Invitation to online meetings

Over the past few weeks, it has been tremendously encouraging to host a number of small online meetings with members, to explore the challenges and opportunities posed directly and indirectly by COVID-19, and to consider what a 'new normal' might look like.

In each meeting, it was clear to see how God is enabling members to adapt and thrive at this challenging time.

To my most welcome surprise, the meetings have also helped to answer a question that the CiC staff team have wrestled with for many years: how do we enable members to meet regularly with their CiC peers, to offer support, encouragement and share best practice? Now, thanks to our familiarity with online meetings and access to technology, it's never been easier for members to meet, without needing to travel hundreds of miles.

So, in order to maintain the positive momentum established during the first online meetings, we are pleased to share details of the next set of meetings for members below. (A link to the next Ministers' Fellowship is also included and further news about this will follow in due course).

Please click here to register your place for an online event →

Military chaplains  |  11th June, 1800-1900

Ministry leaders  |  16th June, 1100-1145

Healthcare chaplains  |  23rd June, 1100-1145

Church leaders  |  30th June, 1100-1145

Prison chaplains  |  30th June, 1930-2015

Ministers' Fellowship  |  8th July, 1100-1230

What's the agenda? Fellowship!

Having spent time speaking with those who attended the first events, a very clear theme has emerged that has helped to determine the agenda for the above meetings. Members simply want to spend time together, sharing stories of what God is doing and encouraging one another. This reminds me very much of the significant, but often unnoticed, role of Jonathan in the life of David, as recorded in 1 Samuel 23:15-17. During David's flight from King Saul, Jonathan met him and '...helped him to find strength in God'.

We cannot underestimate the importance and value of helping each other to find strength in God for the journey ahead. So please turn up to the next meeting with a mug of tea, a piece of cake(!) and be ready to encourage your fellow members.

CiC residential and annual members meeting

Although we celebrate the use of Zoom and look forward to how we can start to develop online communities for our members, we acknowledge that spending time together in-person, is really important. That is why it's a condition of membership, at least once every two years, to attend the CiC annual members' meeting, which takes place during the residential.

Therefore we would be grateful if you can keep the dates of this year's residential firmly in your diary. Booking details will follow in due course.

17-18 November 2020

Next week, we look forward to sharing with you our perspective and advice on the latest guidelines concerning the reopening of churches.

In the meantime, please be assured of our ongoing prayers.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Paul Garratt
International Coordinator
CiC International