Bookmark for Year 6 Children

We’ve produced a bookmark to remind children who are moving from primary to secondary school, that God is with them, and that you are praying for them.
You can download it here.

A Day in the Life of a University Chaplain

A Day in the Life

The restaurant on campus is always a good place to meet people, students and staff. This morning over breakfast I chatted with a member of catering staff who told me she had just put in her resignation. We chatted about her reasons for leaving, about her loyalty and commitment to the university and about how leaving felt right, but how her decision was tinged with sorrow. Some of the changes made by the new catering company have not been easy for staff to manage. Going across to the main reception, there was opportunity for a brief chat with reception staff as I informed them I was expecting a visitor the following day: the local police community cohesion officer. All visitors’ names have to be recorded. The Chaplaincy Centre on campus is open every weekday from 9.00am; students were already making tea and coffee when I arrive; the large sofa is a good place to chat with students, one worrying about an imminent presentation, another is concerned as she felt too ill to go to her part-time job, another wanting to talk about how to balance the paid work she has to do to support herself and full time studies.

After lunch, it’s time for some preparation for the holding of a vigil on campus commemorating recent deaths in a terrorist attack overseas; firstly, getting the permission to use the very open public space at the entrance to the university and secondly, checking that no major university events were taking place which would mean it could be difficult to hold a vigil. As guests on campus, the chaplains are always in the position of having to negotiate on use of space and about events. Responses to the enquiries are all positive, so the next step is to talk with our part-time Muslim chaplain who comes onto campus every Tuesday; he is happy to change the time of his visit, so he can participate in the vigil as it’s important that the university Muslim community and the local Muslim community feel supported. The Chaplaincy Centre is busy today with students dropping in, between lectures, or hanging around because, for some, today is a ‘no lecture day’. It’s been said that the Chaplaincy Centre is a ‘home from home’, particularly for international students and those from the EU. The centre is cosy and warm; the Chaplaincy Assistant offers a welcome and hospitality and makes a cracking cup of Fairtrade coffee! At my desk, I have added the new Student Union CEO to the Fairtrade group and circulated proposed meeting dates for our next university Fairtrade meeting, a group I am privileged to chair. At its next meeting we will review Fairtrade Fortnight and start to plan, with the university environmental officer, for a spectacular Fairtrade Fortnight in 2020. Our Chaplaincy Assistant is off to do the shopping for the Global lunch which regularly takes place on Tuesdays in the Chaplaincy Centre.

Last task of the working day for me is to have a phone conversation with a former student who has created a Bedford branch of a mental health charity, originally founded by a current PhD student, on one of our other campuses. As vice chair of the Bedford branch, I have been standing in for her, as chair, while she cares for a close relative. One of our regular Chaplaincy volunteers is also a mentor for students and today she has used our space to see some of her student clients; it’s quiet, and away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of campus. Many of her clients also become regular visitors to the Chaplaincy Centre as they feel happy in a space where they can simply be themselves. The Scrabble board is out and so is Four in a Row, our late-night opening has become a games night! Revd Cass Howes, Methodist, Co-ordinating Chaplain (multifaith chaplaincy), University of Bedfordshire.

For more information about HE chaplaincy and the work the FCG are doing in this area:

What makes a good chaplain?
Higher education - Free Churches Group

Free Churches Group Higher Education Pray for your local universities and those from your congregation who are studying at university.
Reaching out to universities – a church resource for you!
Documents and Publications

Let us pray - Throughout the academic university year: Majestic God, as students aim higher and develop their God-given potential, give students firm foundations in your wisdom, rooted in your love and stability. We pray for the tutors and chaplains in universities - loving God, give them the wisdom, clarity and patience to support the students and staff with compassion. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen

A digital copy of this can be found here

Chaplaincy in further education - an opportunity to find out more - online event on 11 or 14 Oct

Getting Involved in FE Chaplaincy… The Centre for Chaplaincy in Education are hosting an online event which is aimed at anyone that wants to know more about FE chaplaincy, whether from a personal perspective, or as part of exploring what churches might be able to get involved in.

There's no commitment to do anything following the event - but if FE chaplaincy captures your interest, it might lead somewhere exciting. There are two opportunities to attend this event (each one will have the same content):

• Monday 11th October, 7.30pm - 8.15pm

• Thursday 14th October, 11.00am - 11.45am.

This event is a collaboration between the Methodist Church and West Midlands Churches' FE Council.

(cover photo courtesy of John Schnobrich at Unsplash)

Praying for our Schools - let's join together on 28th September

Pray for Schools, Free Churches Group and partners are joining Pais and Youthscape for the National Day of Prayer for Schools. This will be a lunchtime prayer session over Zoom. All are welcome!

When: Tuesday 28th September | 12.30 - 1.15pm

Click the button below to find out more & register for this prayer event:

(cover photo courtesy of Fa Barboza at Unsplash)

Join as we pray for schools in Wales on Thursday 9th September

Every day we hear more about the many serious effects of lockdown on children's schooling - but we thank God for the gift of prayer.

The last three Wales Pray For Schools Zoom meetings in February, April and June were amazing! So many of you came and many of us renewed or made friendships in our 'randomly' assigned break out groups.

Free Churches Group are honoured to be part of the Pray for Schools steering group and are delighted to share news with you of the forthcoming prayer event.

With the new school year beginning we'd love you to join us again and invite any friends along to this 45 minute event. There will be input from Scripture Union, Urban Saints, TLG and others with a passion to bring the love of Jesus into our schools.

All are welcome!

Thursday 9 September at 12.30-1.15.P.M.

Click the button below to register your place:

There'll be a special breakout group for those who prefer praying in Welsh.
Os hoffech fynd i is-ystafell weddi cyfrwng Cymraeg, rhowch wybod i ni

(cover photo by Catrin Ellis of Wrexham @ Unsplash)