[scroll down to see this month's Explore Together material, or read on to find out what Explore Together is like.]
Introduction
Explore Together is an event that usually happens on the third Sunday of every month, at 9am, repeated at 10.30am. We don't livestream this service - but we do give those at home a flavour of what happens so that they can join in, too. The layout of this service is different to other Sundays - to make it easier for people to move around: we have mats and beanbags in the middle for families to sit on and some chairs around for those who need them.
Explore Together starts with some worship led by the band; then we introduce the Bible passage for the day and some key questions for us all to be asking God as we seek to listen to him through that passage.
For the middle section of the service, people can wonder round the different zones, listening to God in a quiet zone, a busy zone, a colour zone, a word zone or a chat zone. The different zones recognise that we each have different 'learning styles' - some learn best through quiet contemplation, some through discussion, some through being busy with their hands whilst chatting, some through studying etc. God can speak to us in each of those ways.
We'll then draw back together to share what we feel God has been saying to us, before praying and worshipping God in song some more.
For a longer explanation about why we hold Explore Together services - see this blog post. Why not come along and try it out? We'd love to have you join us - it genuinely is for all ages, not just for children. And it's really informal and accessible to everyone, whether or not you're used to church.
Introduction
Explore Together is an event that usually happens on the third Sunday of every month, at 9am, repeated at 10.30am. We don't livestream this service - but we do give those at home a flavour of what happens so that they can join in, too. The layout of this service is different to other Sundays - to make it easier for people to move around: we have mats and beanbags in the middle for families to sit on and some chairs around for those who need them.
Explore Together starts with some worship led by the band; then we introduce the Bible passage for the day and some key questions for us all to be asking God as we seek to listen to him through that passage.
For the middle section of the service, people can wonder round the different zones, listening to God in a quiet zone, a busy zone, a colour zone, a word zone or a chat zone. The different zones recognise that we each have different 'learning styles' - some learn best through quiet contemplation, some through discussion, some through being busy with their hands whilst chatting, some through studying etc. God can speak to us in each of those ways.
We'll then draw back together to share what we feel God has been saying to us, before praying and worshipping God in song some more.
For a longer explanation about why we hold Explore Together services - see this blog post. Why not come along and try it out? We'd love to have you join us - it genuinely is for all ages, not just for children. And it's really informal and accessible to everyone, whether or not you're used to church.
Sunday 18th September - Ruth 1
Worship God by joining in with Never far away and Every giant will fall
Then read through Ruth 1 - maybe in a variety of versions
Which words or phrases stand out to you? Ask the Lord why he’s making them stand out. Do something to reflect on that phrase or verse - you could draw, write, sit quietly, make, discuss with others. As you do so, ponder on these questions:
Worship God by joining in with Never far away and Every giant will fall
Then read through Ruth 1 - maybe in a variety of versions
Which words or phrases stand out to you? Ask the Lord why he’s making them stand out. Do something to reflect on that phrase or verse - you could draw, write, sit quietly, make, discuss with others. As you do so, ponder on these questions:
- What can you learn from Ruth?
What can you learn from Naomi?
Which do you relate to more? Why?
When have you felt full? When have you felt empty? What’s your relationship with God been like in those times?
What do you want to say to God today?
- Put yourself in Naomi’s shoes at one point in the story. Write a prayer journal entry for Naomi, being brutally honest. Let that lead you into prayer for others, too.
- Put yourself in Ruth’s shoes at one point in the story. Write a postcard from Ruth to one of her friends or family. Let that lead you into prayer for others, too.
- Watch a short Bible study on the passage or listen to a longer sermon on it
- Share with someone else what you've been pondering about through these activities.