Weekly Prayer Focus

Within EBA we are blessed that a number of our ministers and churches are actively involved in chaplaincy roles. This week our focus is on Chaplaincy in Education. We spoke with Cherie from Cambridgeshire and Liz from Suffolk Cherie says the Pastoral Support Work we deliver provides mentoring and pastoral support to students individually and in groups, looking at resilience, self-esteem and relationships. We also deliver some Personal Development and Personal, Social and Health Education lessons. We are available to chat with Sixth Form students while giving out free hot chocolates. The Spiritual Support Work includes running or facilitating weekly Christian Union groups, delivering Religion, Philosophy and Ethics lessons and assemblies during the year. As well as students, we support staff, by providing space for…

Swaffham is a growing market town in the west of Norfolk with a population of just over 9000. In the heart of the town is the Baptist Church, with a fellowship of around 30. The leadership team consists of Barry, Tim, Chris and Barb (Deacons), Jo (Secretary) and Simon (Moderator).  The church is currently going through a period of increasing stability, with new members of the congregation bring new skills and gifts. Twice a month the church runs a Craft Group which provides an opportunity for outreach into the community. They run a regular Prayer and Soup Meeting, and in addition to their traditional Sunday services, where they are supported by several retired ministers and preachers, they have started a more informal Café style service…

Renew Inclusive Church Cambridge is a small fellowship that meets twice a month in a community centre in Cambridge.  It describes itself as a phoenix rising from a previous traditional Baptist Church.  The decision to become inclusive with a positive LGBTQI stance took its members to a crossroads.  It was a painful time for all involved – for those holding a more traditional viewpoint and left, and for the very small number who remained.  The church was unable to sustain funding for its minister and he left.  Since then, the church has undergone growth of 50% and regular worshippers cover a wide age and demographic range.  It has also moved from its former crumbling premises in a village location to the community centre in the…

Pier Avenue Baptist Church is a busy and vibrant church in Clacton-on-Sea. The church, which is just 10 minutes from the seaside and adjacent to the town centre, has a diverse cross-section of people attending its Sunday services and many activities. On a Sunday, the service includes participation from the worship band, some members and children, and a sermon from Minister Michelle or another church leader. However, much of the business is found during the week with the building in use every day. This includes a toddler’s group, Girls Brigade, boys club for primary age children, house groups and a Saturday coffee morning. There is also a project for vulnerable people which is its own small church community. Outside the church, there are links to…