Love to learn?

Did you know the root of the word for 'disciple' comes from the Greek word μαθητής or mathétés which means learner or student? 

What have you learned lately in the path of life following Christ? What have you learned to develop and grow in your wider life and practice?

We know this journey of learning is a lifelong one…

The Free Churches Group, through our work with the Further Education sector, are keen to get as many churches and individuals engaged in the practice of lifelong learning, so we can all live life, in all its fullness… you can read more about our work in the area by clicking HERE. 

What else could you learn? Well, there is a chance to get involved in the biggest celebration of lifelong learning in England in the coming weeks! It's called Festival of Learning and you can get involved and download ideas and course links HERE. 

There are hundreds of free taster courses and ideas to choose from - from art to web-design, to archaeology and creative writing. Why not have a go in Have a Go month in June?!

It's not too late...!

It's the final couple of days of Pray for Schools Fortnight - many churches, groups and individuals have been praying for their local schools… and so as the fortnight of prayer comes to an end on 24th May, in partnership with Thy Kingdom Come, we give thanks to God for all his mercies and grace, having a sense of gratitude for all the churches, groups and individuals who have been actively praying for their schools. May the schools, pupils, teachers and support staff feel the power of God's love surrounding and upholding them all…

** Perhaps this will inspire you to regularly pray for schools in your area? Why not ask your minister or visiting preacher to include praying for schools each Sunday? 

** A date for your diary! Pray Day for Schools 2018 will be on 20th November!

** Why not register your church or group for a prayer event? Get involved and let your schools know you care and are actively praying for them…

From Colossians 4:2-3 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…"

Amen

Every school, a prayed for school? Is yours?

Join us as we continue to pray for schools, as part of Pray for Schools Fortnight.

Living God,

We ask that many more Christians will be prompted to pray regularly for the children, teenagers and staff in their local schools.

Please bless the ministry of Pray for Schools, which encourages and resources such individuals and groups.

In Jesus' name, we pray. 

Amen

The Free Churches Group are active members of the Pray for Schools Steering Group.

Pray for Schools Fortnight- 10th-24th May 2018 with Thy Kingdom Come - be inspired by Holy Scripture: from Colossians 4: 2-3 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ…"

Good news for SACREs!

Good news! 

RE Today Services report that The Department for Education has offered support for SACREs facing financial and other challenges in meeting their statutory duties. This follows the minister, Nick Gibb’s commitment to ensuring SACREs are properly funded in the latest settlement.

For further information on the DfE support, please click HERE 

You can read more about this and the recent debates in Parliament HERE 

For further information about the Free Churches Group work with SACREs, see HERE.

(SACREs stands for Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education)

Practice, Policy and Powerful Knowledge in Religious Education - Conference

RE matters! A diverse and significant network of RE teachers and RE organisations are joining forces for the conference in October.

Join them for a weekend of stimulating and challenging professional development. This joint conference between AREIAC, AULRE, NASACRE and NATRE brings together the wider RE community, including primary and secondary classroom teachers, advisers, academics, inspectors, SACRE members and everyone interested in RE.

20:20 RE will be the first national RE event after the publication of the crucial report from the Commission on RE. What better time to bring practice, policy and powerful knowledge together to deliver the best RE for all? You can find out more and book your place HERE. 

Conference themes include:

• how can RE deliver powerful knowledge and positive attitudes to address the unprecedented levels of hate speech, hate crime, division and suspicion in our country?

• how can schools make best use of their statutory duty to offer great RE to all pupils?

• how should RE respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the new GCSE and A-level specifications?

With 3 keynote addresses and up to 40 breakout sessions including seminars and academic papers, 20:20 RE balances practical classroom ideas with the latest academic research and policy.

This is an event not to be missed!

Date: Saturday 13 – Sunday 14 October 2018; Location: De Vere Cranage Estate Hotel, Crewe; Price: £175 Booking: Complete the booking form at this link and book your place today!