NEWS
Could your ministry be enriched by engaging with faith inspired art?
Exhibitions of faith inspired art can be an effective way of enhancing connections and deepening our faith experience. These can be a motivating agent and a way of engaging with each other and the issues around us.
Westhill Endowment own a number of exhibitions which they make available to venues across the country aiming to encourage conversation and reflection. The exhibitions are varied in both art form and subject matter.
Westhill have been active supporters of the work we do at FCG over the years. At a recent Free Church Education Committee meeting, our opening worship by some of the art works that churches and groups can take on loan.
Westhill says, “We also provide literature to use alongside the exhibits and ideas and support for arranging events and activities which enable conversation and reflection. For more information, or to visit us and view the exhibitions, please look at our website www.westhillendowment.org/faith-exhibits or contact us: E: admin@westhilltrust.com Tel: 0121 472 8000.”
Image from Meaningful Textiles piece by the late Pamela Pavitt
Pavitt’s work and those of many other artists are available on loan from Westhill
"The hospitality of chaplaincy"
The Student Christian Movement (SCM) has been active members of the FCG Higher Education working Group over the last few years. Read who they are, in their words:
““We’re a movement of students, past and present, responding to the call of Jesus to follow him and show the love of God on campus, in our communities and in the world. We come together as an ecumenical and inclusive community, fostering unity in diversity and exploring faith through worship, discussion and action.””
One of their members, Ellen Lesser, who is studying Theology and Religion at the University of Exeter, has written a powerful article about the welcome and hospitality she found in the university chaplaincy.
You can read more about all the work the FCG has been doing to link with and support our churches engaging with the university sector HERE.
For resources for your churches have a look HERE.
Please join us as we pray for those in education and those supporting them.
(Photo courtesy of Charles Etorama @ Unsplash)
Moving on to university? Helping those who are?
The Student Christian Movement, who has been valuable members of the FCG Working Group on Higher Education have published some useful resources to support you to help those in your churches who are moving into a new phase of their lives and beginning university in the autumn. You can read, download and share these HERE.
SCM says, “We're really pleased to announce the launch of our new Going to Uni workshop resources! These workshops have been designed to work in conjunction with SCM’s Going to Uni Guide, enabling you to go deeper into some of the topics covered in the guide to help young people in your church or chaplaincy to prepare for University life as a Christian student.“
Do join with us to pray for those preparing to start university this September and for the church families, parents and carers who are waving them off….
Creator God, we pray for all those who are on higher education courses for degrees and vocational programmes. We pray especially for those for whom this is a new start… We know this can be a time of great change, so we humbly ask that you uphold and guide the students at this time of transition. We pray for the tutors and chaplains in universities - loving God, give them the wisdom, clarity and patience to support the students and staff with compassion. Living God, we pray for the parents, carers and church families who know and care for students. Give the parents, carers and our churches the courage to support and guide students. Majestic God, as students aim higher and develop their God-given potential, give students firm foundations in your wisdom, rooted in your love and stability. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (NRSV)
(Photo courtesy of Lili Popper @ Unsplash)
International Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry
Save the date! 25th August is the International Day of Prayer for Prison Ministry
You can check out links for resources and prayers from previous years HERE.
This is date is a gathering together and praying for the work of the International Prison Chaplain’s Association (IPCA) across the nations.
FCG’s very own Revd Bob Wilson serves on the IPCA Europe Steering Committee.
You can register for the IPCA newsletter and read more about their important work HERE.
Pray with us: 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 Nathan Dumlao @ Unsplash)
Have you heard about the work of the International Prison Chaplain's 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. The FCG Secretary for prison chaplaincy and the Free Churches Faith Adviser, Revd Bob Wilson, serves as the Vice Chair for IPCA Europe UK.
You can read more about the important work which IPCA does HERE.
Revd Bob Wilson has written about a recent IPCA Steering Committee where they explored issues with UN in Vienna in the run-up to the Crime Commission.
You can read Revd Wilson’s full article HERE
Join us as we pray for the work of IPCA and all those who work in prisons and who are serving sentences:
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
BLESSING
May the Lord bless you, and keep you; May the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen
IPCA now has six regions, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America and more information can be found on their website at www.ipcaworldwide.org. IPCA-Europe has been the strongest regional organization and has developed a life of its own with many initiatives such as a link with the Council of Europe and the C.P.T. It has always elected its own Steering Committee as well as linking in with IPCA-Worldwide and the International Commission for Prison Pastoral Care.
(photo courtesy of Thomas Dils @ Unsplash)