"Committed to equipping prisoners to unlock and live in their God given potential..."

“Committed to equipping prisoners to unlock and live in their God given potential…”! That is the mission of the Christian charity, Imago Dei Prison Ministry (ID Prison Ministry for short!)

They go on to say that they are also committed to set men and women free from their past and to help them to know their true value and identity in their life.

At the heart of Imago Dei Prison Ministry is the desire to see prisoners live out their true identity and purpose. They believe that no one should be defined by their past or even their current circumstances. 

We are invited to pray for and support the vital and life changing work of ID HERE….

Imago Dei are an associated ministry of CiC, one of the Free Churches Group’s member denominations.

(image courtesy of http://www.idprisonministry.org.uk/)

““The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has appointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind., to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
— Luke 4:18-19”

Do you have plans for 25th August?

Planning ahead in these strange times has been a challenge for us all in recent months…

One of the things we can often commit to doing though is taking time out to pray…

So will you join me and thousands of others across the world, on 25th August, to pray for prison chaplains?

There’s a Global Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry on 25th August.

Here’s the link to liturgy resources in a variety of different languages. You are encouraged to share the resources among your colleagues and church networks. The theme for this year is: the Grace of God

Please encourage your church fellowships to get involved by praying in your homes or by safely physically distanced in your churches (as appropriate). Join with the Free Churches Group and many other ecumenical partners across the globe for the International Prison Chaplains Association (IPCA).

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

IPCA’s mission is: Uniting, encouraging and equipping... a global network of prison chaplains as they share God’s love and restoring justice.

BUILDING COMMUNITY IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - WEBINAR FOR HE CHAPLAINS ON 9TH SEPTEMBER

A free webinar for HE Chaplains will be taking place on 9th September (from 2pm-3.30pm).

In these strange times and in the days ahead, chaplains in universities are faced with new opportunities and challenges in building community, so this webinar aims to support them to face this challenge and create new ways of working.

Book your place HERE!

Universities are managing their return in a variety of ways, with more activities and formal input happening online, and fewer staff and students on campus. Lawrence Moore, Church Mission and Discipleship Consultant, has been been building communities online for many years. In this webinar, he will help HE chaplains to look at theological perspectives underlying community-building, and explore the new opportunities for chaplains to connect with students and staff in a changed environment.

(photos courtesy of Unsplash)

A deeply poignant prayer and a personal reflection from a hospital chaplain... and more

A deeply poignant prayer and a personal reflection from a hospital chaplain - these are among the latest updates on the healthcare page this week…

May these be a blessing, a comfort and an encouragement to you in your ministry and Christian life…

There is:

• A prayer - Gentle Presence

• Reflections from a lead chaplain in a hospital

• A number of personal reflections from various healthcare chaplains

You can find out more and explore these reflections and materials HERE.

Each week, Revd Meg Burton, Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy for the Free Churches, gathers and shares a range of supportive and informative communications with Healthcare Chaplains. Although these are primarily aimed at those working in healthcare chaplaincy, many others may find the content encouraging and helpful in their life and ministry.

Meg provides the leadership on Healthcare Chaplaincy work at a national level for the Free Churches as well as in a multi-faith context.

(photo courtesy of Reign Abarintos @ Unsplash)

Praying today for those in prison who are struggling with their mental health

Today we are invited by the Prison Fellowship to pray alongside those who are in prison and struggling with mental health issues…

This is a particularly challenging and difficult time for many prisoners… so in the healing name of Jesus, we pray… Prayer for Sunday 16th August

Loving God,

We pray for those inside whose mental health is negatively impacted by the lockdown.

May they know God’s peace and hope, and find the support they need to heal and thrive.

Amen

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers…

You can share and download a free booklet, designed by the Mental Health Foundation, to support male prisoners with mental health needs - how to look after your mental health in prison.

(images courtesy of the Prison Fellowship website from prayer meetings in the past)