MInisters Desk 12th May

The Scripture Union website says “SU QLD Chaplains provide spiritual, physical and emotional support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business: helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness to drug abuse, stress and anxiety. They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for kids in crisis and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.”

 

The SU website goes on to say that children and young people need help.  “More than ever before, Australian children are experiencing family problems, confusing relationships, friendship issues, peer pressure, self-esteem issues, bullying and depression.

 

Our teenagers have their own unique issues. Teenage abortion rates are too high. Teenagers are binge drinking more than ever. More young people today are self-harming. Too many young people are experiencing mental health problems.

 

At certain times in their lives, children and young people of all ages will feel lonely, hopeless, confused, misunderstood and helpless. In all of these times, the guidance of a mature, caring and supportive adult can greatly assist a child’s capacity to cope.

 

In Australian schools today, there are a variety of welfare services available to students. The services of our nation’s school chaplains complement other services in schools, such as those offered by guidance officers, counsellors, youth support coordinators, nurses and police officers.”

 

In our local area we there are chaplains at Enoggera, Mitchelton and Grovely State Schools and Mitchelton and Everton Park High Schools.  Members of our congregation support these chaplains financially and through serving on Local Chaplaincy Committees.  During May each one of us will have an opportunity to support these chaplains.  In our 8 am and 9:30 am services on 12, 19 and 26 May we will be joined by the chaplains and they will speak about their roles and activities in their schools.

 

Your response can be to commit to pray for them.

 

You can donate money to support their work.  At any time during May you can place money into the offering bags, marked “Chaplaincy”.  If you want to support chaplaincy in a specific school, please name that school.  All other money will be equally divided between the schools.  You can also choose to give an ongoing regular donation.  Forms are available on the information desk.

 

You can choose to give time.  The chaplains each have needs for volunteers to work with them.  They can talk to you about this.

 

There will be a display in foyer to indicate your support.