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Got something to say about this? Then join our... |
On
1 November James will be running a BTG stall at the following conference
- he would love to see as many of you there as possible. Come and lend a
hand or just come and say hello! BTG would like to point out that it is
not specifically a Christian organisation and welcomes volunteers from all
religions. Here are the conference details as provided by the organisers.
Caring for Ex-Offenders. A one-day conference to help churches care in practical ways for ex-offenders who have completed Alpha in Prison.1st November 2001 at Holy Trinity Brompton Why attend the training day? There are Christian men and women being released daily from prison and they could arrive at your church this Sunday! Alpha is now running in over 80 percent of prisons in the United Kingdom and many prisoners are coming to faith in Jesus through the course. On release, these ex-offenders will want to join a church and will need support, nurturing and discipling. As churches, we have been called to help in practical ways, by supporting ex-offenders in their search for a home and work. 'We need you, the church, we don't want to backslide, we don't want to be lost again. I've prayed that this prison would become a beacon in the darkness of UK prisons, and I think it is becoming so. I'm not religious, Christ is my personal friend and saviour. I want to thank you and all the teams for continuing to bring God's love and light to Dartmoor prison. Many of us will feel nervous when we leave prison, not least because 'forgiveness' is not a politically correct word. The fear of not being welcomed by our own Christian brothers and sisters is the worst fear of all' Inmate, HMP Dartmoor, May 2000 The training day is intended to help equip congregations to welcome ex-offenders into their church, enabling them to become integrated into a community of faith and supporting them in their struggle to rebuild their lives. It aims to help people understand the problems faced by the offender both inside the prison, and after their release. What does the day include? The day provides a basic understanding of the practical aspects of caring for Christians in prison and upon their release. The morning sessions will include general facts and information. The afternoon will consist of seminars, which will be more focused and practical. Delegates will be able to choose two of the fourteen afternoon seminars. There will also be opportunities to receive prayer during the day. Speakers for the seminars will include representatives from Prison fellowship, Apex Trust, The Prison Service Chaplaincy and The Arbour Rehabilitation centre. All sessions will be taped. Who is it for? The training day is for anyone from a church who would like to be involved in supporting ex-offenders, including church leaders, pastoral staff and those involved in social action. More than 300 people from all denominations attended the training day in 2000. The number of ex-offenders who would like to be linked with churches is growing daily. We hope to increase our partnership with churches through this third training day. Training Day Programme: Thursday, 1 November 2001 9.OOam: Registration 9.45am: Welcome:Sandy Millar 9.50am: Opening Prayer, Bishop of Kensington 9.55am: Worship 10.1Oam: Alpha in Prisons, Nicky Gumbel, Paul Cowley 11. 15am: Prison Overview 12. 15pm: Christians in Prison I 2.45pm: Lunch (displays from seminar speakers/organisations in Church House) 2.OOpm: Christians leaving Prison 2.30pm: Seminar Session I: Pre-Release Steps; Ex-Offender/Church Contract; Working with Sex Offenders; Young Offenders; Supporting a Prison Chaplain; Working with Prisoners' Families; Victim Support 4.OOpm: Tea 4.30pm: Seminar Session 2: Security and Letter-writing; Housing and Rehabilitation; Employment; Discipleship and Support; Lifers and License; Understanding Drug Misuse; Working with the Mentally Disordered Offender 5.30pm: The Way Forward, Sandy Millar 6.OOpm: Finish Holy Trinity Brompton is located in Knightsbridge at the end of Cottage Place, just off the Brompton Road (A4) and behind the Brompton Oratory. It is easily accessible by public transport, being equidistant from Knightsbridge and South Kensington Underground Stations. There is a frequent bus service which operates to and from King's Cross,Victoria and Putney. Taxis are easy to find on the Brompton Road. Parking: Please note that there is no parking available for delegates at HolyTrinity Brompton during the conference. Children: Unfortunately we do not have facilities to accommodate children or babies. Enquiries: If you have any further enquiries please contact: The Alpha/Events Department: Tel: 020 7854 6754 Fax: 020 7460 6124 email: laura.hardin @htb.org.uk Alpha *Please advise us if you have a disability and are unable to use public transport. |
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