A prayer for those moving into further education...

Do you know any young people or adults who are taking the step to start a further education course? Perhaps someone at your church is or a grandchild is starting college? My eldest nephew is beginning the final year of his A levels and it is a busy challenging time for him and many other young people as they strive to do their best. Why not join with us as we pray…?

Loving God, we ask you to be with all of the students who are entering further education for the first time. Be with them and uphold then at this time of new beginnings.

We pray for all those returning students, beginning a new year; we pray they can continue to grow and that they consolidate and enrich their studies in the coming year.

Living God, we pray that you will guide and inspire all those students embarking on training for employment and all those seeking support and new learning for their personal development.

We pray for the staff and chaplains at our colleges and learning providers, that they have the courage, wisdom and stamina to support the students.

We draw on the Bible and inspiring passages from the great prophet Isaiah and from Paul's letter to the Ephesians: "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen

Prayer and article by Sara Iles, FCG Education Asst

A call to share

Why not include the prayer above, for those in FE, in the coming weeks in your Sunday service or at
your next Bible study meeting?

A call to act

What is the further education picture like in your local area?

Is anyone in your congregation working or learning in further education? Why not find out?

You can download this free FCG flyer to use and share in your church

(photo courtesy of Simon Rae at Unsplash)

At the beginning of this new school year, let us pray...

Here is a prayer, courtesy of Pray for Schools - FCG have a long standing working relationship with this network and we ask that you join us in prayer at the beginning of this new school year…

Dear Lord,

Please inspire and guide Christians involved in chaplaincy roles and those leading assemblies and lessons.

Creator God, inspire chaplains and teachers as they support learning through music, drama, sport, and other school activities.

May Your grace and truth be evident in their lives.

Amen.

A date for your diary - a day of prayer, across Europe and the world, for our schools, coming up on Tuesday 19th November

Every school in the UK a prayed-for school….

(photo by Element5 Digital at Unsplash)

Ever wondered what a university chaplain does...?

Have you ever wondered what kind of things a university chaplain does? Each chaplain in every university plays a key role in supporting students and staff. As you can imagine, no two days are the same! Universities are dynamic, thriving, sometimes challenging and diverse places of human endeavour.

You can read all about a day in life of a university chaplain here. As well as the chaplain’s ‘day in the life…’, there are also links and a prayer for you to share in your church.

We are grateful to the Rev Cass Howes, who has been an active member of the FCG HE Working Group, for sharing some of her work with us for this case study.

Please join with us as we pray for university chaplains, other staff and students across the country, at the start of the academic year (autumn):

Merciful God, we pray for all those starting university courses for degrees and vocational programmes. We know this is a time of great change, so we humbly ask that you uphold and guide the students at this time of transition. Living God, we pray for the parents, carers and church families who are waving off their church / family members who are embarking on university courses. Give the parents, carers and our churches the courage to be brave about this change in their family and church community, as they see their loved ones go on to a new phase in life. Amen

(photo courtesy of Brooke Cagle at Unsplash)

Moving on to university or know someone who is...?

… Then this resource could be for you…

The Student Christian Movement have produced a Fresher's Pack which you can find out more about and order HERE. 

The pack says… 

"You might be reading this thinking you've got it all under control. University is just around the corner and you are fully prepared. Totally focussed. In an alternate universe, you're in a blind panic. Unsure about how you'll cope with the new environment, the workload, and how your faith fits into all this. The alarm bells are ringing. What is more important? Church, or study? Socialising, or study? Sleep, or study? We've asked students for their stories and top tips to help you prepare for what's ahead and get the most out of your time at university. So take a deep breath, grab a cuppa, and read on!"

Every blessing to all those taking the step to go to university. May this Freshers Pack support and uphold all those at this time of exciting and intrepid change. Amen. 

ORDER FRESHER'S PACK

(photo courtesy of Zachary Nelson at Unsplash)

Education Sunday being celebrated on 8th Sept - join us!

Coming up soon! On 8th September, why not use these in your church service and share and pray through these unique resources, giving thanks to God for all those in our education system?

Education Sunday theme this year is: ‘Form and flourish - to re-form’. You can download, share and make use of the varied and inspiring resources on this theme HERE.

For well over a hundred years there has been an annual recognition of Education Sunday in England and Wales. It is a national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education. This special day is coming up soon - Sunday 8th September. You can share and use the free resources on this day or at any time in the year!

This year the resources include a hymn written by our very own Sara Iles, FCG Education Assistant, based on Deuteronomy 32:11

A PRAYER FOR EDUCATION SUNDAY

Loving Lord, We think of the children and young people close to our hearts And know that they are precious in your sight, fearfully and wonderfully made; And so we place them into your hands today. Strengthen and nurture them. Be with them in their coming in and going out, At home, at school, at college, at university, In their sports, activities and clubs, their friendships and their quiet times. Mould them in your image, forming and reforming, Through the positive influence of those whose lives cross theirs, Through the love and example of those who care for them, And through the constant love of your Son, Jesus, who walks alongside them each step of their lives, known or unknown. Amen.

(photo courtesy of Quino Al at Unsplash)