Eurodiaconia updates and news...

The Free Churches Group are among a number of organisations who are active as part of the Eurodiaconia network. You can sign up for updates from them HERE. Their mission, with their partners, is “connecting faith and social justice through action.”

As part of Eurodiaconia’s work to keep us all in touch with

what is happening across their network

in response to COVID-19, there are some helpful press releases HERE.

An inspiring message from Heather Roy, the Secretary General of Eurodiaconia, to our churches

“This is the opportunity to see how our understanding of social justice and social care needs to go to the heart of our economic and political thinking. We need a paradigm shift in our understanding of what makes societies and people flourish – not only economic well-being but social well-being – and they cannot be in competition with each other – they do not need to be in competition with each other – one can reinforce the other. Thank you to all of you who are working – as volunteers and as staff – at this time. You are showing why what Diaconia does is essential and why it needs to be at the heart of our development as a society. You are valued and you are essential.”

(photo courtesy of Jakob Braun at Unsplash)

Measures announced to protect NHS from coronavirus risk in prisons

Here is a press release from the Ministry of Justice dated 4th April 2020.

Risk-assessed prisoners who are within two months of their release date will be temporarily released from jail, as part of the national plan to protect the NHS and save lives. You can read the full press release here.

We continue to pray for the work of our chaplains in prisons who serve prison staff and prisoners in these challenging times.

Pray for Schools...

From our Pray for Schools network

“The Lord is close to all who call on him…

He grants the desires of those who fear him;

 he hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

Psalm 145:18-20 (NLT)

Lord, please provide our teachers and pupils with all

they need during this COVID-19 crisis and afterwards.

Help children at home

to continue learning and to readjust

and catch up when they return eventually to school.

Amen.

(photo courtesy of Mike Fox at Unsplash)

Holy Week and Easter activities for all

For many Christians across the world, Holy Week and Easter will be celebrated at home. And although we may not be able to gather in person, we can celebrate Easter in a number of different ways. Here are some activities you can do, either on your own or as a family, to journey through this sacred season.

Thy Kingdom Come and partners have shared a range of resources and activities for all this Easter…. lots to explore below…

Will you share the joy of Easter and #SingResurrection on Sunday?

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland are encouraging Christians in the UK, to be part of a countrywide chorus of well-loved hymns at 10.00 am (GMT) on Easter Day. You can sing from the comfort of your own doorstep, along with your neighbours to celebrate our Risen Lord and King, Jesus.  What a potentially wonderful witness this could be the wider community? Full details can be found here. 

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There are lots of other resources you can check out too, including this offering from The Methodist Church.

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(photo courtesy of Alicia Quan at Unsplash)

Exploring Maundy Thursday - resources for schools and home educators

Barnabas in Schools have developed and shared a range of resources for Maundy Thursday…

These can be used by pupils studying at home or in the classroom.

There is a poem (on a video link) and some creative activities based on an important meal on the way to Easter, inspired by a Bible reading from the Gospel of John chapter 13, verses 1-15.

You can check out much more from Barnabas in Schools on the link HERE: RE at Home.

(photo courtesy of Jametlene Reskp at Unsplash)