At the Con, we do things a little differently.

Being located a 30-minute commute from the main USYD campus has both advantages and disadvantages for students at the Conservatorium. On the positive side, the Conservatorium is much smaller, with around 1,200 students. This smaller size fosters a stronger sense of community, belonging, and student connections. On the downside, the EU faculty at the Conservatorium does not experience the same level of large-scale activities and events that the EU on the main campus can participate in.

In the case of PMs (weekly public meetings that include a Bible talk), the Con faculty has implemented several changes to how most PMs are conducted. Below are some key differences between PMs on the main campus and those at the Con, along with an explanation of how these differences impact the EU’s ministry there.

1. Room bookings

For a kaleidoscope of reasons, it is significantly more difficult for the EU to book rooms at the Con than at the main campus. Last semester, we had to resort to cramming into a little common room with only a few couches until we finally got a room booking in week 9 (see the photo!). I was so encouraged, however, to see that this little inconvenience did nothing to stop students from coming, and we saw a growth in PM attendance during that time! Although we thank God for providing a room swiftly for us this year, it was helpful to be reminded that God, who sustains all that we do, can work with or without room bookings.

2. One PM a week

Considering the size of the Con, we can only run one PM a week. A downside of this is that if students cannot make that one hour a week in their timetable, they have to miss out on PMs for that whole semester, and some students are in this boat. However, having only one PM a week means that the PM becomes a significant community event in the spiritual and communal life of the faculty. Since it’s only attended by Con students, it functions like a mini faculty gathering every week, of about 20-30! In fact, for many students, the idea of attending PMs in a lecture theatre with dozens of unfamiliar students feels anathema to the nature of PMs, which for us are cozy, communal, encouraging spiritual respites in the week.

3. Songs!

You can’t have a gathering at the Con without music! In our PMs, we love to sing, and often a myriad of harmonies fills the air before we sit down to hear from God’s Word.

4. Lunch Together

Each week before PM, the faculty grabs lunch together in one of the only two common areas at the Conservatorium campus. It’s wonderful to see a culture of real relationships and friendships become visible to the broader Conservatorium as we gather. Sometimes non-Christians just drop in to chat with their friends, leading to spontaneous chats about the gospel!

Thank God for Public Meetings at the Con!! – and please be praying that God would, through the opening of His Word and the fellowship of brothers and sisters, grow these students in their faith, witness, and love of Jesus.

– Sarah Chaudhary, EU Senior Staff