A new fairer deal...

A House of Lords Select Committee is calling for a fairer deal for students, for their studies, after they leave school...

We often hear the expression that things are not a level playing field. Many young people moving on from school into further and higher education, particularly those in vocational or work placed studies, or from lower income families, experience an unfair system. You can read all about this in the pamphlet HERE.

The House of Lords Select Committee have also made a really informative short film about these issues. You can watch the 3 minute film HERE. It raises some crucial issues about equality, justice and fairness... 

The Free Churches Group Further Education and Higher Education Working Groups are committed to speaking up for and tackling things which affect fair access and prevent all students engaging in studies, which enable them to fulfil their God-given potential and live 'life in all its fullness'. 

Get in touch and tell us what you think about the issues the Lords Select Committee raises: FCG Education Asst - Sara Iles at sara.iles@freechurches.org.uk

Please join us as we pray for the work of the Lords Select Committee as they work towards raising these issues and speaking up for fairness in our post 16 education funding... 

Further info HERE 

Have you got 40 Seconds for Prayer?

Join with us as as we pray for those in further education....

Festive have a mission - to inspire and support Christians in Further Education Colleges and Sixth Forms to live for Jesus and to equip them as they share their faith through their words and actions. Here is an extract from Festive's latest '40 second prayer' bulletin:

"We believe prayer has more impact than anything else in our work and mission and we so appreciate you partnering with us in this way.

• Exams are over and Y13 students have left, but Y12 students have to continue for a further three weeks or so. Pray for CUs who have lost their Y13 leaders. Pray that Y12s who are taking on leadership will be inspired and purposeful as they enter their new roles.
• Festive is exhibiting at Soul Survivor during July and August.  Pray for great contacts and connections and that we would have lots of students sign up for support and prayer."

They encourage all of us to join with them in prayer - you can register for their 40Sec Prayers updates HERE.  Join in... join us... 

Mental health support for students...

Many of us will be acutely aware of the increase in mental health issues for our children and young people. A recent article, from the BBC, highlights the need for increased mental health support for students at University. You can read the piece HERE.

What can you do at your church? How can you pastor people in need? 

Are there young people in your area who are moving away to study at university? How are your church putting in place ways to continue to support them?

Are you aware of a network of counselling and support services who can help those who need it? 

We encourage prayer in our congregations to ask for God's grace, mercy and guidance for all of those in need and to support our young people at this key time of transition... Amen. 

The Student Christian Movement have published a free pack you can use to support students moving to your area, outlining how to welcome them to your church ... you can download it HERE. 

Faith and Works.... Education Sunday 2018

What are you doing at your church on 9th September? Why not join in with churches across England and Wales to think about, pray for and reflect upon education, in all its forms?

There is an excellent range of free resources available to download HERE.

There are sermon notes, prayers, hymns, all age worship and inspiring case studies. 

For well over a hundred years, there has been an annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales.

It is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education.

The theme is devised by an ecumenical steering group representing different Christian denominations and organisations.

You can make use of the resources in your churches and groups all year round too... check them our HERE. 

Serving the community....

There are many ways in which, as Christians, we may be active in serving God in our communities…

What kind of things does your church do to help others and be the hands and voice of Jesus in our world?

Why not get in touch with me, Sara Iles at FCG, to share your films, good news stories and ideas? Email me at: sara.iles@freechurches.org.uk 

As part of our aim to feature the work of FCG member churches / groups…

HERE is a link to a film made by the Congregational Federation to celebrate the winners of their 2018 Serving the Community Awards.

Watch the films HERE 

"So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it."

1 Thessalonians 5 from The Message