So often church life changes in the summer. youth groups take mission trips, adults and youth alike head off to church camp, families take summer vacations, some spend time in a "summer home." It can make it difficult to continue to feel like "church" when we are passing in the night.
This summer we wanted to stay connected to one another. No matter where you are traveling, or where you are staying, you can take the church with you!
This summer we wanted to stay connected to one another. No matter where you are traveling, or where you are staying, you can take the church with you!
Whether you’re traveling alone or with family and friends, your church family goes with you “in spirit.” We will keep you close in our hearts and prayers during your absence. We wish for you safe travels and a time of re-creation for your body, mind, and soul.
Our “traveling kit” offers a variety of things (something for everyone, we hope!) to add to your family’s summer fun, and to remind you of God’s love and of ours, even when we are not worshiping together every Sunday.
Our “traveling kit” offers a variety of things (something for everyone, we hope!) to add to your family’s summer fun, and to remind you of God’s love and of ours, even when we are not worshiping together every Sunday.
Here are some suggestions:
We can’t wait to “travel with you” this summer. Happy Travels!
- Use the cloth and these other symbols to set up a “sacred corner” or “altar” in your hotel room, or guest room where you are staying. Use it as a physical reminder that you are never without God’s presence. You could even set it up all summer in each new place and keep adding to it!
- There are several images of Jesus inside the frame. Decide which one most reminds you of your vision of Jesus on this day and use it as a visual meditation. You may even want to switch the images several times while you are away, perhaps even daily.
- At the beginning and ending of your day, light the candle as a reminder of Christ’s presence wherever you go and read the prayers. You can use the daily prayers if you are on vacation for about a week, or you can simply use the morning and evening prayers. Whatever works best for your family!
- Keep a journal to share something about your vacation. Where have you felt God’s presence? What is something that you’ve seen for which you want to thank God? Perhaps you would be willing to share this with our church family by sending an email to Laura. She can share a portion of this on our blog.
- Send a postcard to the church! Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 West 75th Street, Overland Park, KS 66204 We’ll post these and your photos that you share on our bulletin board at church!
- Have someone in your family carry the cross in their pocket throughout the day. Trade with another family member at the end of the day, sharing with one another a person in whom you saw the Spirit of God this day.
- Have someone in your family wear the bracelet with the anchor throughout the day. Trade at the end of the day, sharing with one another how you were reminded of Jesus as your anchor, on this day.
- The anchor was a symbol for early Christians, much the way we see the cross as a symbol of modern Christianity. It reminds us that Jesus is our anchor. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19)
- Don’t forget about Flat Jesus! Take lots of pictures with Flat Jesus and send them to the Laura's email, bring them to church, AND share them on social media using the hash-tags #opccdoc and #flatjesus
We can’t wait to “travel with you” this summer. Happy Travels!