Human beings have incredible value, says a prison chaplains association's recent report...

Human beings have incredible value…. that’s the title of the report from our very own Rev Bob Wilson, who is currently serving as the Vice Chair of International Prison Chaplains Association in Europe. The Committee of the European IPCA met in Norway earlier in the autumn.

Bob writes: “As we gathered together as the IPCA (Europe) steering committee in Oslo this autumn we were reminded time and again of the importance of seeing value in each other. Over the 72 hours that we were together, we visited two prisons, talked with prison staff, prisoners, prison managers, attended a lecture and discussed plans for the IPCA 2022 Quinquennial conference…. Chatting with prisoners over dinner, as they walked around the prisons, as they got on with their work, when they had sung to us in the chapel really did emphasise that valuing people, listening to people, getting to know people, seeking to understand people is truly transformative.”

You can read Bob’s full report HERE.

Date for your 2020 diary - 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.

PRAYER
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

(photo courtesy of Chuttersnap at Unsplash)

The International Prison Chaplain’s Association (IPCA) has its roots in Scandinavia where Prison Chaplains from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have held biennial conferences since 1973. It is now a worldwide organisation across 6 global regions… In Europe… The FCG Secretary for prison chaplaincy and the Free Churches Faith Adviser, Revd Bob Wilson, serves as the Vice Chair for IPCA Europe UK.

A Christmas message from the President of the International Prison Chaplains Association

The International Prison Chaplain’s Association (IPCA) has its roots in Scandinavia where Prison Chaplains from Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden have held biennial conferences since 1973. It is now a worldwide organisation across 6 global regions… In Europe… The FCG Secretary for prison chaplaincy and the Free Churches Faith Adviser, Revd Bob Wilson, serves as the Vice Chair for IPCA Europe UK.

Rev Rod Moore, the President of the IPCA Worldwide, shares some thoughts with us, in his Christmas message:

“Across the globe we are constantly exposed to chaos and uncertainty on a daily basis. Many nations are in political upheaval, many millions of people are displaced from their homeland, global climate patterns are confused, the divide between the rich and the poor increases at an alarming rate and anyone who falls through the cracks seem to end up in the prisons of the world. Where can hope be found in the midst of so much pain and suffering? ‘Our hope is in the Name of The Lord who made Heaven and the Earth’ (Psalm 124:8)”

You can read Rev Moore’s full message HERE.

The IPCA’s mission is:

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

(photo courtesy of Annie Spratt at Unsplash)

Will you be an Angel this Christmas and bring some joy?

The Prisons’ Team at the FCG has an excellent working relationship with Prison Fellowship. One of their most vital projects at this time of year is Angel Tree.

Rev Bob Wilson, our Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy and Free Churches Faith Adviser, proudly supports their work in any way he can. Bob say, “Angel Tree is a superb example of seeking to address the issues of those serving a ‘hidden sentence’ through no fault of theirs in a way that demonstrates love, grace and generosity.”

Angel Tree gives parents in prison the opportunity to send a Christmas present to their children. Last year they sent out over 4,800 gifts! Christmas is especially difficult for prisoners and their children. Angel Tree lessens the devastation experienced as a result of parental absence by not only helping families connect and build relationships, but by providing children with much-needed joy.

Pray with us

Please pray that there will be a generous outpouring for Angel Tree, and that individuals and churches alike will feel called to support families separated by a prison sentence this Christmas. Amen

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5

(photo courtesy of Nick Fewings at Unsplash)

Pop-Up Nativity

Over the last few years, the Education Team at FCG has enjoyed a fruitful and productive working relationship with Open The Book, through our work as part of the Pray for Schools steering group.

You may well have already come across the dynamic work done by the Christian charity, Open The Book, who support programmes to develop Bible reading in primary schools. Their work is thought provoking and engaging.

This year they have been celebrating two decades of involvement and sharing by churches and volunteers in primary schools. They have some excellent resources you can use and share - why not take a look at the materials for the Pop-Up Nativity? Go on… Open The Book…! Share the Good News

(image courtesy of ProChurch Media at Unsplash)

Working in schools? Christmas teaching materials to share

Barnabas in Schools have produced an interesting and engaging range of resources for churches to share with schools they work with.

They’re all about how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

You can see the way that people in Peru celebrate the birth of Jesus HERE.

They have produces materials about other countries too, including Uganda and the Philippines.

Around the world Barnabas and celebrating Christmas as a global church…

The Barnabas in Schools Prayer

Jesus, you chose a child as a model for adult maturity and of God’s presence among us. Thank you for our schools with their teachers and children. 

Together may they create: safe places for lives to flourish; happy places for wonder and discovery; hopeful places of peace and healing; stimulating places of learning and laughter; places where everyone feels valued and respected; places that offer security and stability to all; places where both old and young can find purpose and direction in life.

Amen

(photo courtesy of Catherine AGM at Unsplash)