Event

Praying during the General Election Campaign 2019

Many of you will already have been having conversations in your churches and homes about the forthcoming UK General Election. Many of you may also have been thinking through the issues and praying during the run up to the election next month.

In order to support us in this prayer quest, you may be interested in the prayer resources which the Evangelical Alliance have been gathering, based on the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).

Here is some background to this series of prayers and devotions, which the EA outline for us:

“During the election campaign, we will be using some of these Psalms of Ascents to help guide our prayers. As our current political landscape prompts very different reactions in our churches, we can use these Psalms to pray for ourselves, our fellow believers, and for our country. These Psalms will also help us to ​“fix our eyes on Jesus”, particularly as this election takes place in the run-up to Christmas. Finally, they will also remind us of the city we seek, ​“without foundation, whose architect and builder is God” – even as we cast our votes in whatever city or constituency in which he has placed us. Please join us in prayer over the coming weeks!”

You can download and pray through the devotional series with us HERE.

Praying ahead of the General Election - prayer by the EA

Dear heavenly Father, in this time of uncertainty, may we continue to look to You for help and direction. Please assure us of Your steadfastness and remind us that You are with us at all times – sustaining us and upholding us. Prepare us as we face changes and challenges in the weeks and months ahead and prepare this nation with your unending peace and perfect love.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
'May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels'
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, 'Peace be within you'." Psalm 122:6-8

Amen

(photo courtesy of Element 5 Digital at Unsplash)

Our mental health conference - a snapshot of the day!

The Free Churches Group hosted a one day conference on 23rd October. It was a well attended event with delegates coming from across England and Wales, from a range of different vocations, backgrounds and denominations.

We were hosted kindly by the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church and had a excellent range of speakers in the morning. They helped us to think about the church and mental health; this was followed by panel discussions to explore the issues raised in greater detail.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to explore ways to care for ourselves and how to develop models of reflective practice. The day was surrounded in prayer and fellowship and gave us an excellent opportunity to learn and grow in this complex and interesting area of our ministries.

The programme and information are attached for your further reference and if you would like to know more about any of the contributions made on the day or how your church might learn more about this vital work, then let us know.

You may be interested too in the forthcoming Healthcare Chaplaincy Study day coming up on 7th November. For further info, look here.

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Mental health conference next Wednesday - still time to book your place!

Mental health matters and it affects many of us and many of those we support in our communities and ministries…

We are hosting a day conference next week 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

BOOK YOUR PLACE →

Tickets provided through Eventbrite

(photo courtesy of Grant Durr at Unsplash)

Prisons Week - free event with amazing keynote speakers: Southwark Cathedral: 17th October

Coming up very soon… to help us to focus on Prisons Week… 17th October at Southwark Cathedral

Engaging in conversation with Christians in criminal justice.

Keynote speakers: Robert Buckland QC MP and Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

The 2019 Prisons Week lecture arrives at Southwark Cathedral for an evening with Robert Buckland QC MP, Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice, and Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the incoming Bishop of Dover.

Hear from keynote speakers on the theme of FREEDOM and engage in dialogue with Christians and Christian organisations working and volunteering in courts, prison, probation and the community as a whole.

There will be a time for networking from 6pm-6:45pm in the cathedral refectory, with the formal lecture part beginning at 7pm The evening is expected to finish at 8:30pm.

To book your free place and find out more click here.

(photo courtesy of Dyu-Ha at Unsplash)