Event

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Webinar: Reflective Practice: a Pathway to the Heart

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Photo by Guillaume LORAIN on Unsplash

Photo by Guillaume LORAIN on Unsplash

““Thanks very much for this helpful and encouraging session.””

We’ve talked to a lot of chaplains and other leaders recently, and understand something of the range of new pressures that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought with it. These pressures and challenges have opened up new opportunities for many people, but there has been little time to stop and reflect.

On 2nd June, the Free Churches Group held a webinar on Reflective Practice, attended by over 60 chaplains and pastoral workers from a range of setting. Even if you were unable to attend the event earlier in June, you still have the chance to take some time out and reflect on your own work. You will find the link below to recording of the webinar session. This will hopefully give you the opportunity to take a bit of time out for yourself – time to ponder, time to think, and time to learn how to embed reflective practice in your ministry. Here’s some feedback from those who took part:

“The session made me look again at the way I’ve been working over the last few months, and I realised I just haven’t stopped. Now I know I need to stop: I need to make space to reflect and to find the hooks on which to hang the bags I’ve been carrying.”

“I would have burnt out in ministry a long time ago had it not been for reflective practice/supervision. I'd encourage people to find the places and safe spaces that are possible for them.”

If you missed the live webinar, you can now watch the recording, using the link HERE. You will need to use this password: 1n#7=O$e

It’s about 80 minutes long, with the main presentation lasting about an hour.

Documents to accompany the webinar are available here, including copies of the PowerPoint slides used in the presentation.
Participants’ Guide
Clouds document
Reflective Practice PowerPoint
Reflective Practice Pdf of PowerPoint

Who is it for? Chaplains in healthcare, prison or education settings, or any other setting; Christian leaders; anyone who is interested in ways of engaging with others in a pastoral situation.

Our presenter: Mark Stobert is Lead Chaplain to Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) and came into post in November 2018 having previously been a healthcare chaplain for over 25 years in the West Midlands. Mark is currently studying for a Doctorate in Practical Theology (DPT) using critical reflection to explore the chaplaincy practice of creating ‘Safe Space for Slow Questions’ with patients, visitors and staff of CUH.

“A ‘Slow question’ is a question that can’t be replied to by a fast answer. Sometimes there are no answers but in asking it can be enough just to be understood. Sometimes the slow question is simply, ‘Why?’ Sometimes it is the nagging or delicate thought that can only be voiced when it is safe to do so.”

““Thank you for the Reflective Practice Session. I thoroughly enjoyed it.””
““Very beneficial””

Holy Week and Easter activities for all

For many Christians across the world, Holy Week and Easter will be celebrated at home. And although we may not be able to gather in person, we can celebrate Easter in a number of different ways. Here are some activities you can do, either on your own or as a family, to journey through this sacred season.

Thy Kingdom Come and partners have shared a range of resources and activities for all this Easter…. lots to explore below…

Will you share the joy of Easter and #SingResurrection on Sunday?

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are encouraging Christians in the UK, to be part of a countrywide chorus of well-loved hymns at 10.00 am (GMT) on Easter Day. You can sing from the comfort of your own doorstep, along with your neighbours to celebrate our Risen Lord and King, Jesus.  What a potentially wonderful witness this could be the wider community? Full details can be found here. 

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There are lots of other resources you can check out too, including this offering from The Methodist Church.

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(photo courtesy of Alicia Quan at Unsplash)

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Praying during the General Election Campaign 2019

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Many of you will already have been having conversations in your churches and homes about the forthcoming UK General Election. Many of you may also have been thinking through the issues and praying during the run up to the election next month.

In order to support us in this prayer quest, you may be interested in the prayer resources which the Evangelical Alliance have been gathering, based on the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).

Here is some background to this series of prayers and devotions, which the EA outline for us:

“During the election campaign, we will be using some of these Psalms of Ascents to help guide our prayers. As our current political landscape prompts very different reactions in our churches, we can use these Psalms to pray for ourselves, our fellow believers, and for our country. These Psalms will also help us to ​“fix our eyes on Jesus”, particularly as this election takes place in the run-up to Christmas. Finally, they will also remind us of the city we seek, ​“without foundation, whose architect and builder is God” – even as we cast our votes in whatever city or constituency in which he has placed us. Please join us in prayer over the coming weeks!”

You can download and pray through the devotional series with us HERE.

Praying ahead of the General Election - prayer by the EA

Dear heavenly Father, in this time of uncertainty, may we continue to look to You for help and direction. Please assure us of Your steadfastness and remind us that You are with us at all times – sustaining us and upholding us. Prepare us as we face changes and challenges in the weeks and months ahead and prepare this nation with your unending peace and perfect love.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
'May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
and security within your citadels'
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, 'Peace be within you'." Psalm 122:6-8

Amen

(photo courtesy of Element 5 Digital at Unsplash)

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Our mental health conference - a snapshot of the day!

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The Free Churches Group hosted a one day conference on 23rd October. It was a well attended event with delegates coming from across England and Wales, from a range of different vocations, backgrounds and denominations.

We were hosted kindly by the Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church and had a excellent range of speakers in the morning. They helped us to think about the church and mental health; this was followed by panel discussions to explore the issues raised in greater detail.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to explore ways to care for ourselves and how to develop models of reflective practice. The day was surrounded in prayer and fellowship and gave us an excellent opportunity to learn and grow in this complex and interesting area of our ministries.

The programme and information are attached for your further reference and if you would like to know more about any of the contributions made on the day or how your church might learn more about this vital work, then let us know.

You may be interested too in the forthcoming Healthcare Chaplaincy Study day coming up on 7th November. For further info, look here.

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