Poiema ποίημα Ancient Greek “po-ay-mah”
handiwork; workmanship; of the works of God as Creator
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
The Bible says that we are made in the image of God. Every single one of us.
We are God’s handiwork, created for good works in our world. Created for good works in our relationships.
But we live in a society that is increasingly polarized, and often hostile, even among Christians.
How do we live as God’s image-bearers in this kind of world?
This year, at InterVarsity Florida’s Fall Conference, come learn how to disagree without dehumanizing,
how to have convictions without having contempt.
It won’t be easy. It may be uncomfortable. But it will be worth it. We need this.
to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
The Bible says that we are made in the image of God. Every single one of us.
We are God’s handiwork, created for good works in our world. Created for good works in our relationships.
But we live in a society that is increasingly polarized, and often hostile, even among Christians.
How do we live as God’s image-bearers in this kind of world?
This year, at InterVarsity Florida’s Fall Conference, come learn how to disagree without dehumanizing,
how to have convictions without having contempt.
It won’t be easy. It may be uncomfortable. But it will be worth it. We need this.
Are you a faculty? We're offering a Florida Faculty Gathering on Saturday! See below for more info!
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Our Speaker
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Jonathan Walton
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Arrive at Hotel before 7pm
4:30pm-7:15pm Check-in at Hotel Grab Dinner (on your own) 8:00pm Worship & Word We are God's Handiwork |
We are God's Handiwork &
"They" are Too On Saturday, we'll dig into the real stuff of sitting across the table from people you disagree with. We'll equip you with practical skills (and the chance to practice them) so that you can grow in disagreeing without dehumanizing and keeping your convictions without having contempt for "the other." |
We are Created for Good Works on Campus & in the World
What kind of influence could we have as we learn to see and engage others in the midst of a conflicted and hostile campus environment? On Sunday, we'll wrestle with how to take what we've learned back to campus. Departure at 12:30pm |
Florida Faculty GatheringResilience in the Midst of Polarization
This space is crafted to engage in meaningful dialogue while getting to know other faculty from around the state. The Faculty Gatherings in the past were significant times ofconnecting and sharing stories with Christian academics who understand the university world.
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Got a question? We've got answers!
What's the schedule? What's housing like? What if I need to cancel? What should I bring?
Click the plus on each topic below for answers to the most common questions!
Click the plus on each topic below for answers to the most common questions!
REGISTRATION
I live in Tampa, can I commute to Poiema?
Yes! While we recommend staying with your InterVarsity community at the hotel to get the most out of the experience, you can choose to commute if you live in the area. The conference cost if you commute is $50 (lunches provided). You will need to pay that entire amount to register.
I haven't registered yet, can I still come to Poiema?
Yes! We will keep registration open through the day of the event, but the price will increase by $25 for those who register the day of, so don't wait!
I can't come anymore, how do I cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund by October 18th at 11:59pm ET.
If you cancel between the date above and October 24th at 11:59pm ET, we will offer a partial refund, however the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Cancellations later than October 25th at midnight ET will be offered no refunds.
Exceptions will only be made based on family emergency or illness.
If you would like to cancel your registration at any time, contact the Registrar.
I have questions about registration, who can I talk to?
Your local staff or small group leader will be the best person to contact first; but if they do not have the answers, you can email the Poiema Registrar by clicking here.
Yes! While we recommend staying with your InterVarsity community at the hotel to get the most out of the experience, you can choose to commute if you live in the area. The conference cost if you commute is $50 (lunches provided). You will need to pay that entire amount to register.
I haven't registered yet, can I still come to Poiema?
Yes! We will keep registration open through the day of the event, but the price will increase by $25 for those who register the day of, so don't wait!
I can't come anymore, how do I cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund by October 18th at 11:59pm ET.
If you cancel between the date above and October 24th at 11:59pm ET, we will offer a partial refund, however the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Cancellations later than October 25th at midnight ET will be offered no refunds.
Exceptions will only be made based on family emergency or illness.
If you would like to cancel your registration at any time, contact the Registrar.
I have questions about registration, who can I talk to?
Your local staff or small group leader will be the best person to contact first; but if they do not have the answers, you can email the Poiema Registrar by clicking here.
LOCATION & HOW TO GET THERE
Conference Location (approx. 20 mins from hotel):
Bay Hope Church - Lakeshore Campus
17030 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
Hotel Location:
Hampton Inn Tampa Veteran's Expressway
5628 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
Some attendees will be housed in a different hotel, around the corner from the Hampton. For arrival, check-in at the Hampton and we will send you to the Country Inn if you are staying there! :)
Country Inn & Suites
8109 Benjamin Rd, Tampa, FL 33634
Bay Hope Church - Lakeshore Campus
17030 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558
Hotel Location:
Hampton Inn Tampa Veteran's Expressway
5628 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33634
Some attendees will be housed in a different hotel, around the corner from the Hampton. For arrival, check-in at the Hampton and we will send you to the Country Inn if you are staying there! :)
Country Inn & Suites
8109 Benjamin Rd, Tampa, FL 33634
HOUSING INFORMATION
You will be housed in a hotel room with 3 other students. We will work hard to room you with other students from your campus. If you would like a specific roommate, you must BOTH request to room together on your registration form. and we will do our best to accommodate you based on availability.
Most beds are double/queen-size so you will be sharing a bed with someone. If you would like your own bed, you can choose that option during registration for an increased cost. (Note: Scholarships cannot be used to upgrade to your own bed. Additionally, an upgrade only guarantees that you will have your own bed. You will likely still be housed with 2 other students.)
All sheets & blankets, pillows, and towels will be provided by the hotel. However, you should bring your own towel if you would like to use the pool.
Most beds are double/queen-size so you will be sharing a bed with someone. If you would like your own bed, you can choose that option during registration for an increased cost. (Note: Scholarships cannot be used to upgrade to your own bed. Additionally, an upgrade only guarantees that you will have your own bed. You will likely still be housed with 2 other students.)
All sheets & blankets, pillows, and towels will be provided by the hotel. However, you should bring your own towel if you would like to use the pool.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bible (not on your phone) and journal
- A refillable water bottle (we will not provide water bottles)
- Spending money for dinners on Friday and Saturday, meals during travel, book/swag table and IFES offering (credit/debit and CashApp/Venmo accepted)
- Sweatshirt for cold evenings and cold buildings
- Toiletries
- Medications (as necessary)
- Rain jacket or Umbrella
- Face masks (just in case)
- Bathing suit and pool towel (optional)
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
As some meals will be provided, we will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies as indicated in the registration process. We will only respond to Special Dietary Needs that are medically necessary like food allergies, food intolerances, doctor prescribed lifestyle changes, and Vegan or Vegetarian diets.
SCHOLARSHIPS & COST
What does the Registration Cost include?
Once you arrive at Poiema, housing, some meals, and program costs are covered by the registration fee. Breakfast will be offered by the hotel and InterVarsity will provide lunch on Saturday. You are responsible for dinners on Friday and Saturday. You are also responsible for travel and travel meals.
Do I need to bring extra money?
We will collect an offering for IFES students in the Latin Caribbean during the conference. We will also offer a book/swag table. Cash and credit/debit card will be accepted for both.
How do I get a scholarship for Poiema?
Scholarships are available for students with financial need. We think that this experience will be worth the investment you will make in it. But we never want finances and "I can't afford it" to be a barrier for you to attend. If you need financial assistance, talk with your InterVarsity Staff or contact us!
Once you arrive at Poiema, housing, some meals, and program costs are covered by the registration fee. Breakfast will be offered by the hotel and InterVarsity will provide lunch on Saturday. You are responsible for dinners on Friday and Saturday. You are also responsible for travel and travel meals.
Do I need to bring extra money?
We will collect an offering for IFES students in the Latin Caribbean during the conference. We will also offer a book/swag table. Cash and credit/debit card will be accepted for both.
How do I get a scholarship for Poiema?
Scholarships are available for students with financial need. We think that this experience will be worth the investment you will make in it. But we never want finances and "I can't afford it" to be a barrier for you to attend. If you need financial assistance, talk with your InterVarsity Staff or contact us!
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
- If you test positive for COVID within 7 days of Poiema, please do not attend. Email us and we will cancel your registration for a full refund.
- At this point, we will not be requiring everyone to wear masks, but we encourage all participants to take whatever precautions they are most comfortable with.
- If anyone develops Covid during the conference, they will be isolated in a room or allowed to go home at their own expense.
Accessibility at POIEMA
InterVarsity welcomes persons of all abilities to our conferences. All of the main buildings are accessible to wheelchairs. We have also reserved accessible hotel rooms. We will do our best to help every attendee participate in activities.
Email our Registrar or talk with your staff about any accommodations you may need, particularly if you require an accessible hotel room.
Email our Registrar or talk with your staff about any accommodations you may need, particularly if you require an accessible hotel room.
SCHEDULE
This schedule will likely change so check back a few days before the Conference! :)
FRIDAY
4:30pm Arrive & Check-In (Hotel)
4:30-7:30pm Dinner (on your own)
7:30pm Pre-Game (Church)
8pm Worship & Word (Church)
10pm Small Groups (Church)
11pm Late Night Check-In (Hotel)
SATURDAY
7:30am Breakfast (hotel, provided)
8:30am Morning Prayer (optional, church)
9am Morning Programming (Church)
12:30pm Lunch (provided)
1:30pm Afternoon Programming (to be announced)
3pm Free Time (on your own) & Prayer Ministry (Church)
5:30pm Dinner (on your own)
7:00pm Pre-game (Church)
7:30pm Worship & Word (Church)
9:30pm Small Groups (Church)
10pm Late Night Worship (Optional, Church)
SUNDAY
7:30am Breakfast (hotel, provided)
8:30am Hotel Check-Out
9:00am Morning Prayer (TBA)
9:30am Worship & Word (TBA)
11:30am Campus Groups (TBA)
12:30pm Conference Photo & Depart
FRIDAY
4:30pm Arrive & Check-In (Hotel)
4:30-7:30pm Dinner (on your own)
7:30pm Pre-Game (Church)
8pm Worship & Word (Church)
10pm Small Groups (Church)
11pm Late Night Check-In (Hotel)
SATURDAY
7:30am Breakfast (hotel, provided)
8:30am Morning Prayer (optional, church)
9am Morning Programming (Church)
12:30pm Lunch (provided)
1:30pm Afternoon Programming (to be announced)
3pm Free Time (on your own) & Prayer Ministry (Church)
5:30pm Dinner (on your own)
7:00pm Pre-game (Church)
7:30pm Worship & Word (Church)
9:30pm Small Groups (Church)
10pm Late Night Worship (Optional, Church)
SUNDAY
7:30am Breakfast (hotel, provided)
8:30am Hotel Check-Out
9:00am Morning Prayer (TBA)
9:30am Worship & Word (TBA)
11:30am Campus Groups (TBA)
12:30pm Conference Photo & Depart
I live in tampa, can I commute to the conference?
Yes! While we recommend staying with your InterVarsity community at the hotel to get the most out of the experience, you can choose to commute if you live in the area. The conference cost if you commute is $50 (lunches provided). You will need to pay that entire amount to register.
WHAT IF I'M NOT A CHRISTIAN OR UNCERTAIN ABOUT JESUS?
We would LOVE to have you join us! InterVarsity conferences and retreats are open to all people, regardless of religious experience or identification. We'll help you explore spiritual questions you are bringing. We'll allow you to experiment with spiritual practices in a judgment free zone. While Poiema will be a distinctly Christian experience, everyone can benefit from time away from the stress of regular life. While we believe that true life and true belonging is only found in Jesus, your questions, your doubts, and your beliefs are welcome in this place. We would love to listen and help you explore answers on your terms! We believe God wants to reveals himself to you and we can't wait to walk with you (at your pace) in your spiritual journey!
Location Info
