In the recent FWW impact survey report, an interviewee made an interesting comment. They asked how the relationship could be “two-way”. In that, I heard a desire to “give back”. I know chaplains often say they receive more than they give when they visit, but it made me reflect on the extent to which businesses already “give back”. Estimates of how much companies “give back” are easiest to find in financial rather than time estimates. In 2024, the top FTSE 100 businesses donated £1.85 billion to charities. [1]
This stands next to the voluntary/charitable sector, which itself contributes £24 billion to the economy through activity and saved expenditure. This accounts for £2,000 per volunteer per year. Opportunities for the workers our chaplains meet to give back are necessarily few, but an important principle is at play.
In healing people, Jesus cured illnesses but also restored them to their community. The man born blind was told to speak to the temple leaders; the man possessed by a spirit was restored to his family. Being able to receive and have opportunities to give is good for spiritual, mental, community and physical health. Perhaps, as our organisation changes, we can encourage the relationship with people to be more explicitly two-way? Food for thought, prayer and reflection.
Almighty God, we, your created beings, praise you that you enter relationship with us.
As we hesitantly come towards you, you come running to us
and throw your arms around us in love.
Help us share that love with the people we meet;
in chaplaincy, in our daily lives, and through our networks.
And please help us receive from those we meet, in good grace.
Amen
We pray for:
- Government, both national and local, where financial constraints drive reliance onto volunteer organisations, which themselves are often financially challenged. That there will be a proper balance between public sector provision and the charitable sector, working together for the common good.
- The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), giving thanks for the support they give to the voluntary sector and their advocacy work with central Government
- Those whose volunteering is not easily visible – working in food banks, larders, charities in the support of the retail sector, and those who befriend someone in need.
- Opportunities for our chaplains and trustees to encourage businesses and workers to feel FWW is an organisation for them, perhaps through volunteering themselves.
- Our FWW Chaplains, as they make their regular visits, have conversations about the meaning of work, vocations and ambitions, that they may help people reflect on their purpose in the work they do. And, as they do that, that the chaplains’ own faith will deepen.
- For supporters, chaplains and trustees of FWW as we adjust to being a 100% volunteer-led organisation.
- In our cycle of prayer for the work of FWW, this month we pray for chaplains in Redditch town centre. Paul Lawlor, Elaine Whitfield, Sharon Forrest, Linda McRoy, and for new chaplains to join the team.
This month’s reflection and guide is provided by FWW Trustee, Martin Allen.
[1] Source Charities Aid Foundation.
