Today I am very, very proud of my church.
Today we started a seven week run of all age services using a 'zones' approach.
We began all together with a hymn and prayer before listening to a retelling of the Bible story for the week.
Next, whilst some music played, everyone was invted to move around, take a look at what was on offer in the zones and then choose where to spend the next twenty minutes...
Creative zone - using carefully chosen craft activities to create an artefact relating to the theme; this week it was 'hope stones'
Quiz zone - using themed word searches and puzzled to prompt futher thought on the topic; there were also copies of the Bible text and starter questions for private reflection and some colouring pages.
Active zone - in an adjacent room, an opportunity to explore through play or simply let off steam!
Contemplative zone - a guided reflection and interactive prayer - today we used candles
After the 'moving music' was played a second time, we all came together again for the offering, a simple communion, a final hymn and a blessing.
The feedback has been positive and encouraging. For sure, I am tired - it was a long morning and I was VERY nervous beforehand. But it is good tired.
Very proud of people who stepped out of the comfort of all that is familiar and tried something new,
Very proud of people who weren't sure it was for them but gave it go anyway.
Very proud to be part of this wonderful, slightly crazy, community of people trying to follow Jesus.
Comments
Fantastic!!
This is something we've been experimenting with for some time now - most folk have really embraced it. And one or two have genuinely blossomed as a result. One of my most precious memories is of a 92-yr old making prayer palm trees from her hand print with a 3-yr old from Nigeria sitting perched on her lap! A glimpse of heaven.
Three comments, though - a couple of folk have found it hard to engage because they can't hear what is going on. It is important, I think, to make sure your loop system is suitable - and that you have enough roving mikes.
And although we always vary the zones, we always try to have a 'hospitality' zone. Many of our folk need a place to catch up with one another - and a brew (sorry, Cat, remember that in England that means a tea or coffee - NOT an alcoholic beverage!) and a prayer seem appropriate places to do that.
Finally, most of the complaints we get come when folk don't know what is going on, so it is important that they are given a very clear outline of the process at the beginning.
Thanks, Tim, some useful pointers there. Someone observed a similar moment this morning... they are very precious.
Aye, I ken what a brew is - you can take the girl out of the North of England... ;-)
We are still have our brew and baking at the end as part of our coming back together, but worth adding to my list of things to ponder for the future.
Totally agree about loop, mikes and explanations - think we have those pretty well in hand. :-)