The power of a second chance! A church and community working in partnership

There are lots of exciting and varied ways in which our FCG member churches / member groups are involved in serving their local community and working in partnership to make the lives of people more fulfilling. You can read about the work that a United Reformed Church (URC) in South East England is doing to help this fulfillment come to fruition. Learning in a local centre can be a really powerful way for adults to gain in confidence and have a second chance to develop their skills, even if their school life didn’t go to plan.

They have had a new lease of life at the church and made some excellent links with people from all walks of life. Read their story HERE.

What might you do? How could your church develop something similar?

You can download this free resource which has prayers for the education sector and is full of ideas on how to go about making links.

Join with us as we pray… Living God, we pray that you will guide and inspire all those adults who are embarking on training to improve their employment prospects. We uphold in prayer all those seeking support and new learning, to help give them a second chance in life and learning. We pray for the tutors and church partnerships with local learning providers, that they have the courage, wisdom and stamina to support the students. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

(Photo courtesy of Helena Lopes at Unsplash)

Serving as a college chaplain; serving God in the community

Across the UK, there are hundreds of further education colleges. There’s probably one in a town near you! Colleges are exciting and dynamic places of learning, training and development for young people and adults. Student support and chaplaincy services are vital to enable students to make the most of their lives at college, as they chart through the challenges and opportunities which they encounter.

What is life like for a chaplain in a college? You can read all about the work and witness of a chaplain here. Cathy, the chaplain featured here, works with Festive - a UK based Christian charity working in FE

What could you do?

What could your church do to link up with your local college?

Check out further information and the FCG action flyer here to learn more about how to get involved.

Let us pray… Living God, we pray for students, tutors, chaplains and support staff in the further education establishments in our area. May students be filled with strength, determination and wisdom to fulfil their potential in their vocational and academic studies. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

(Photo courtesy of Unsplash)

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.