NEWS
A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2019 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES
Dear Friends,
A WARM INVITATION TO OUR 2019 MEETING OF THE DEPUTIES
We very much hope that you will join us at 6pm at 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH on Monday 14th October when we are delighted that the Rev. Dr Jennifer Smith, Minister of Wesley’s Chapel, will speak on the intriguing title of “Wife Beating, Worship and Public Conscience – C17th Providence Plantations and Today”
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 memory and successful work. Free speech should never be taken for granted, enabling 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. Our income is limited, and a contribution would be very welcome to help cover our meeting costs.
We know that Jennifer will have a great deal of interest to say and we hope very much that you will come.
For more information and RSVP, please contact Sabina Williams at sabina.williams@freechurches.org.uk / 02036518334.
Paul Rochester and Keith Salway
General Secretary and Treasurer
Free Church Healthcare Chaplains Annual Study Day
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Our Annual Free Church Healthcare Chaplains Study Day is being held on Thursday 7th November 2019 at Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9HH.
Drinks will be available from 10:30am and we will begin the day at 11am, finishing no later than 4pm.
A detailed timetable and program will follow in due course.
If you are planning to come, please let us know at thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk/02036518338.
We look forward to seeing you.
Revd Debbie Hodge
Secretary of the Free Church Healthcare Chaplaincy
Network of Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care
The new website of the Network of Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care in Health has been launched with high quality resources to support Chaplains, NHS Managers, and commissioners, in developing chaplaincy services that meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.
For more information please visit the website and the resources.
If you need more information about the network, please contact Simon O’Donoghue at simon@humanism.org.uk
Praying for those teaching RE...
Let us pray…
For teachers and support staff in the teaching of RE and those studying RE at primary and secondary school.
We pray for NATRE (National Association of Teachers of RE) and pray for wisdom as we engage with all faith traditions.
Amen
Learn more, dig deeper in your faith, explore our Free Church traditions…
Have you seen the RE Reformation resources commissioned by the Free Churches Group and The Methodist Church, sponsored by the Westhill Endowment and produced in association with RE Today Services..A teaching resource for Religious Education for teachers working with children and young people at Key Stages 2-4 - available here.
If you are interested in RE, if the the RE curriculum interests and inspires you to learn more… why not register for the NATRE newsletter?
(photo courtesy of Diego PH at Unsplash)
A prayer for students...
The Student Christian Movement has been active members of the FCG Working Group for Higher Education over the last few years. You can read more about this Group here.
Today we are sharing a prayer written for the SCM by Chine McDonald….
Why not share this prayer at your house group or on a coming Sunday at your church?
“Never-changing God,
At a time when we see fragmentation all around us, may we stand steady on the rock that cannot be shaken. As students find themselves in the hubbub of university life, may they find your still small voice.
As our identities are shaped and moulded by all that is around us, may we see ourselves as you see us.
As we seek to bring your light and life into our world, may we find the life in all its fullness that comes only from you.
Amen.”
(photo courtesy of Ryoji Iwata at Unsplash)