New Secretary of State for Education

As you may have already read in the press, The UK have a new Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds MP. 

A recent newspaper article based on Hinds' first big speech in the role is interesting. He encourages schools to aim for an ethos that develops pupils’ character, resilience and workplace skills. It will be interesting to see how this aim translates into practice. We pray him well as his work in the role develops and extends. You can read the full article HERE from The Guardian on 22nd January 2018. 

The Education Team at FCG are grateful to Justine Greening MP for all of her work in this role over the last couple of years and pray for her as she continues her work as an MP. 

Big thinking for little minds...

As part of our aim to feature articles and inspiring stories from our FCG member churches, here is a great piece from the Baptist Union of Great Britain. 

Big Thinking for little minds... 

Thinking big! That’s how one BMS World Mission worker has achieved something incredible. Thanks to the teacher training programme Annie Brown has developed, every child in Nepal will have the chance of a better education and a brighter future. 

Starting in January 2018, the plan is for all teachers of students aged between five and 13 years old of all subjects in all government schools throughout Nepal to undergo training pioneered by Annie.

Please join us as we pray for Annie and her team in Nepal and for all teachers, the children and the communities they work with... 

** How are you thinking BIG with your church and community this year? **

Share your stories with us! 

Photo of children in the Lamjung District of Nepal - from the BMS website

Perseverance!

Do you find it easy to persevere?

How are your new year's resolutions moving along?

Do you want to gain a greater ability to persist in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success?

How do we help our children and young people to develop perseverance?

Barnabas in Schools, as part of their Exploring Values in the Bible series, have published some useful resources which might help us and our groups... You can review and download the one related to Perseverance HERE. 

"The Bible has so much to offer in this area of positive personal, relational and community values, and its timeless wisdom can help all schools pass on to the next generation the qualities of life that are most valuable and which, as Christians, we believe are not only God-given but also can be God-energised in our lives." From Barnabas in Schools' website

I hope you enjoy these resources - you have the opportunity to give feedback to Barnabas in Schools too. 

'Keep your mind on Jesus... Then you won't get discouraged and give up' (Hebrews 12:3).

What is Christmas all about?

Spinnaker create and share a range of Christian resources for use in schools, churches and community settings throughout the year. They are a team of committed Christians with links to the mainstream churches within the Christian community. They operate in 14 hubs around South London, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex, supporting primary schools in the delivery of Christian collective worship and religious education.

Is your church in that area? If so, get in touch and see how your church could get involved more?

If your church is outside this area, you can still support Spinnaker and make use of their wonderful inspiring resources! You can also make donations to Spinnaker, pray for their work or volunteer with them... 

So... What is Christmas all about? - There are some RE lessons using a series of Christmas card pictures of the nativity story – using a set of knitted dolls – can be used to discuss the story of Christmas with children.

You can explore the resources HERE. 

In the coming year, why not use and share other resources from the Spinnaker? There are many to choose from - perhaps you could try Jesus, the greatest story teller... 

Art in Heaven...

The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) have hosted a Spirited Arts exhibition and competition to encourage children and young people explore themes of faith and belief. There are some really inspiring and thought-provoking pictures - you can take a look HERE. 

Do you use drawing and painting activities with your church groups?

Thinking about, designing and sharing pictures can be a stimulating and creative way to learn about our faith and explore ideas.

Why not begin drawing and painting in the new year with your children and young people?

It's great fun for adults to get involved too and discover their artistic gifts! 

There are lots of ways you can create an atmosphere of creativity and imagination:

Godly Play 

Bible Crafts and Resources for Children

The painting on this article is by Madeleine, aged 5, from Christ Church Charnock Richard CE Primary School

"Footprints in the Sand - My painting is of the poem ‘Footprints in the sand.’ On the beach I can see two lots of footprints, mine and God’s but sometimes there is only one set of footprints. That is when God is giving me a piggy back. This painting was done during the week after the Manchester bombings “God is giving those people who are sad piggy back rides isn’t he?” "