What kind of friend are you?

Festive, whom the FCG Education Team have been working alongside for some time, have an interesting and thought provoking take on this question - what kind of friend are you?

If I was to ask myself that question, I would say kind and loving, but sometimes I find myself feeling impatient and judgmental which has a serious impact on my kindness! We’re all a work in progress and this article asks some interesting questions about what matters the most!

The article has been written for the charity who work with Christians and further education - you can read the piece here….

You can also find out more about the work FCG has been doing in the field of further education and download free resources to support your church to engage with this varied and vital area of community life.

Sara Iles, FCG Education Asst

(image courtesy of Thought Catalog at Unsplash)

Prayer focus for all in formal and informal education...

Loving God,

We pray for all of those in formal and informal education: for those in colleges, universities, in our churches, our Bible study groups, our local schools, for those throughout our community centres, in evening classes and those exploring new pathways. Guide them and support them.

We pray that it is a time of transformation, joy, challenge, personal growth and vocational.
We pray for those in training for ministry and Christian service in our own denominations and across the member churches of the Free Churches Group.

We pray for the students and tutors involved in theological education and ministerial formation. May God uphold, provoke and guide them.

We pray for all those who are on a path to seek 'life in all its fullness' (John 10:10).

Loving God, encourage us to keep praying on this, to learn and share more about the gift of
education and to act with courage, conscience and conviction in your name!

In Jesus' name, our friend and teacher,

Amen

(photo courtesy of Perry Grone at Unsplash)

Praying for those receiving GSCE results..

A prayer from Pray for Schools network for today….

Praying for all students receiving GCSE results today……

May they have the grades they need to follow their dreams.

Where there is disappointment, may they know your love and plan for their lives.

In Jesus name.

Amen

FCG has had a long and productive working relationship with the Pray for School group - you can read more about their vital work and get your church / house group involved by checking out the link here.

(image courtesy of Sharon McCutcheon at Unsplash)

Students need our prayers.... pray with us

Loving God,

We ask you to be with all of the students who are receiving results and making decisions about their future studies over the coming days, across England and Wales. 

We pray that the results offer each student a way forward for their chosen study and work routes. Where the results are not as hoped, we humbly ask that you give them solace and further guidance. 

We pray for the young people in our churches and hope that the church community will offer support and encouragement to them. 

We ask that, in your mercy and power,  you uphold their parents, carers, teachers and advice workers, to give compassionate support to all students and young people at this time.

Living God, we ask that you bless the next stage on their learning and vocational journey.

Bless their pathways with courage and steadfastness. 

In the name of Jesus, our teacher and saviour,

Amen.

FCG has been working hard over the last few years to develop links, strategy and plans for engaging with the university sector. You can read more about our vital work in this field here.

(Photo courtesy of Bobby Johnson at Unsplash)

Praying for guidance for those at school, college or university....

This time of the year can be a great time for rest and relaxation with summer holidays and family time. It can also be a time of anticipation, uncertainty and discernment for children, young people and their families and carers as they chart a way through the next stages of their academic and vocational pathway…

Perhaps you could give this prayer to your worship leader at your church this Sunday, so we can pray together.

Join with us at the FCG to pray to God…

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Let us pray.

Loving God, We pray for all those who are seeking vocational guidance at this time in the academic year. We pray for all of those who are awaiting GCSE and A-Level exam results or the outcomes of vocational course diplomas and exams.

We pray for all those who are in the sixth form and FE who are visiting open days at Universities and planning the next steps in their vocational education.

We lift up those who are working in careers guidance as well as teaching & learning support.

We pray for all young people who are considering taking their first steps into work.

We pray for all adults who have been engaged in further and higher education who are planning to return to work after career breaks, spells of unemployment or raising a family.

May God uphold and direct those in need of support and direction. May the paths be clear and the purpose be steady.

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He shall direct your paths' Proverbs 3:5-6.

In Jesus' name, we pray. 

Amen

(Photo courtesy of Rosie Fraser, Unsplash)