“LUTHER’S REVOLUTION – THEN AND NOW”

All are invited to the Annual Lecture of the General Body of Protestant Dissenting Ministers & the Deputies of the Three Denominations

(PRESBYTERIAN, INDEPENDENT & BAPTIST)

IN AND WITHIN 12 MILES OF LONDON(FOUNDED 1732)

Date: Monday 6 November 2017

Time: 18:00

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

Speaker: Rev Dr John Bradbury

(Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and Former Vice Principal of Westminster College)

A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2017 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES

 We hope that members of your congregation will join us at 6.00 pm at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH on Monday 6th November when the Rev. Dr John Bradbury, Minister of Emmanuel URC Cambridge and former Vice Principal of Westminster College will speak on “Luther’s Revolution – then and now”.

 The “Deputies” were established as elected lay people, working with a body of Ministers, in 1732 to fight for the removal of restrictions which excluded the churches and people we now call in the “Free Church” tradition from many areas of public life. London based, they argued on behalf of churches across the country. The Deputies have a long history of achievement. We maintain this somewhat quaint sounding body as an annual society to honour their memory and work. Free speech should never be taken for granted since it enables us to sustain our life, worship and witness. The body also keeps alive our historic right of direct approach to the Monarch.

 Today, the Free Churches Group carries out the Deputies’ functions relating to government, as we will hear during our very brief formal proceedings.

 This is an open invitation to your members and Minister. It would be most helpful to know in advance of the numbers attending. Please return the attached form by post or email. Respecting our historical structure, it would be appropriate to nominate two “Deputies”, but all are welcome. Please display the poster. A small contribution to our meeting costs would be much appreciated from all churches.

 We know that it will be very much worth the journey to hear John Bradbury and we hope very much you will come.

Please RSVP to Sabina Williams at 02036518334 or email:    Sabina.williams@freechurches.org.uk   

Churches Secretaries are requested to return the completed registration form as soon as possible, please. 

Luther's Revolution - Then and Now poster is available to download here.

This invitation Letter is available to download here.

 

Prisons Week 2017, 8-14 October 2017

"Press On"

Prisons Week Runs from 8-14 October 2017. Prayer leaflets are freely available for churches and individuals to join in prayer across the UK. You can order the leaflet via Prisons Week website here or email: info@prisonsweek.org or download here.

Watch Prisons Week 2017 video here. "Press On", written and performed by Kenny Baraka, for Prisons Week 2017

Full Script below ...

To our Mother, ‘art in heaven,
beg you listen, will be done,
’til the system is that,
we birds of a feather ‘ere we PRESS ON!

To our Father, ‘art in heaven,
beg you listen, kingdom come,
from the beginning ’til we get there, altogether, pray we PRESS ON!

Pled to the larceny, conspiracy, possession with intent but man they swear down it was those grievously bodied that I was shipped for.
When really though, was no impulse control [I] should’ve been charged with plus the mash at my nan’s, ‘nother 7 years on the re-up,
but then just 6 years later,
release me for good behavior,
in the hopes that I would slowly transition [right] back into the fold.
It’s like trying to breathe underwater but when going back’s not option
I’m learning to walk on water God’s son forever. PRESS ON!

And we let you know you aren’t alone,
we family go though it with you,
feel your pain down in our bones.
Funny how you rarely hear about the ones they left at home though in the wake of all that happened,
left a lot of broken homes.
A double shift just trying to make it better for you when you [get] home.
Or how our house is not a home since you been gone, things been different.
But we visiting just the same,
not going through this on your own.
So, when your strength start to weaken here’s a shoulder for you to PRESS ON!

Answer the phone when duty calling
but living a life both in and outside of them prison walls.
Seeing both things for how they could and too often they really are,
could drive anyone [of] us insane,
I hear ya man.
Keep ya head up.
whether helping better themselves ‘til their sentence is done,
or helping them stay safe, a hero’s work’s never done though.
Try and tell them in the end,
when all’s been said you done seen that their mind is the only prison,
hope they listen,
may you PRESS ON!

And as a servant of the court,
you swore an oath: uphold the law over all the things you believe in.
But when the bailiff’s underpaid,
the caseworker’s understaffed,
and the clerks so overworked they postponing every arraignment.
Then the justice system isn’t,
even half [of] what you was taught.
But keep your promise that like stenographer’s keys
that you PRESS ON!

But y’all don’t hear me,
what I’m saying is if we all this ship together, effects ripple the pond
So, whatever part of that prison life you isn’t or are,
Whatever postcode,
Borough,
Or estates that you from.
From all the innocent victims,
not falling a victim to it.
Whose getting back on their horses.
It’s just it wasn’t your fault, PRESS ON!

To mothers scared to let their kids out,
Shopkeepers keeping the kids out.
To you kids who keep pulling your knives out,
snake keep eating its tail.
It’s a vicious cycle,
vultures circle, man, woman and child.
So, regardless of your religion,
it’s only when all of us God’s children,
all finally come together that her will will be done.
When all us shoulder to shoulder,
all soldiers in God’s army all making it out the valley,
that his kingdom has come.
So in essence this call to prayer,
is really a call to arms that we PRESS ON!

In Christ’s name we pray, can I get an amen?!
To our Mother, ‘art in heaven,
beg you listen, will be done,
’til the system is the,
we birds of a feather’s ‘ere we PRESS ON!

To our Father, ‘art in heaven,
beg you listen, kingdom come,
from the beginning ’til we get there, altogether, pray we PRESS ON!

‘Learning from deaths’ – guidance development day for NHS trusts

Thursday 2 November, 10.00am - 4.30pm – Kia Oval, London

NHS England is holding an event in November 2017, which may be of interest to staff working in chaplaincy services in trusts across England. It will be of particular interest to chaplaincy staff who have supported families and carers who have lost a loved one in NHS commissioned care, whose death has been subject to a review or investigation.

The event is part of the Learning from Deaths’ programme, which was established to ensure that the recommendations contained in the CQC’s ‘Learning, candour and accountability’ report are implemented in a clear and structured way. 

The event is one of two that will inform the co-production of new guidance for trusts to improve engagement with families and carers, so that they know what to expect from the investigation process. The aim of the guidance will be to ensure timely, transparent and compassionate contact with families and carers who’ve lost loved ones in NHS commissioned care.

The event, on 2 November, will primarily involve people working in trusts who are involved in the investigation process and supporting families/carers in these circumstances - some family members and carers with lived experience will also be present.  The day will focus on the key issues already identified in the CQC report. It will also highlight feedback from families and carers gathered at an event held on 1 November. It will examine what good practice should look like; how we can embed it across NHS Trusts; and what support and/or training would be needed.

If you would like more information about the event for staff working in trusts or to sign up for a place please go to the NHS England website or email england.nhs.participation@nhs.net.

FCG Education Prayer (Week 5) - focus on all those in formal and informal education

Loving God,

We pray for all of those in formal and informal education: for those in colleges, universities, in our churches, our Bible study groups, our local schools, for those throughout our community centres, in evening classes and those exploring new pathways. Guide them and support them.

We pray that it is a time of transformation, joy, challenge, personal growth and vocational.
We pray for those in training for ministry and Christian service in our own denominations and across the member churches of the Free Churches Group.

We pray for the students and tutors involved in theological education and ministerial formation. May God uphold, provoke and guide them.

We pray for all those who are on a path to seek 'life in all its fullness' (John 10:10).

Loving God, encourage us to keep praying on this, to learn and share more about the gift of
education and to act with courage, conscience and conviction in your name!

In Jesus' name, our friend and teacher,

Amen

(Image shared, with kind permission of Adrian Wyatt of Xross Purposes. Visio Divina photography workshops; contact Adrian for further information on -ade.wyatt@gmail.com tel: 07976 362 615)

Free Church Chaplains Study Day

‘Meeting the challenge of a Major Incident’

 

Tuesday 7th November 2017, 10:30-15:30,

10:00 am for Coffee/Tea

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

The study day and lunch provided is at no cost to attendees.

Free Church Health Care Chaplains are invited to join the study day at Free Churches House on 7th November 2017.

The theme of the day is ‘Meeting the challenge of a Major Incident’, and we have been asked if we would share insights from the arena of Health Care with those from Higher Education and the Prison Service, as Chaplains in public institutions are often called upon to support and care for individuals, and institutions at the time of major incident or crisis.

We will spend the morning sharing updates and concerns in Health Care, colleagues from Higher Education and the Prison service will join us for lunch.

The aim of the afternoon is to explore processes and practices in the different sectors with a view to sharing best practice and developing a dialogue of support and ongoing development.

 Please find click here for details programme. I would be very grateful if you could register with Thandar (thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk) so that we can ensure we have enough lunch and enough chairs!

 We look forward to seeing you on 7th November.

Debbie Hodge

Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy, Free Churches Group