NEWS
A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2018 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES
Dear Friends,
We hope that you will join us at 6.00 pm at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH on Thursday 8th November when we are delighted that the Rev. Joel Edwards, former leader of the Evangelical Alliance and now a Commissioner of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will speak on “Martin Luther King Jr. - Disobeying with Civility”. You may have seen Rev Edwards as he preached at the recent “Windrush” service in Westminster Abbey.
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. We maintain this somewhat quaint sounding Body as an annual society to honour their achievement. 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 registration 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. Our income is limited, and a small contribution would help to cover our meeting costs.
We know that Joel Edwards will have a great deal that will be of interest to say and we hope very much you will come to hear him.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Rochester Keith Salway
Please download here for invitation letter, registration form and poster.
Praying for Peace: then and now…
Some of you may have already come across the resources for the run up to the centenary of the end of the First World War. I have found them to be an uplifting, thought-provoking and profound set of prayers and Bible reflections.
If you haven’t come across them yet, you can find out more HERE.
On 4 August 1918 King George V called for a National Day of Prayer. One hundred days later the war ended. ‘Remembrance 100’ launched on 4 August 2018 with 100 Days of Peace and Hope – prayers, Bible readings, reflections and peace-making activities. It is an excellent free resource which leads us up to the centenary of Armistice Day. Lest we forget…
We are grateful to the men and women who served in WWI. We are conscious that their sacrifice needs to be remembered and shared today. Recently I made a visit to Swansea Museum, where a group of school children were learning about WWI - their teachers asserted that it is vital that they learn about our history - the photo on this post was taken by me at the exhibition - you can see more about this exhibition HERE.
Let us pray.
Loving God, we acknowledge the great sacrifice that the women and men who served in WWI made.
We recognise that many of our nations across the globe are in a state of conflict and war, so we pray for peace and reconciliation for all peoples.
We pray in Jesus’ name, who summons us all to be peacemakers…
Amen.
Revd Sara Iles,
FCG Education Assistant
Free Churches Group welcome the appointment of Revd James Ridge
It is with great pleasure that the Free Churches Group welcome the appointment of Revd James Ridge most warmly into his new role as Chaplain General of HMPPS. Having worked with Revd Ridge over a number of years in the context of Chaplaincy leadership I know that his wisdom, skill and developmental rigour will be hugely appreciated by all who serve those living and working in the prisons of England and Wales as Chaplains. As Free Churches Faith Advisor I look forward to working with James collegiately and supportively as we strive to maintain the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Services of HMPPS, a service which I believe to be a world-leading example of multi-faith co-operation and transformational engagement.
Bob Wilson
Free Churches Faith Advisor to HMPPS & Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy
Economic and ecological justice...
I am delighted that the FCG have kindly granted me study leave and the chance to take part in this project. The work is looking into ways in which churches can tackle and transform financial systems and promote environmental awareness.
Next week I will be joining a host of member churches from Europe and the Caribbean in Guyana as part of the Council for World Mission NIFEA project. I am travelling with my Congregational Federation colleague, Yvonne Campbell, CF General Secretary.
You can read more about this work HERE.
Your prayers are welcomed for our visit.
We, as part of the CF team, have produced a Bible study pack for churches about how we can support and educate our congregations and communities about these vital issues, so please get in touch if you would like one.
Revd Sara Iles, Education Assistant, FCG sara.iles@freechurches.org.uk
Free Church Healthcare Chaplains Study Day
Photo by Nicole Honeywill
Date: Thursday 8th November 2018, 11:00-16:15
Venue: Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH
Free Church Health Care Chaplains are invited to join the study day at Free Churches House on 8th November 2018.
What to Expect
Photo by Tim Marshall
The day will include the update information of the Healthcare Chaplaincy, Mental Health First Aid Course (Limited for 16 participants at the cost of £15 for the course materials), the update on Community Chaplaincy and a Prayer Walk. Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day.
Programme
10:30 am Coffee/Tea
11:00 am Welcome
11.05 am Opening Worship
11-15 am Update on National Picture, Regional Meetings and ‘What’s on your agenda?’
12:00 pm Mental Health First Aid Course for up to 16 participants (£15 for the course materials)
Lunch
Update on Community Chaplaincy
A Prayer walk
4.15 pm Closing remark
I would be very grateful if you could return the completed booking form at your earliest convenience. The booking form is available here. For more information and booking, please contact Thandar at 02036518338 or email at thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you on 8th November.
Debbie Hodge
Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy, Free Churches Group
This information is available to download here.