Many of us often might feel as if we are helpful in one way or another. We may be good at calling in on elderly neighbours or clearing the table after a big family meal… some of the ways in which we may have been able to be helpful in the past has changed in recent months because of the pandemic. Have you mourned the loss of ways in which you used to be helpful? Have you been able to find new or different ways of being helpful? Perhaps we’re seeing things very differently and have the courage to explore new horizons? I have been sad that I have not been able to visit the churches I support in my other role with the FCG member church group, The Congregational Federation (CF), so, at the start of the lockdown, I started a daily prayer for each of these churches, along setting up a pastoral network to have phone calls with their ministers - from A-Z!… Abertillery Tabernacle to Zion Miners, Llanhilleth… I hope and pray that the churches have appreciated this help, even though a visit can’t take place at the moment.
The Oxfordshire based Christian charity, BeSpace, has produced a series of really inspiring and helpful (!) resources for parents, carers, guardians and adults to explore with children in their household / in their care.
There is one on the theme in question!
BeHelpful: BeSpace activities to bring a sense of peace and calm to your life…
The worksheet says: “Christians believe that we are called to be helpful to others around us.We can help people practically by meeting their needs as well as praying for them. They also believe that when we are in trouble or worried about something we can ask God to help us and that He helps us in our time of need.”
By way of background for FCG: As part of our partnership work for the Free Church Education Committee, we are members of the Pray for Schools network, working alongside lots of other dynamic and engaged Christian organisations. One of the other groups who are also on the Pray for Schools network is BeSpace… BeSpace is a Christian charity who encourages churches to work together to see prayer and reflection spaces happening in all areas of the community. Their vision to see every child, young person and adult connect with God in their daily lives from the school into the home.
(photo courtesy of Melissa, a 15 year old Gateway college student)
Sara Iles, FCG Media Support Officer
