes:

• Full access to the conference programme.
• All meals, coffee/tea and lodging (from dinner on Thursday 7 May to breakfast on Monday 11 May).
• Transport between Tirana Airport and Durrës upon arrival and departure.
• Day excursion by bus on Saturday 10 May. 

Conference Location
Henry Resort & Spa offers a modern, welcoming environment with a tranquil beachside location for rest and recreation, solid amenities including pools, spa, and dining, and easy access to airport and local highlights.

Læs mere om ELSA på soendagsskoler.dk/om-dfs/global-mission

Thursday 7th May — Arrival & Welcome

Friday 8th May — Sailing Together in Ministry

Saturday 9th May — Open Conference Day

15:30 — Free time / games
 

Sunday 10th May — Excursion & Celebration

Monday 11th May — Departure & Optional Visit

ELSA-konferencen er for ledere i søndagsskolearbejdet i de nordiske lande, Tyskland, England og en række øst- og sydøsteuropæiske lande: Albanien, Belarus, Estland, Georgien, Letland, Litauen, Polen, Romanien, Slovakiet, Ungarn og Ukraine. De mødes 1.-7. august og de glæder sig til at møde os, der deltager på den åbne konferencedag! Konferencen bliver holdt på engelsk.

Albania is easily accessible from major European airports and offers a unique backdrop for our conference.

The conference will be hosted by The Moravian Lutheran Church of Albania.

The Albanian Moravian Church was founded in 1993, just a few years after the country gained religious freedom. What began as a small Bible group for children and their mothers has grown into a vibrant Christian community.

Today, the church has six Sunday school groups led by dedicated volunteers. Its ministry focuses on children and youth – the future of both church and country.

Activities include regular teaching sessions, youth clubs, leader training and an annual summer camp. Despite challenges like emigration, the church remains committed to sharing the Gospel in Albania.

We look forward to sailing together with you in Albania!