Summer Worship 2008

Members from each of the three churches got together on Tuesday 27th May and after considering some interesting choices have chosen the book of Jonah as the theme for Summer Worship 2008.

This page will provide you with useful links, resources and ideas of how you can get involved in worship over the summer period.

It's a great chance to get involved and try something new. Readings, prayers, leading and coordinating or even trying your hand at a short talk. Everyone's contribution is welcomed and needed. If you've never taken part before why not try it - you might surprise yourself!

Themes from Jonah

Aug 3, Jonah 1:1-3 Reluctant Evangelist
Aug 10, Jonah 1:4-16 What happens when you try to run away from God
Aug 17, Jonah 2 Relying on God in a Crisis
Aug 24, Jonah 3 Second Chances - God and Mercy
Aug 31, Jonah 4 Jonah the moaner - What happens when God doesn't  behave in the way we'd like/expect

Joint end of Summer parish service

Jonah Man Jazz

It has been suggested that we might use some of the music from Jonah Man Jazz, a lively musical retelling of the story. A song or songs might be learned in each congregation each week and perhaps the musical may form a part of the combined service in September. Rachel Oates (St Aldhelm's) has the music.

Video resources

If your young people (or older people!) respond well to 'video snippets' as conversation starters, both Finding Nemo and Pinnochio have sections featuring the main characters being transported in the belly of a whale.

A bring and share lunch with a screening of 'Finding Nemo' is being considered as a community gathering.

Making activities, ideas and links

Fingerprint story Merry Carol Schoberg (St Aldhelm's) had a nice idea for a young people's making activity based around 'fingerprint' characters. Using (washable) felt-pens to produce fingerprints which can then be turned into characters from the Jonah story by adding details.

Footprint trail A suggested group activity on the theme of 'What are you running away from'. Each person makes a cut-out footprint on which they write things, situations or feelings that make them want to run in the opposite direction. These could be laid on the floor as a trail of footprints. You might go on to consider that when Jonah turned and moved in God's direction his fears quickly proved groundless.

Qualint.com is a website that allows you to make your own customised wordsearches with Jonah-themed words. You can download free demo software to construct 5 puzzles. Visit www.qualint.com

Download resources

Jonah and the Whale Paper Bag Puppet