| The poet, Mary Oliver, declares “there is no end to the inventions of summer”.
As we anticipate the gifts of summer, your Regional Council is pleased to provide you with a free resource.
Inventions of Summer
A simple, creative, theologically rich companion for a Summer Sabbath
or Worship Series for your Community of Faith
This four-week, ready-to-use Summer Sabbath booklet and worship series invites us to enrich our summer through simple reflections on sunflowers, string beans, mosquitoes, and fireflies.
Designed for Flexible Use
- Print and share with congregants to keep community if your church takes a summer break.
- Use and adapt as a creative Summer Worship series with ready-made reflections and prayers for Communities of Faith.
- Easy-to-use four week worship resource for Communities of Faith without ministry leadership or when leaders are on holiday or study leave.
- Use as personal or family summer spiritual practice on vacation, at the cottage, or for stay-at-home vacations.
- Enjoy in Small Group gatherings on decks, beaches or gardens.
What You Receive
- Print-ready PDF booklet (8 double-sided pages)
- Editable Word file to personalize the booklet for your community of faith or to share with friends (includes space for your personalized welcome/greeting to your congregants)
- Permission to print and share freely within your community
- Additional Worship Planning Notes with prayers, blessings, music suggestions, and ideas for preparing your worship space.
- A short introductory video and theme photo for use in bulletins or on social media.
The Four Themes
1. Sunflowers – Pronouncing a Blessing
Receiving the day and affirming Goodness.
2. String Beans – Taking Up the Offerings
Thanksgiving and returning blessing to Earth.
3. Mosquitoes – Praying Through Hard Times
Honest prayer when life irritates or wounds.
4. Fireflies – Praying for Others
A practice of carrying others in Love.
This resource is made available to you through a Regional Group License
with Prayer Bench at www.prayerbench.ca |