Summer Formation
While many congregational programs take a break during the summer months, many of our shore parishes are gearing up for high season. Whether individuals and families are home or away, summer is a great time to try different formation activities, sometimes in a more limited time frame. Sabbath is important, however, especially for formation leaders, so consider what works for you among these options, ranging from simple printable to impactful time away at camp.
Summer Sabbath
Encourage Summer Sabbath, for ourselves and for our parish families. Pentecost is here to remind us that the Holy Spirit is at work with and in our parishes. Our ministry is simply to respond to that, but that holy work goes on with or without our constant thoughtful programming! If you need a break, take a break. If your congregational people need a break, allow them that space.
Diocesan Summer Scripture Study
Our Formation Team offers seasonal online Scripture Study—join us for this summer’s journey into the world of the Minor Prophets!
The Minor Prophets: Tuesdays at 7 pm on Zoom
Our online class meets every Tuesday evening for about an hour to learn about and discuss the works of the Minor Prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures. We’re joined by clergy from around the diocese who share their wisdom with us, and all are welcome! You can come for one, a few, or the whole summer. If you’ve missed one, look below for the recorded classes. All you need is a Bible and the registration link: https://dioceseofnj.zoom.us/meeting/register/a26yZiZtTL2uqAzfkBEG6Q
Previously Recorded Classes:
Tuesday, June 24th: The Rev. Terence Lee, Holy Trinity, South River, “Introduction to the Minor Prophets”
Tuesday, July 1st: The Rev. Paul Shoaf-Kozak, Cristo Rey, Trenton, “The Prophet Micah”
Tuesday, July 8th: The Rev. Emily Mellott, Trinity Church, Moorestown: “The Prophets Haggai and Zechariah”
Tuesday, July 15th: The Rev. Canon Susanna Cates, Diocese of New Jersey: “The Prophets Hosea and Nahum”
Tuesday, July 22nd: The Rev. Chase Danford, Trinity Church Asbury Park: “The Prophets Obadiah and Jonah”
Tuesday, July 29th: The Rev. Canon Susanna Cates, Diocese of New Jersey: “The Prophets Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Malachi”
Tuesday, August 5th: The Very Rev. Ben Maddison, Trinity Church Wenonah: “The Prophets Joel and Amos”
Diocesan Resource:
Church at Home & Away
We offer a variety of resources for use at home, in congregations, and in ministry.
Scavenger Hunt
Summer is a time to see worship through fresh eyes, whether you are at home or travelling to new or favorite places. Use the Scavenger Hunt to start, and see what other observations follow. Print for members or visitors, or distribute electronically for those on the go this summer.
Other Ideas: Use at intergenerational gatherings or during VBS
Trip Talks
Caring conversations are an essential part of living in faithful communities. These prompts can sustain conversation on the longest car ride, and are designed for all ages to learn more about our family members and fellow disciples. Don’t use it as a discussion checklist, but browse and see where the Holy Spirit takes you!
Other Ideas: Use at fellowship hours, summer BBQs, or family dinners
Question of the Week
Based on the readings and collects from the summer lectionary (Year C), these questions are meant to inspire thoughtful reflection to the scriptures we are hearing each week. Posting visual or verbal responses on social media (using #DioNJ) can build community across congregations and across our diocese!
Other Ideas: Use as journal prompts or table talks at home or church
Finger Labyrinth
A finger labyrinth is a simple faith practice to encourage prayer and worship in different places, since it is potable and accessible to all ages and stages of faith. Coloring sheets or prayer cards are other take-with options to share with traveling folks on the go or who want to try different ways to practice faith.
Other Ideas: Use as journal prompts or table talks at home or church
Service to Others
Summer is a time when school vacation and longer daylight hours enable many people to spend extra time in service to others. Opportunities vary from community to community—consider organizing a group service activity, or finding simple and accessible ways for visitors to your community to help support an outreach ministry. Share what you are doing and let your light shine!
Vacation Bible School, or VBS, was once the gold standard of a thriving formation program at many churches. Traditional week-long models are still popular in some congregations, and others have adapted that model by moving to evening gatherings, partnering with other local congregations, or spacing out the sessions weekly. Others have moved towards intergenerational models, while other congregations have alternatives like camps (local or away). Yet other congregations forego VBS altogether. While many people may fondly recall large-scale VBS programs from days gone by, each congregation should use the summer formation model that works best for their context, in considering both the needs of their families and the realistic availability of their volunteers. VBS is never a requirement!
To VBS or not to VBS?
Contact Us
Share your story. Ask a question.
What does summer formation look like in your context? Are you leaning into summer sabbath, or equipping folks for time away from home? Or maybe you are one of our shore or camp congregations for whom summer is high season. Share your stories with us, or find out what others are doing.