For These Days

Ascend For These Days

The stretch and challenge of COVID times has been felt in so many ways. We have all been responding and learning at the same time, with no clear roadmap to tell us what to do.

Ascend has kept up to date with resources, stories, avenues of support and examples of good practice.

If you can’t find what you came for, please get in touch. You won’t be the only one looking and we’re ready to keep learning.

The Ascend Team

Encouragement

Changing Our Minds

Mindfulness has become something of a buzzword in well-being circles. Psychologist Ronnie Freeman explains how it can help us break cycles of unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

How to stay calm in a global pandemic

National data indicates that the current global pandemic is resulting in increased
anxiety and reduced wellbeing for many of us.

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Encouragement “Moving Forward with our Children and Young People”

Leading Through Change

Liz Crumlish reflects on this season of change.

Come to Me

Mary Henderson offers a timely reminder to come to Jesus when we are weary and burdened.

Ministry Under Lockdown: Grief – Contrasts and Contradictions

The Ascend team reflects on the subject of grief during lockdown.

Thoughts on Grief – Russell McLarty

Russell McLarty shares his personal experience of dealing with grief during lockdown.

Prison Chaplaincy Continues: Martin Forrest

Mark Forrest, Prison Chaplain at Low Moss reflects on his experiences during COVID19.

Innovation in a Time of Change

David Williams of the ‘Go For It’ team shares some learning and experience gained from helping people rethink ministry.

How to Lead in Days Like These

Neil Dougall looks to the Bible for inspiration on how to lead during times like these.

‘Learning in the Midst of the Storm’ Duncan McFadzean

This article first appeared in Duncan McFazdean’s blog ‘The Weekly Distillation’. While these weeks of lockdown have been very tough for so many, a large number of people have found some good and will want to hold on to that.

Thy Kingdom Come in Lockdown!

Stewart Cutler Shares His Perspective on Funerals

Stewart shares his experience of funerals during COVID19.

Experiences of Funerals During Pandemic

Marjory MacLean reflects on her experiences of funerals during this time.

New Days Old Ways

Hope in the Word

The Scottish Bible Society has a good range of resources which help all ages engage with the Bible at home.

24/7 Prayer App

This 24/7 prayer app will create ten minutes of space to listen and pray each day.

“When the World Turned Upside Down” A Children’s Story

A lovely story which will help children respond to the current situation, helping them to pray.

Online Worship

Theological Reflections on Funerals During COVID19: Doug Gay

Doug Gay shares some insights into funerals during a pandemic.

Resourcing

Further Resources for Children, Family and Youth Ministries

Here you’ll find information on where to access resources for Children, Family and Youth ministries.

Carey Nieuwhof: Crisis Leadership

Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario. During Covid he has developed a Crisis Leadership series resource online. If you follow this link you can access articles on leading through change and more.

Free Leadership Resource from Fuller

CPAS – getting the most out of holiday in lockdown.

This article from Church Pastoral Aid Society looks at how you can enjoy taking a break, even in lockdown.

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Good Questions To Ask

Guidance for Conversations

Introduction to Pioneer Ministry and Church Planting

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Training for Leading Worship in a Local Context

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Mental Health Self-Help Guide

This NHS self-help guide aims to help you cope with the experience of grief.

Richmond’s Hope: Responding to Grief

Supporting Yourself and Others

Resource from the British Psychological Society offering advice on support through death and grief during COVID19.

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‘Learning in the Midst of the Storm’ Duncan McFadzean

This article first appeared in Duncan McFazdean’s blog ‘The Weekly Distillation’. While these weeks of lockdown have been very tough for so many, a large number of people have found some good and will want to hold on to that.

“Healthy Church Leadership in Uncharted Territory” with Tod Bolsinger

Tod Bolsinger’s book ‘Canoeing the Mountains’ has been helpful to so many. He takes time here to reflect on the kind of leadership the church will need in these days.

A Time to Remember, a Liturgy

Lynsey Martin Kimmitt is a member at Barnhill St Margaret’s Church in Dundee. She has recently completed a course at New College for Leading Worship in a Local Setting and have been involved in leading various aspects of worship in a local setting for a number of years. She has also been a member of the National Youth Assembly worship team for a number of years too. As part of the New College course she attended, she created this liturgy.

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Engagement with young adults

Church Army Report from 2017
Very recent research has confirmed that a higher proportion of young adults are in some way engaging with churches during this time. The Church Army Report will help us consider those things which encourage faith in their generations.

Church Army Report from 2017, “Not as difficult as you think” Mission with young adults.

Engagement with young adults

Millenials
Very recent research has confirmed that a higher proportion of young adults are in some way engaging with churches during this time. This blogpost will help us consider those things which encourage faith in their generations.

Psychological Reflections on Funerals During Covid-19 – Rachel Morley

Rachel offers practical means of support when planning a funeral during these times.

Theological Reflections on Funerals During COVID19: Doug Gay

Doug Gay shares some insights into funerals during a pandemic.

Supporting those who can’t attend a funeral article 1

Supporting those who can’t attend a funeral article 2

Rev Fiona Reynolds of Monifieth Parish Church has compiled a helpful service outline to share with those unable to attend a funeral. She is happy for this document to be shared and further adapted just as she has.

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Support

Flourishing in difficult times

Pastoral support manager Gabby Dench reflects on how, with the right support, we can ‘flourish’ even in times of difficulty and challenge.

Support for YOU as You Continue to Lead Through Uncertainty and Change

The Ascend team offers some words of support, as well as sharing how to get in touch with the team for any support needs.

Leading Through Change

Watch a conversation on Leading Through Change and on Liminal Spaces here.

Gabby gives us some tips to address lockdown lethargy

As we all try and find our way through this new normal it is easy to look at others and think they are thriving more than you. The reality is that you are definitely not alone if you are feeling weary, lethargic or exhausted.

Support: it is available for you too

Grief and Loss through COVID19 and Lockdown, Reflections by Susanne Beitan

Susanne Beiton, therapist and Ascend Pastoral Supervisor, explores the effects COVID19 and lockdown are having on grief.

Stress Control Online

Wellbeing Tips for Families with Children Who Are All Working From Home

Mental wellbeing will be of utmost importance to help families get through periods where everyone is working from home, social distancing and/or self-isolating. This is a guide for parents with children to help them think about how best to look after everyone’s wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.

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