Relationships, Presence and Hope: University Chaplaincy during the COVID–19 Pandemic

Chaplains and faith advisors have been on the frontline of the pandemic. This report explores the unique contributions of university chaplains during this time. (2021)

Throughout the pandemic, chaplains and faith advisors have been supporting the isolated, comforting the bereaved, and providing pastoral and spiritual care to anyone who needs it.

In universities, chaplains have faced a massive health crisis among students. In November 2020, a survey of 4,193 students conducted for the National Union of Students found that 52% said their mental health was worse than it was before the pandemic, but only 29% of those people had sought any help.

This report captures the experience of higher education chaplaincy during the pandemic, drawing on interviews with 16 chaplains from universities across the UK. It explores the unique contributions of chaplains during this time, the challenges they have faced, and what lessons can be learned by chaplains and employers.

Download the full report HERE and read an executive summary HERE.

For more information, please visit Theos

Methodist Schools webinar: so, you’re interested in school chaplaincy?

Every couple of years, Methodist Schools organises an informal session for people to find out more about school chaplaincy and explore whether it might be a calling for them.

This year we are running the session by webinar on 3rd March at 2.00pm – 3.45pm. There will be an overview of the nature of chaplaincy from the leader of the Centre for Chaplaincy in Education and reflections on the nature of the work from serving chaplains in the state and independent sectors – and from a headteacher, talking about why it is important to the school.

This session is aimed at people who might be interested in working in school chaplaincy, whether lay or ordained. It’s being run by Methodist Schools, so it will be coloured by experience within that sector but will have a more general appeal if chaplaincy is your area of possible interest. It would also be valuable for people about to embark on a school chaplaincy role – maybe someone anticipating a station which includes a school, for example.

All interested people are welcome! If you would like to join us, please send your details to the Methodist Schools office (oolayinka@methodistschools.org.uk) and we will send you joining instructions.

Prayerfully preparing Bible study materials for prisoners...

This Friday, Prison Fellowship volunteers will be meeting to pray about and plan worship materials for Easter. They would welcome our prayers as they seek to develop resources that will support, encourage and inspire prisoners. So let us pray… on 19th February

Loving God,

We pray for Bible Studies, and the Prison Fellowship volunteers who meet today to plan the materials for Easter.

Please ask the Holy Spirit to inspire their hearts and minds, giving them the vision God wants for the materials so they uplift prisoners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

(cover photo courtesy of Andrik Langfield @ Unsplash)

Changing Tack: Racial Justice in the Criminal Justice System Webinar 2

You are invited to the Racial Justice in the Criminal Justice System Webinar 2 on 23rd February 2021 at 6:30pm.

Description: Building Community in our engagement with the criminal justice system.

Speakers:
Chine McDonald, Christian Aid
George Barrow, Ministry of Justice
Leon Dundas, Lay Preacher and Hospice Chaplain

Time: Feb 23, 2021 06:30 PM

Please book your place HERE.

Lonely and isolated... Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers

Will you join us to pray alongside Prison Fellowship this Sunday?

Many of us are experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation in these strange and challenging times. Those who are serving custodial sentences are having a particularly tough and isolating time, with long periods in their cells, so please join us as we pray…

On the 14th February

Let us pray…

“May the Holy Spirit be upon all those in prison cells today as they pray in the absence of chapel gatherings. Amen”

Find out more about their work HERE. You can read and pray through their February Prayer Diary.

(cover photo courtesy of Noah Silliman @ Unsplash)