Free Churches Group welcome the appointment of Revd James Ridge

It is with great pleasure that the Free Churches Group welcome the appointment of Revd James Ridge most warmly into his new role as Chaplain General of HMPPS. Having worked with Revd Ridge over a number of years in the context of Chaplaincy leadership I know that his wisdom, skill and developmental rigour will be hugely appreciated by all who serve those living and working in the prisons of England and Wales as Chaplains. As Free Churches Faith Advisor I look forward to working with James collegiately and supportively as we strive to maintain the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Services of HMPPS, a service which I believe to be a world-leading example of multi-faith co-operation and transformational engagement.

Bob Wilson
Free Churches Faith Advisor to HMPPS & Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy

Economic and ecological justice...

I am delighted that the FCG have kindly granted me study leave and the chance to take part in this project. The work is looking into ways in which churches can tackle and transform financial systems and promote environmental awareness.

Next week I will be joining a host of member churches from Europe and the Caribbean in Guyana as part of the Council for World Mission NIFEA project. I am travelling with my Congregational Federation colleague, Yvonne Campbell, CF General Secretary.

You can read more about this work HERE.

Your prayers are welcomed for our visit.

We, as part of the CF team, have produced a Bible study pack for churches about how we can support and educate our congregations and communities about these vital issues, so please get in touch if you would like one.

Revd Sara Iles, Education Assistant, FCG sara.iles@freechurches.org.uk

Free Church Healthcare Chaplains Study Day

Photo by Nicole Honeywill

Date: Thursday 8th November 2018, 11:00-16:15

Venue: Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH

Free Church Health Care Chaplains are invited to join the study day at Free Churches House on 8th November 2018.

What to Expect

Photo by Tim Marshall

The day will include the update information of the Healthcare Chaplaincy, Mental Health First Aid Course (Limited for 16 participants at the cost of £15 for the course materials), the update on Community Chaplaincy and a Prayer Walk. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day.

Programme

10:30 am Coffee/Tea

11:00 am Welcome

11.05 am Opening Worship

11-15 am Update on National Picture, Regional Meetings and ‘What’s on your agenda?’

12:00 pm Mental Health First Aid Course for up to 16 participants (£15 for the course materials)

Lunch

Update on Community Chaplaincy

A Prayer walk

4.15 pm Closing remark

I would be very grateful if you could return the completed booking form at your earliest convenience. The booking form is available here. For more information and booking, please contact Thandar at 02036518338 or email at thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk

We look forward to seeing you on 8th November.

Debbie Hodge

Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy, Free Churches Group

This information is available to download here.

Do you want to learn more about the Reformation?

Are you involved in teaching RE and want to learn more about the Reformation? Or perhaps you are leading some Bible studies and have a goal to share more about the Reformed Protestant tradition to your congregation or youth and children’s groups?

The FCG, in partnership The Methodist Church, with support from the Westhill Endowment, have created some free resources which have been written by RE Today Services.

What does the Reformation mean to you? Ancient History? Something to do with Henry VIII? The period of soul-searching and challenge to authority which swept Europe 500 years ago heralded radical and sweeping changes to religion, culture and politics. What does this 500 year-old conflict mean to pupils and how can we bring the huge impact of the Reformation to life in the classroom?

You can find out more about this exciting and varied resources HERE.

Conference coming up soon - teaching Judaism for GCSE

The Board of Deputies of British Jews have an interesting conference coming up in November…

Over the last few years, the FCG have worked closely with this organisation as part of our work on the RE Council and with the DfE Faith School Providers’ Group.

Are you part of teaching and planning for RE in your area or perhaps you would like to learn more about Judaism?

About their forthcoming conference, they write:

“Following on from the success of our 2016 Conference, we are excited to inform you that we will be running the Second 2018 Teaching Judaism for GCSE Conference on November 7th 2018 at Marble Arch Synagogue.

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What to expect

The day will begin with registration at 9.00am and finish at approximately 4.00pm.

The conference will include sessions on:

• Nature of G-d

• Moral Principles

• Sabbath

• Festivals

• Cycle of Jewish Life

• Tanach and Talmud

• The Promised Land

• Shekinah

• Pikuach Nefesh

The cost per delegate is: £100 for the early bird offer – available until 10th October. £150 – any date after the 10th October .All day refreshments and a full Jewish lunch will be provided.

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Please pass this on to any relevant colleagues or friends who are teaching Judaism at GCSE level who may be interested in participating in the training day.

To sign up to the training please go to this link: https://pajes.wufoo.com/forms/zwd67nc18om0ro/.

Once you have signed up, an invoice will be sent to your school.

For any questions regarding the conference, please email marni@pajes.org.uk

If you have any further requirements regarding Judaism educational resources or outreach educational programmes or require advice please email jewishliving@bod.org.uk “