The one thing that I never seem to have is enough time to do all the things I want to do. This seems to be true of everyone I know. Kids have school, afterschool activities, homework and precious little time to just play. Adults struggle to fit in all the chores, relationship demands, and even a little exercise in the time left after work. Even those who have retired tell me that they have never been busier. As a result, even those who would love to come out for a book group, Bible study or other event find it difficult to come. With this realization, here are some ideas for intergenerational formation activities that can be done during coffee hour. Why coffee hour? Because that is where the people are! (For more ideas go to http://www.linnaepeterson.com/coffee-hour.html)
Lent –
During Lent we have the opportunity to pare down, dig deeper, and refocus.
Rachel Held Evans has a wonderful list of ideas for Lent see at http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-for-lent-2012
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, *
so far has he removed our sins from us. Ps. 103:10-12
Provide books for Adults and children to read.
Have a stack of vegetarian dinner recipes.
Or try this
Put this question in the bulletin the first two weeks before Lent.
What are some things in my life that I tell myself I need but I don’t? Can I give one or two of them up for 40 days?
On Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent, provide paper and pens to write down their decision.
Create a box to put them in near the altar.
Baptism
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
When you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col. 2:12
Decorate the room with anything related to baptism: i.e. Photo’s, parish records of baptisms, baptismal grows, baptismal certificates.
Around the room place photo’s or other items that relate to how your congregation have lived out their baptismal covenant.
For example
Seek and serve Christ in all persons- canned goods that will go to the food pantry
Proclaim by word and example the Good News- a home communion kit
Prayer of Adoration
Adoration is praising God for who God is. It is a way for us, as humans to recognize the wonder of God.
Adoration is closely linked to worship and often the topic of hymns.
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
In the bulletin print out one of the hymns. During “Annoucements” describe “Adoration” and ask them to circle phrases that reflect adoration in the hymn, in that days scripture readings and to look for them in the liturgy.
Phrases that reflect God’s
Eternal being, steadfastness, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, faithfulness, love, creativity, persistence, truthfulness to begin with.
At coffee hour provide sheets with a format to craft a prayer of adoration.
Some prompts might include:
Lord God who is ……
We praise you who are…..
We bless you who is….
Prayer of Intercession
Intercession is placing ourselves before God on behalf of another. Sybil MacBeth has written a wonderful book (Praying in Color) that utilizes coloring as a way of engaging our bodies, as well as our hearts and minds in intercession. She has free worksheets available here http://prayingincolor.com/handouts
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Col. 1:9
Explanation
Often our minds wander as we prayer. Praying in color is one way to help focus on our prayers.
Use the sheet (or make your own). Color, doodle, or draw as you keep the person or situation you are praying for before God.
Lent –
During Lent we have the opportunity to pare down, dig deeper, and refocus.
Rachel Held Evans has a wonderful list of ideas for Lent see at http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-for-lent-2012
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *
nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, *
so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, *
so far has he removed our sins from us. Ps. 103:10-12
Provide books for Adults and children to read.
Have a stack of vegetarian dinner recipes.
Or try this
Put this question in the bulletin the first two weeks before Lent.
What are some things in my life that I tell myself I need but I don’t? Can I give one or two of them up for 40 days?
On Ash Wednesday and the first Sunday of Lent, provide paper and pens to write down their decision.
Create a box to put them in near the altar.
Baptism
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
When you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col. 2:12
Decorate the room with anything related to baptism: i.e. Photo’s, parish records of baptisms, baptismal grows, baptismal certificates.
Around the room place photo’s or other items that relate to how your congregation have lived out their baptismal covenant.
For example
Seek and serve Christ in all persons- canned goods that will go to the food pantry
Proclaim by word and example the Good News- a home communion kit
Prayer of Adoration
Adoration is praising God for who God is. It is a way for us, as humans to recognize the wonder of God.
Adoration is closely linked to worship and often the topic of hymns.
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
In the bulletin print out one of the hymns. During “Annoucements” describe “Adoration” and ask them to circle phrases that reflect adoration in the hymn, in that days scripture readings and to look for them in the liturgy.
Phrases that reflect God’s
Eternal being, steadfastness, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, faithfulness, love, creativity, persistence, truthfulness to begin with.
At coffee hour provide sheets with a format to craft a prayer of adoration.
Some prompts might include:
Lord God who is ……
We praise you who are…..
We bless you who is….
Prayer of Intercession
Intercession is placing ourselves before God on behalf of another. Sybil MacBeth has written a wonderful book (Praying in Color) that utilizes coloring as a way of engaging our bodies, as well as our hearts and minds in intercession. She has free worksheets available here http://prayingincolor.com/handouts
Set out the scripture in a way the folks can read and ponder it.
For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Col. 1:9
Explanation
Often our minds wander as we prayer. Praying in color is one way to help focus on our prayers.
Use the sheet (or make your own). Color, doodle, or draw as you keep the person or situation you are praying for before God.
- Praying in Color sheets
- Crayons, pens, pencils
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