Life in all its fullness...

We are delighted to announce the publication of a new report entitled: LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS: The Free Churches and schools: a report and recommendations from the Free Church Education Committee

This is a comprehensive report which includes lots of helpful background information on, for example, how our schools are organised, the place of religion in schools and what difference Free Church members can make to our schools.

The report has inspiring and grounded recommendations on how to take this work forward; these recommendations will form the basis of the ongoing work of the Free Church Education Committee and our member churches / groups.

We are grateful to those who have contributed to make this report so full and far-reaching.

Please join us as we continue to pray for the work of the Free Church Education Committee. Lord God we pray your blessing on all who work in education, that they may see the kingdom come; We pray your blessing on all who influence education, that they may see your will be done; We pray for all who are receiving education, that they may receive their daily bread; We pray for all those who have received education, that they may share their gifts with all your children; Send us out to live and work to your praise and glory, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Prayer from Education Sunday resources

Dates for your diary - Pray for Schools Fortnight 12th-26th May 2019; Education Sunday this year will be on Sunday 8th September.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Annie Spratt

Pray for Schools Fortnight coming soon!

The vision of Pray for Schools fortnight is to bring together people from local churches and others involved in education – parents, students, teachers, governors, staff and volunteers – to pray strategically for schools in their area and those involved in them.

Coming soon - get involved! From 12th to 26th May 2019

The vision of Pray for Schools fortnight is to bring together people to pray for schools in their area.

At our recent FCG Residential, we heard all about the amazing work which Pray for Schools does - you can read more about this work and pray with us HERE. FCG play an active and dedicated part of the life, mission and witness of the work of Pray for Schools.

Lord, teach us to pray! Even though our God is awesome, holy and almighty we can still to come right into His presence – when we come in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Prayer has to be one of the most amazing gifts God gives us – what an incredible privilege it is to talk with Him about the issues on our hearts. And know He hears and answers!

Photo courtesy of Unsplash by Charlein Gracia

Meeting together....

The Free Church Education Committee met at the end of March to pray for and plan the next steps in our education strategy. We were hosted, with great welcome, at the Westhill Endowment and had an edifying time of discussion and working together. Our opening devotions, led by our Committee Chair, Julie Grove, were based on Faith Exhibit paintings by Rev Elizabeth Gray-King. You can find out more about hiring these works and other faith based pieces HERE.

Pictured are some of the members of the Free Church Education Committee

You can find out more about our work in the field of education with our Free Church members here and get your church involved in this vital work.

Religious Education Matters

The FCG, through the Education Team, has had active representation on the RE Council of England and Wales for many years.

The RE Council says: “The ability to understand the faith or belief of individuals and communities, and how these may shape their culture and behaviour, is an invaluable asset for children in modern day Britain. Explaining religious and non-religious worldviews in an academic way allows young people to engage with the complexities of belief, avoid stereotyping and contribute to an informed debate.”

You can find out more about the work of the RE Council and register for its newsletter at the bottom of this page linked HERE.

There are lots of interesting debates, resources and links from across the worlds’ religions in each newsletter. One of those recently featured is from Barnabas in Schools. You may find these materials featuring ideas and worksheets from Christianity Around the World interesting.

You can read more about the Barnabas in Schools resources HERE.

Photo courtesy of Ant Rozetsky at Unsplash

Every school a prayed-for school

The Free Churches Group has been an active partner with Pray for Schools for many years.

The Steering Group of Pray for Schools met earlier in March to pray for and plan for how to engage even more churches in praying for our schools.

Does your church pray for the local schools?

Would you like to find out more? Check out the latest events, resources and news HERE.

Pray for Schools Fortnight is coming up soon - 16-29 May. Find out more and how to get involved HERE.

The steering group is made up of many Christian groups who are involved in education, some of whom are featured in the photo from our latest meeting, which includes partners/guests from:

Open The Book

Prayer Spaces in Schools

Youth for Christ

CARE

Church of England

Scripture Union

ACT

You can read more about the work that FCG are doing in the field of education HERE.