Revd Bob Wilson invites you to join together in prayer for Prisons Week

You are invited by Revd Bob Wilson, Secretary for Prisons Chaplaincy and Free Churches Faith Adviser, to join with churches and groups across the country, for a week of prayer for prisons from October 10th to 16th.

“Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen. ”

— THE PRISONS WEEK PRAYER

“If prayer truly works, if our weak human rambling to God actually changes things, then we must call believing people to pray, and together we must pray for change where change is needed most.” (Prisons Week team)

Revd Bob Wilson with Free Churches Group - honoured to be one of the sponsors of Prisons Week

(cover photo courtesy of Amaury Gutierrez at Unsplash)

Prisons Week Panel: 12th October 2021 7-8.30pm online panel discussion on theme of 'Respair': the return of hope after a period of despair

Prisons Week Panel

You are invited to be part of a fascinating online panel discussion based on the theme of Respair – the return of hope after a period of despair, on Tuesday 12th October 2021, 7pm – 8.30pm

The evening will be chaired by Rt Rev’d Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester and Bishop to Prisons, reflecting on the theme of Respair over the last 18 months, in the personal and professional roles of panellists. The panellists are: Lyn Brown MP, Shadow Minister for Prisons and Probation, Kashmir Garton, Head of Faith, National Probation Service, HMPPS, Rev’d Lesley Mason, Managing Chaplain HMP Send and John O’Connor from Junction 42, a man who has experienced being both sides of the prison wall.

The panel will explore the challenges and opportunities that remain for all caught up in the criminal justice system and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

(cover photo courtesy of Headway @ Unsplash)

"The return of hope after a period of despair" - praying together, with hope in our hearts, during Prisons Week

“Respair” is an Old English word which fell out of use many centuries ago but means “the return of hope after a period of despair”.

The prayer tradition of lament helps us to make that journey from a dark place of pain, suffering, fear or sorrow to somewhere that the light can get in. Maybe only through a tiny crack to begin with but bringing a gradual dawning of hope and sense of God’s promise, that we are loved and will never be abandoned or alone. No matter how messy and difficult life becomes, God is never distant and longs for us to let him in.

Please pray with us each day during Prisons Week, these prayers offered by chaplains, serving prisoners, police officers, victims of crime, prison leavers, family members and communities – crying out to God, asking for help, responding in faith, giving thanks for his unending love, grace and mercy. Let us walk together through the week in prayer and grow in our understanding of the value God places on each one of his children, so that like the ravens we may soar, free at last, trusting in the knowledge of his provision and love for us.

The Prisons Week Prayer:

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen.

(cover photo by Claire Kelly at Unsplash)

Chaplaincy in further education - an opportunity to find out more - online event on 11 or 14 Oct

Getting Involved in FE Chaplaincy… The Centre for Chaplaincy in Education are hosting an online event which is aimed at anyone that wants to know more about FE chaplaincy, whether from a personal perspective, or as part of exploring what churches might be able to get involved in.

There's no commitment to do anything following the event - but if FE chaplaincy captures your interest, it might lead somewhere exciting. There are two opportunities to attend this event (each one will have the same content):

• Monday 11th October, 7.30pm - 8.15pm

• Thursday 14th October, 11.00am - 11.45am.

This event is a collaboration between the Methodist Church and West Midlands Churches' FE Council.

(cover photo courtesy of John Schnobrich at Unsplash)

Join together, spend an hour praying during a wave of prayer for Prisons Week - for justice, compassion and restoration - Friday 15th October 7pm

An opportunity during Prisons Week to spend an hour in prayer with others, praying for justice, compassion and restoration with friends and colleagues from across our Free Churches Group network!

Revd Bob Wilson, Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy and Free Churches Faith Adviser invites you to join in a wave of prayer for our prisons… on Friday 15th October at 7pm - all are welcome, registration is required.

“If prayer truly works, if our weak human rambling to God actually changes things, then we must call believing people to pray, and together we must pray for change where change is needed most.”

(cover photo from Prisons Week website)