All are welcome...

The Welcome Directory has a simple yet powerful vision: to help faith communities become places where people who leave prison find acceptance. A place to belong that not only nurtures faith but also offers appropriate practical support.

The FCG, with other partners, pioneered the beginnings of the The Welcome Directory which was set up as an independent charity in 2016.

There’s been lots going on for this charity lately, as they develop links with churches and faith groups to support those leaving prison - you can read all about their latest work HERE.

If you want to hear about their work on a regular basis, then why not register for their free newsletter?

Be part of this movement, be part of a place which offers hope…

Be part of a wave prayer for prison chaplains... 25th August

The International Prison Chaplains Association (IPCA) works in all regions of the world and it has a vital mission full of hope and justice:

“UNITING, ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING...

PROVIDING A GLOBAL NETWORK OF PRISON CHAPLAINS AS THEY SHARE GOD’S LOVE

AND RESTORING JUSTICE.”

You can read more about the work which the Free Churches Faith Adviser, Revd Bob Wilson, does here. Bob has an active role in the life and ministry of the IPCA.

Join in the wave of prayer for those serving as prison chaplains across the globe…

Pray with us:

Lord God,

Blessed are you, creator of the universe.

You have called us to serve you in bringing good news to the poor and liberty to those in prison. Look with kindness upon all who serve you in this ministry, grant us the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of your mission to all. Fill our hearts with zeal and perseverance as heralds of the Gospel.

Amen

——

Date for your diary - a week of prayer for prisons (13-19 Oct) - check out link and find how how you and your church can get involved here.

(Photo courtesy of Jeremy Yap at Unsplash)

Global day of prayer for prison ministry on 25th August...

The Free Churches Faith Adviser to the Prison Service, Revd Bob Wilson, serves as the Vice Chair to the International Prison Chaplains Association (IPCA).

We are encouraged by the Association to pray for this vital work on 25th August. This date in the International Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry.

Please use this material in your homes, churches and communities, so that those in prison ministry around the world can come together as one in prayer on this day.

For the last ten years the IPCA Steering Committee has invited all those involved in prison ministry around the world to come together in a special day of prayer on 25th August, the birthday of IPCA. We would like to thank members of IPCA Oceania for arranging this year’s programme.

The logo for the Global Day of Prayer, Peter’s release from prison, was painted and given to IPCA by Jesper Nave.

International Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry - coming up on 25th August

The International Prison Chaplains Association works across the whole world and its mission is:

“Uniting, encouraging and equipping...

providing a global network of prison chaplains as they share God’s love

and restoring justice.”

FCG through our very own Revd Bob Wilson play an active and diligent role in the International Prison Chaplains Association; we are encouraged to pray with the Association on 25th August. You can download this year’s prayer and liturgy material here.

Join in the wave of prayer for those serving as prison chaplains across the globe…

Pray with us:

Lord God,

Blessed are you, creator of the universe.

You have called us to serve you in bringing good news to the poor and liberty to those in prison. Look with kindness upon all who serve you in this ministry, grant us the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of your mission to all. Fill our hearts with zeal and perseverance as heralds of the Gospel.

Amen

——

Date for your diary - coming up this autumn, a week of prayer for prisons (13-19 Oct) - check out link and find how how your church can get involved here.

Praying for our prisons...

A WEEK OF PRAYER for prisons coming up this autumn - join in from 13th – 19th October 2019

Each year, for a week in October, churches and groups are especially encouraged to pray for prisons. We want to encourage you to join this wave of prayer.

Did you know… There are over 82,00 women and men in prison in England and Wales.

Did you know… There are over 93,000 children in England and Wales who have a parent in prison.

Read that again…

93,000 children.

That is more than the capacity of Wembley stadium.

As Christians, we know and feel the power of prayer. We are assured that God works in the world through His almighty grace & mercy, and hears our prayers.

The theme for Prisons Week this year is based on Psalm 111:9: What does freedom mean to you?

You can find out more and register your interest in praying during Prisons Week here:

This coming Sunday, why not chat to those in your church fellowship about this and see how you can get ready to support this wave of prayer and action in autumn.

The Free Churches Group are proud to be among the many sponsors and supporters of Prisons Week.

(Image courtesy of Mohamed Nohassi at Unsplash)