Resources for children, young people and families

It seems likely that some children may return to school in a few weeks’ time (recognising, of course, that some have been attending all along). However, they probably won’t be attending full-time, and some year groups may not return for some time yet. It is also unclear when churches will be able to resume their usual activities for young people.

We’ve collected links to resources that some of our member churches and other organisations have developed to help children and young people learn at home, for families to enjoy together, and ideas to support well-being at an anxious time.

Resources for: Children, Young people and those who work with them, Families, Students, Parents, Mental health and well-being, Bereavement and grief

We’re delighted to see so much creativity and we’ll continue to add to our list as we find new treasures.

You can download, use and share there HERE.

(photo courtesy of Sharon McCutcheon at Unsplash)

Care for those you are praying for, pray for those you are caring for...

Thy Kingdom Come have produced and shared some inspiring and helpful materials to help us all to… care for those you are praying for, pray for those you are caring for…

As we pray for our friends, family and neighbours to come to know the hope, peace and love of Jesus, how can we show God's love towards them? There are many ways to do this - not just individually, but perhaps as a worshipping community and / or group of churches, how could you witness to your local community during this time?

During these difficult and trying times, we believe that now more than ever, presents an incredible opportunity for the Church worldwide, to unite in prayer so that our family, friends and neighbours will come to know the love and peace of Jesus Christ for themselves.

You can review these here. Please feel free to share.

From Thy Kingdom Come website: 'It was only a drop in the ocean, was really nothing at all, it had no impact, caused no effect, made no change. It was only a drop in the ocean, a single tear shed for a stranger, a mere drop of compassion no one saw. It was only a drop in the ocean, a few slices of bread simply shared, a chat on the phone made on impulse, simply to show someone care.' By JK

(photo courtesy of Nils Nedel at Unsplash)

How are prisons and chaplaincy activities around the world being affected?

The International Prison Chaplains Association (IPCA) have been gathering and sharing some news and stories about how prisons and chaplaincy around the world are being affected by COVID-19.

We are going through unprecedented times and the prison sector globally has been affected by this pandemic, like all of our communities have.

There are articles from all across the world, including Canada, UK, Australia, US and Colombia.

You can read these HERE.

IPCA Europe have also been sharing some news and reflections about responses in experiencing Coronavirus in prisons across Europe. You can read these HERE.

Please do take some time over the next few days to pray for the work of the International Prison Chaplains Association and also please pray for the work of our Free Church Prison Chaplains and the staff and prisoners they serve across England and Wales.

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, in these challenging and unsettling times, 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

IPCA’s mission is: “Uniting, encouraging and equipping...

a global network of prison chaplains as they share God’s love and restoring justice.”

(photo courtesy of Louis Maniquet at Unsplash)

Dying to be heard....

Dying Matters is a coalition of individual and organisational members across England and Wales, which aims to help people talk more openly about dying, death and bereavement, and to make plans for the end of life.

Their strap-line is Let’s Talk About It, and in the past they’ve had themes like The Big Conversation and Talk, Plan, Live. For this year and this season’s Awareness Week (11-17 May), they are encouraging us all to look at the other half of a conversation: how do we respond when someone wants to discuss death, or grief, or their will or funeral plans with us?

The 2020 theme of Dying To Be Heard will focus on how to help by listening. How many people want to talk about death, but feel they have no one to talk to about it? How many people are Dying To Be Heard?
It’s too easy to dodge that conversation with a joke or a “maybe later.” But we know it’s hard for people to talk about death and the practical aspects of getting ready for it. So when someone wants to talk about death, we owe it to them to be the other half of that conversation. If they want to talk, we need to listen. You can find out more about this work and how you can get involved in the conversation… how you can be a better listener when someone is dying to be heard, by checking out the links and resources HERE.

Dying Matters is led by Hospice UK and aims to raise awareness of dying, death and bereavement. Dying matters… End of Life care, for those who are dying, their relatives/carers and staff, is one of the core activities for healthcare chaplains. FCG hosted the round-table discussion concerning end of life care and they were very well received.

(photo by Sara Iles, FCG Media Support Officer)

Raising awareness of dying, death and bereavement...

Raising awareness of dying, death and bereavement... that is the vision and purpose of the Hospice UK led charity, Dying Matters.

This week is Dying Matters Awareness Week and the theme for this year is “Dying to be heard.”

"Talking about dying and death is the last taboo. People who are dying can feel very isolated,” reports Revd Meg Burton, the Secretary for Healthcare Chaplaincy for Free Churches. Meg goes on to say that… ”This Awareness Week is looking at dying from the dying person's perspective and will give ideas for people to help encourage conversations."

We hope that the resources that have been produced can help these conversations happen and support families in listening to their loved ones… and especially in giving confidence in shaping the conversation for those who are dying to be heard…

You can download the resources HERE.

(photo courtesy of JD Mason at Unsplash)