Signpost for Chaplaincy
We regularly update this page to help those in chaplaincy find out what's going on and discover new resources and information.
New Remembrance resource from Armed Forces Chaplains
Methodist Armed Forces Chaplains' experience has been drawn upon to create a resource to assist worship leaders to mark Remembrance well. The additional content in this resource can be used selectively to supplement existing liturgies for Remembrance Sunday.
As well as the Remembrance Resource, a selection of short videos have been made by Chaplains for use in a Service of Remembrance.
All available at Resources for Methodists.
Posted 04/102021
Everyone an evangelist, even chaplains?
So much of what it means to be a chaplain is also what it means to be an evangelist.
Chaplains and evangelists are motivated by faith to go wherever people are, being guests in different contexts and communities, building relationships with grace and vulnerability and sharing in the good news with those they meet.
How can chaplains more fully embrace their inner evangelist, and what can our wider church learn from chaplains about evangelism?
This is a chance for chaplains of all kinds to come together to consider how chaplaincy offers opportunities for faith sharing and how that might be approached appropriately.
With an opening theological reflection on evangelism in chaplaincy, there will be time for story-sharing and discussing together what fruitful models of faith sharing look like in your contexts.
This will be an evening of sharing, encouragement and challenge and will be hosted by Gary Hopkins, the Connexional Ministry Development Officer who oversees chaplaincy, and Holly Adams, Evangelism and Contemporary Culture Officer.
Join us as we open the conversation and begin journeying together in what it means to be chaplains and evangelists, helping others to see God's love in the world.
Click here for more information and to book
Posted 23/09/2021
Getting involved in FE chaplaincy
Join Nigel Roberts, an FE chaplain and members of the Methodist Connexional Team as we share what FE chaplaincy is all about. And all in 45 minutes. Grab yourself a cuppa, get comfortable and listen in.
This event is aimed at anyone who 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.
Posted 23/09/2021
Supporting Students at University
The Free Churches Group has created a series of leaflets to help churches find ways of supporting students at university.
Branching Out offers suggestions about how to support those who are part of your church and who are going away.
Keeping in Touch explores ways in which you can maintain contact with young people who are starting student life.
Making a Difference is a collection of ideas about how to support university students in your community.
Home from Home will help you think about supporting students who come to your church.
Posted 23/09/2021
New Book Group
The Scotland & Shetland region are running a new book group, starting on Thursday 16th Sep with a few spaces still available.
The group is being led by Revd Lorna Murray, a Methodist minister who spent most of her years in ministry as a Mental Health Chaplain within the NHS. Now retired, Lorna remains committed to encouraging the well-being of individuals and communities. Her book shows us how to approach a subject which affects an increasing number of people in today’s world—having experienced a global pandemic, locked down restrictions and issues which affect life in every sphere.
Lorna’s book offers fresh perspectives on health, wellness, friendship and community, and you are invited to journey through it with Lorna and others over these 6 sessions on Thursday evenings from 7.30-9pm:
- Sept 16th & 30th
- Oct 14th & 28th
- Nov 11th & 25th
Book your place for this online event here
Posted 10/09/2021
New Resource: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This short guide to providing initial support can be found here.
Posted 02/09/2021
Postgraduate Qualifications in Chaplaincy
Provided by Luther King Centre
Click here to see their website for more information
Posted 26/06/2021
Exploring Healthcare Chaplaincy Course
Autumn 2021, hosted by Network for Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care in Health (NPSRCH)
Click here to see the handbook
Posted 26/06/2021
Rural Isolation and Loneliness Toolkit
A new resource from the Arthur Rank Centre.
Click here to access the resource
Posted 27/05/2021
Supporting the health and wellbeing of colleaguesthrough change and uncertainty as we navigate the new normal
Online event: June 8th, 10.30am - 12.00pm hosted by Make a Difference Media and Acas
As we enter the next phase of the pandemic, there is still a lot of uncertainty and change ahead. Organisations that are preparing for a return to work are being faced with a lot of anxiety from employees and the need to support mental health and wellbeing of staff at this time is paramount. This event aims to help those who support the wellbeing of others.
Click here for more information and to book
Posted 25/05/2021
A day of reflection for HE Chaplains
Looking back to go forwards, Tuesday 8th June, 9.30am - 5.00pm
Led by Stephen Hoyland of the Jesuit Spirituality Team.
On June 8th there will be a guided examen of the year (9.30am-11am) and a chance to share with other chaplains in HE. Some suggestions will be made for the day which can be taken up and turned into a whole day of reflection and prayer for those with time, or left alone if there is work needing to be done. We ’ll return at 4pm (till 5pm) for a short review of the day (where has God been in my prayer and/or work today?) and another round of simple sharing.
More information here
Register for your place here
Posted 10/05/2021
Transforming Work
Saturday 5th June, 9.30am - 3.30pm
If you are passionate about a post-Covid world of work that is shaped by kingdom values, you are warmly invited to… a Zoom workshop organised by the Kingdom at Work Project and St. Peter's Saltley Trust.
More details can be found in this leaflet
Posted 04/05/2021
Resuming Chaplaincy: Challenges and Opportunities
Workplace Chaplaincy Mission UK, May 11th, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
This will be the second of this year’s WCM UK mini-conferences, following the first in February. We had some useful feedback from that session and, as a result, in this second event, we will focus on providing:
- specific input which chaplains will be able to apply directly to their context
- more time to meet other chaplains in breakout rooms to share experiences of chaplaincy in order to offer support and encouragement to one another.
Please click here for more information and to book
Posted 12/04/2021
Moving Forward in Hope
Free Churches Group webinar, 26th April, 1.30pm - 3.00pm
Learning from the experiences of the Pandemic to strengthen HE chaplaincy for the future.
Simon Perfect speaks about his research for the Theos report "Relationships, Presence and Hope: University Chaplaincy during the COVID-19 Pandemic ". Responses from HE chaplains Opportunities to discuss the implications and look at possibilities.
Click here for information and registration link
Posted 12/04/2021
So you're interested in chaplaincy?
Do you know anyone who is interested in chaplaincy? Think God might be calling them to be a chaplain? Then this could be the event for them.
Click here for more information and to register for the Zoom link
Posted 08/04/21
Opening up Chaplaincy
28th April, 6.30pm - 8.00pm
A free webinar on Zoom hosted by the Free Churches Group
- Hear from serving chaplains in prisons, healthcare and education about their distinctive ministry
- Learn about how to support chaplains
- Find out more about opportunities in chaplaincy and how to take the first steps
Click here for more information and booking details
Posted 08/04/21
'There are times when I've been in tears': a year of Covid in the UK
An article from the Guardian including reflections from the Muslim chaplain at Royal London hospital.
Click here to read the article
Posted 22/03/21
Take Time for Chaplains
Each Monday at 12.45pm – 1.00pm or 1.30pm (Starting 12th April 2021)
Based on the Revised Common Lectionary Gospel reading, these guided meditations are inspired by Ignatian Spirituality and Mindfulness.
Each meditation takes you to a different episode from a gospel. It allows you to picture yourself there and gives you space to engage with Jesus. The meditation will last less than 15 minutes, and finish at 1.00pm. For those who wish to stay on to 1.30pm, there will be a guided opportunity, to share and listen to the experiences of others.
Each Monday at 12.45pm – 1.00pm or 1.30pm (Starting 12th April 2021)
Click here to register and receive Zoom link
Posted 16/03/2021
Connexional Gathering Videos
Videos from our last Connexional Gathering of Chaplains are now available on our YouTube channel.
Click here for videos from our last Connexional Gathering for Chaplains event
Posted 16/03/2021
Online Lunchtime Lectures
Lectures from WGU Chaplaincy: 12.00pm - 12.30pm
Click here for dates, more information and links to book
Posted 12/03/2021
Chaplaincy Webinar
A Kaleidoscope of Faith Exchanges + Spiritual Interactions
Tuesday 16th March, 2.15pm - 3.30pm
The Chaplaincy ‘kaleidoscope’ network afforded by the collaborative nature of the Methodist Church has dovetailed with Dr Eleanor O'Keeffe to enable this significant research to link with the widest footprint of Chaplaincy practitioners possible. This Webinar is the 2nd e-event looking at the changing needs of Chaplaincy in the challenging times of Covid. ‘No longer can we remain in silo-land… we must share and pull together for the good of humanity.'
Chaplaincy is a particular personal ministry offering a heart felt approach to all… but also recognises the need for a prophetic voice to share stories of life and continuous change within a kaleidoscope of diversity and hope.
Click here for more details and booking information
Posted 10/03/2021
2021 National Conference for School & College Chaplains
People of Hope - In time of change
This major international and ecumenical conference is for all involved with school and college chaplaincy – lay or ordained chaplains – pastoral leaders, diocesan education, and youth officers, as well as policy makers interested in this vital growth area of Christian ministry. We welcome all!
The conference will be taking place online on Wednesday 9th June 2021 with a shorter retreat day on Thursday 10th.
Click here for more details and booking information
Posted 03/03/2021
Resources for the Recovery Phase
CPAS has produced a wide range of free resources to enable church leaders to lead their congregations and communities through the recovery phase of the pandemic.
Posted 03/03/2021
New SMSC resource for 16-19s in FE
Rounded: Ready for Life is WM Churches' Further Education Council's new Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development resource for 16-19s in college and beyond. Six interactive, flexible-format sessions cover different character dispositions which can help young people prepare for an ethical and fruitful life.
Launch events: Tuesday 16 March, 12.45-1.30 (lunchtime) or Wednesday 17 March, 18.00-18.45 (twilight).
More details can be found here or email to join the Zoom sessions.
Posted 03/03/2021
Church Times Article
School Chaplains: Someone to talk to in a storm
Posted 25/02/2021
Pioneer Campfire10th March 2021, 10.30am - 1.00pm
For pioneers and those with a passion for community engagement. An opportunity to explore; through story, reflection and discussion, how the four Bible Month themes Good News presence in the community spheres and conversation. Reflecting in the stories of four Pioneers we shall share around the virtual campfires moments of shared resonance, wonder, inspiration, grit and grime. Come ready to ‘be’ within a gathered community of Pioneers, you may just want to bring your marshmallows too!
More details and booking information can be found here
Posted 23/02/2021
Care Under Covid-19: Providing spiritual and pastoral support at a distance
Online Zoom event from Theos
17th March 2021, 7.00pm
"Chaplains have been more needed than ever before, but the nature of their work has had to change dramatically. While some have remained in their workplace, many others have no longer been able to offer support in person. This raises important questions about the nature and future of spiritual and pastoral care. What does it look like when physical presence is restricted or lost? What should chaplains and others learn from the pandemic to develop their practice? And how can this sector, which involves a high proportion of volunteers, be given the support and recognition it deserves?
More broadly, we are interested in reflecting on the themes of presence, accompaniment and hope."
More details and booking information can be found here
Posted 23/02/2021
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 they 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 them, please send your details to the Methodist Schools office and they will send you joining instructions.
University Chaplaincy Report from Theos
Relationship, 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.
Posted 19/02/2021
Wrexham Glyndwr University Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Networking Day
Chaplaincy in Strange Times
25th February 2021
"This last year has been a very strange and often stressful one for everyone, and many people have found themselves in need of extra support, often from chaplains. Many of us have had to change our ways of working, perhaps to working from home or offering virtual support, for example. At a time when things are changing in so many ways we invite you to join us to take a fresh look at what we do as chaplains, how we do it, why we do it and how we can best do this now and as the vaccines allow us to start to look forward to life after the pandemic. Join us as we explore these themes in a series of lectures and discussions on Thursday February 25th. Chaplains from all Faiths (and none) working in any chaplaincy or workers in any Faith related community setting are all welcome."
More information and booking can be found here
Posted 11/02/2021
Connecting Chaplains Events and Opportunities
Check out our new Connecting Chaplains page for opportunities to meet and connect with others involved in chaplaincy.
Please share this link with others and feel free to use this video to tell others.
Posted 11/02/2021