NEWS
A Place to Be - Mental Health and Christian Leadership - programme information
Here’s some CONFERENCE INFORMATION for our forthcoming event
Mental Health & Christian Leadership Conference 23rd October 2019 - A Place to Be
Programme details / plenary sessions
For information contact sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk
Tickets provided through Eventbrite
Mental health conference next Wednesday - still time to book your place!
Mental health matters and it affects many of us and many of those we support in our communities and ministries…
We are hosting a day conference next week for Christian leaders, chaplains, student workers and anyone interested in looking after their own mental health and that of others. This will be held at Bloomsbury Baptist Church, London on Wednesday 23rd October.
Lots of varied conference content and the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics… Theological input, panel discussions and a choice of workshops including exploring mental health first aid, supporting those in study, and worship and dementia.
The conference costs are £25 per person and you can find out more information and book your place here.
Come along and be inspired… learn together…
Develop skills and share good practice in this important area of ministry
For information contact sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk
Tickets provided through Eventbrite
(photo courtesy of Grant Durr at Unsplash)
Are we free to work well?
Are we free to work well? This question is posed on behalf of those working in prisons…
Prisons can be places of challenge and struggle, not only for those who are serving sentences, but also for those who are working in prisons, as chaplains, officers and support staff… Prisons can also be places of hope, connection and rehabilitation. Today we pray for those working in prison, continuing the theme of Freedom… what does freedom mean to you and are you free?
Are we free to work well?
Friday’s prayer for Prisons Week
Gracious God, who calls, equips and knows us, be with all who work in prison. May we not lose heart in a place where the reality of trauma and the risk of violence is a daily occurrence. Keep us from being imprisoned by our roles but instead set us free by your love, able to meet with others and understand their true needs in Christ. Tune us in to the surprising movement of your Spirit. Gracious God, set us free. Amen.
“We ask that you bless and protect all
who work in our prisons today.
Those with uniforms on, suits, overalls,
hard hats, and chef’s whites.
May we serve them well and rely on your strength to bring a sense of
your grace and peace wherever we go.”
A Prison Chaplain’s prayer
Prisons Week is a small charity which faithfully relies on sponsorship and donations to continue its work. Want to find out more? Able to make a donation to the vital work of Prisons Week?
(photo courtesy of Jonny Swales @ Unsplash)
Praying with communities
Thursday’s prayer for Prisons Week.
PRAYING WITH COMMUNITIES
Are we free where we live?
Let us pray
Everlasting God, who leads his people in every age to places where we are called to be community together, make us mindful of those places in our own communities that are subject to fear, violence and rejection. Equip us by your Holy Spirit to share your love, peace and acceptance with all. May we learn to love each other as ourselves, living as neighbours were intended to and join our prayers together. Everlasting God, set us free. Amen.
“We ask that you knit our hearts, our vision & our actions together across our community
that we may all be totally free to live life abundantly in your love.”
Prayers for communities affected by Domestic Violence
(photo courtesy of Vincent Camacho at Unsplash)
Why was our freedom taken away with theirs?
Why was our freedom taken away with theirs? This is a heartfelt and compelling question for families who have a relative in prison.
A few years ago, I had the honour of taking part in A Hidden Sentence course facilitated by the prison charity PACT (The Prison Advice and Care Trust). It was a thought provoking programme to be part of. This course was developed and named from a phrase that PACT have so often heard from prisoners’ families as a description of how their lives can feel - a hidden sentence. It was challenging and inspiring to be part of this training; I am heartened to see that Pact are going from strength to strength in their work and are a key sponsor for Prisons Week.
Today’s prayer is praying with families…
Faithful God, who watches and waits with those who are betrayed and suffer; draw near to family members who are affected by crime and imprisonment. Give us your strength to persevere through pain and disappointment, soothe our anger and heal the wounds of separation and loss. Help us to know your grace to find forgiveness and hope for the journey ahead. Faithful God, set us free. Amen.
“To my Son I miss U and I pray to God you won’t come back here again.”
“God, I miss my Daddy. Try to help him. Please bring him home.”
Prayers from prisoners’ families for Prisons Week
(photo courtesy of Ben White @ Unsplash)
Sara Iles, FCG website support