Education Sunday being celebrated on 8th Sept - join us!

Coming up soon! On 8th September, why not use these in your church service and share and pray through these unique resources, giving thanks to God for all those in our education system?

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

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. This special day is coming up soon - Sunday 8th September. You can share and use the free resources on this day or at any time in the year!

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.

(photo courtesy of Quino Al at Unsplash)

A caring world...?

Over the last few years, the FCG as part of our work with our Free Church Education Committee, have been praying, planning and working through ways we can support our member churches and groups become more engaged in the world of further education (FE). This is something we care about deeply.

We have provided a range of resources, prayers and ideas for how you and your churches can get involved in this educational sector; a sector that presents a vibrant and vital part of each and every one of our communities.

Trinny, who wants to develop skills as a care worker and gain college qualifications, has faced some struggles along the way, but with the support of her tutors and support staff, she has been able to progress - she is working in care in a world she now knows cares about her!

Read Trinny’s story here and find out how you can help young people like Trinny make her way in the world of education and work. By using the ideas and resources in this link, you too can show how your church cares about young people at your local college….

Pray with us…

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, especially those whose confidence is low or who are struggling with anxiety or money worries.

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

Fruitfulness on the Frontline - a 6 week Bible study for Youth groups

The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity along with the charity serving and supporting Christians in FE (Festive) have developed a great resource which share, pray and study through in your youth group.

“Fruitfulness on the Frontline resource is for 16-19 year olds.

Over six weeks you’ll chat together, pray together, delve into God’s word together,

and see how to make everything you do count for Jesus and his Kingdom!”

You can download this interesting and helpful pack here. Feel free to share this link with your churches and youth groups.

Festive have been working alongside FCG over the last couple of years and we have been developing a fruitful working relationship with them - find out more about the work FCG has been doing in the FE Sector here.

A Prayer for Further Education

Living God, we pray for the students, tutors and support staff in our 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.

Amen.

(photo courtesy of Sugar Bee at Unsplash)

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)