Education

Coming up to the end of term...

Many of us know children in our families, churches and communities and are well aware that the end of term is fast approaching.

This is often a time which is eagerly looked forward to by children and parents / carers as it is good to have a break from the school regime. It can also be a time of mixed feelings, as the long summer break often exacerbates family tensions and particularly issues around food poverty. I recently visited a Congregational Church (CF are FCG members) who are making meals available for all the children locally during the summer break, as they have noticed a shift in the ability of some families to be able to provide during the holidays.

What does your church do? How might your church be able to offer support?

Last summer the Trussell Trust published an article and report about the needs of families over the summer. You can read this here.

Join us as we pray for children, young people and their parents and carers during the summer holidays.

Help them, loving God, to reach out to one another, in peace and love, and help them to reach out to those in their communities who can offer support, so they can assist and support, where needed.

We pray for churches and community groups who are showing the love of Jesus by providing meals, fellowship and activities to support children over the summer holidays.

May these be a great time of sharing and compassion. May new relationships between churches and local families be nurtured during this time.

Join us as we pray for our schools… for teachers and support staff who are approaching and much needed break, at the end of the academic year and for their families and communities.

Amen.

(photo courtesy of Jason Ortego at Unsplash)

Sara Iles, FCG Education Asst

Education Sunday - 8th September - resources available now!

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.

Education Sunday theme this year is: ‘Form and flourish - to re-form’. You can download, share and make us of the varied and inspiring resources on this theme HERE.

This year the resources include a hymn written by our very own Sara Iles, FCG Education Assistant, based on Deuteronomy 32:11!

A PRAYER FOR EDUCATION SUNDAY Loving Lord, We think of the children and young people close to our hearts And know that they are precious in your sight, fearfully and wonderfully made; And so we place them into your hands today. Strengthen and nurture them. Be with them in their coming in and going out, At home, at school, at college, at university, In their sports, activities and clubs, their friendships and their quiet times. Mould them in your image, forming and reforming, Through the positive influence of those whose lives cross theirs, Through the love and example of those who care for them, And through the constant love of your Son, Jesus, who walks alongside them each step of their lives, known or unknown. Amen.

Another date for your diary - Pray Day for Schools is coming up on 19th November. To get involved or host an event at your church, have a look at the link here.

Photo courtesy of NeONBRAND at Unsplash

Chaplaincy and education

The FCG has been doing lots of work to develop and support chaplaincy in education - recently publishing some papers and church support resources for further education and chaplaincy work which you may find interesting - you can have a look here.

Today FCG are taking part in an ecumenical conference in Manchester, hosted by the FCG member church, The Church of the Nazarene, on chaplaincy in education. Please join with me as we pray for the conference… that God will inspire and motivate those participating to share and develop this work further in their churches and communities.

To find out more about this vital work and how to get involved, click HERE.

A CALL TO PRAY… Throughout the year: Living God, we pray that you will guide and inspire all those students embarking on training for employment and all those seeking support and new learning for their personal development. We pray for the staff and chaplains at our colleges and learning providers, that they have the courage, wisdom and stamina to support the students. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez at Unsplash

Safely raising children in an online world...

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (NRSV)

Today’s world can be a complex one to navigate with our children and young people in your families and churches. It can be hard to know how to support children whilst at the same time as letting them explore the world safely.

Help is at hand! Nick Soucy, an expert in online security, has put together some extensive guidance to support you and your churches with this.

You can check this out here.

Please feel free to share this with your churches and groups: Definitive Guide to Raising Religious Children in an Online World.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Sikkema at Unsplash

Mental health & Christian leadership - conference on 23rd Oct

A day conference for Christian leaders, chaplains, student workers and anyone interested in looking after their own mental health and that of others. This will be held at Bloomsbury Baptist Church, London on Wednesday 23rd October.

Lots of varied conference content and the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics… Theological input, panel discussions and a choice of workshops including exploring mental health first aid, supporting those in study, and worship and dementia.

The conference costs are £25 per person and you can find out more information and book your place here.

Come along and be inspired… learn together…

Develop skills and share good practice in this important area of ministry

For information contact sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk

Tickets provided through Eventbrite