Economic and ecological justice...

I am delighted that the FCG have kindly granted me study leave and the chance to take part in this project. The work is looking into ways in which churches can tackle and transform financial systems and promote environmental awareness.

Next week I will be joining a host of member churches from Europe and the Caribbean in Guyana as part of the Council for World Mission NIFEA project. I am travelling with my Congregational Federation colleague, Yvonne Campbell, CF General Secretary.

You can read more about this work HERE.

Your prayers are welcomed for our visit.

We, as part of the CF team, have produced a Bible study pack for churches about how we can support and educate our congregations and communities about these vital issues, so please get in touch if you would like one.

Revd Sara Iles, Education Assistant, FCG sara.iles@freechurches.org.uk

Do you want to learn more about the Reformation?

Are you involved in teaching RE and want to learn more about the Reformation? Or perhaps you are leading some Bible studies and have a goal to share more about the Reformed Protestant tradition to your congregation or youth and children’s groups?

The FCG, in partnership The Methodist Church, with support from the Westhill Endowment, have created some free resources which have been written by RE Today Services.

What does the Reformation mean to you? Ancient History? Something to do with Henry VIII? The period of soul-searching and challenge to authority which swept Europe 500 years ago heralded radical and sweeping changes to religion, culture and politics. What does this 500 year-old conflict mean to pupils and how can we bring the huge impact of the Reformation to life in the classroom?

You can find out more about this exciting and varied resources HERE.

Conference coming up soon - teaching Judaism for GCSE

The Board of Deputies of British Jews have an interesting conference coming up in November…

Over the last few years, the FCG have worked closely with this organisation as part of our work on the RE Council and with the DfE Faith School Providers’ Group.

Are you part of teaching and planning for RE in your area or perhaps you would like to learn more about Judaism?

About their forthcoming conference, they write:

“Following on from the success of our 2016 Conference, we are excited to inform you that we will be running the Second 2018 Teaching Judaism for GCSE Conference on November 7th 2018 at Marble Arch Synagogue.

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What to expect

The day will begin with registration at 9.00am and finish at approximately 4.00pm.

The conference will include sessions on:

• Nature of G-d

• Moral Principles

• Sabbath

• Festivals

• Cycle of Jewish Life

• Tanach and Talmud

• The Promised Land

• Shekinah

• Pikuach Nefesh

The cost per delegate is: £100 for the early bird offer – available until 10th October. £150 – any date after the 10th October .All day refreshments and a full Jewish lunch will be provided.

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Please pass this on to any relevant colleagues or friends who are teaching Judaism at GCSE level who may be interested in participating in the training day.

To sign up to the training please go to this link: https://pajes.wufoo.com/forms/zwd67nc18om0ro/.

Once you have signed up, an invoice will be sent to your school.

For any questions regarding the conference, please email marni@pajes.org.uk

If you have any further requirements regarding Judaism educational resources or outreach educational programmes or require advice please email jewishliving@bod.org.uk “

Free Church Education Committee responds to the final report of the Commission on Religious Education

The Final Report of the Commission on Religious Education (CoRE) was launched on 12 September, at the House of Commons, after publication on 9 September. The report, entitled Religion and Worldviews: the way forward, A national plan for RE, was the result of 2 years’ worth of evidence-gathering, debate and analysis by the Commissioners.

The Free Church Education Committee has been fully involved in the process, submitting responses to the consultations and giving oral evidence at the regional hearing in Birmingham. The Committee will be responding fully once it has had the opportunity to discuss the report in more detail. The Free Church Education Committee Response to the Final Report of the Commission on Religious Education is available to view here.

Churches are encouraged to read the REPORT, of which there is also an executive summary, to gain an understanding of the far-reaching changes the Commission is recommending.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Sarah Lane Cawte, the Free Church Education Officer sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk

Moving on to University? Or know someone who is?

… Then this resource could be for you…

The Student Christian Movement have produced a Fresher's Pack which you can find out more about and order HERE. 

The pack says… 

"You might be reading this thinking you've got it all under control. University is just around the corner and you are fully prepared. Totally focussed. In an alternate universe, you're in a blind panic. Unsure about how you'll cope with the new environment, the workload, and how your faith fits into all this. The alarm bells are ringing. What is more important? Church, or study? Socialising, or study? Sleep, or study? We've asked students for their stories and top tips to help you prepare for what's ahead and get the most out of your time at university. So take a deep breath, grab a cuppa, and read on!"

Every blessing to all those taking the step to go to university. May this Freshers Pack support and uphold all those at this time of exciting and intrepid change. Amen.