🌿 Church Summer Sabbatical
A Time to Rest & Explore Something New
- 3rd August to 25th August
As we enter the slower rhythm of summer, we’re inviting you to take a sabbatical moment—a gentle pause to rest, reconnect, and try something new.
There will be no church services during this four-week period, giving us all space to rest and explore new ways to nurture our everyday faith. Whether you explore a new spiritual practice, take a reflective walk, or dig into scripture, here are some simple ideas to inspire your summer journey:
📱 Try a New Digital Resource
🎥 BibleProject – Animated Bible Videos
Explore Luke and Acts in beautifully animated episodes.
👉 Watch now
🙏 Everyday Faith – Daily Bible and Prayer (CofE)
Bitesize, yet in-depth, resources on topics relevant to you.
👉 App or Portal link here
📖 Psalm 23 – 6-Day Bible Plan
A short journey through this beloved psalm.
👉 Start here
🎧 Listen to Acts – Audio Bible (NIVUK)
Great for listening on walks or during quiet moments.
👉 Listen here
🙏 Pray As You Go – Daily Guided Prayer
Reflective, peaceful daily audio prayers.
👉 prayasyougo.org
🙏 PrayerMate – Helping your prayer life.
Helping you to pray faithfully and widely
👉 Pray here
🤝 Connect with Others
🚶 Walk Together
Reach out to someone from church and go on a walk together—chat, pray, or just enjoy the peace of being outdoors.
🏰 Visit Ely Cathedral
If you’re on our church roll, I can sign your Parish Pass application for free entry (tours still cost extra). Consider visiting with a friend from church!
🍽️ Eat Together
Why not reach out to someone from church and share a meal this week.
A coffee, lunch, or dinner — it's a great way to connect, laugh, and build community.
🧘 Reflective Practices
🪞 The Examen
Each week, ask:
What brought me life - joy, peace, connection?
What drained me - stress, sadness, emptiness?
Where did I see God - through kindness, caring, generosity?
✋ Pray for 5 People
Write down five names and commit to praying for them daily this week.
📝 I Am Thankful For...
Pause each Sunday and jot down five things you’re grateful for.
📺 Watch & Reflect
🎬 The Chosen – A Fresh Look at Jesus’ Story
Start from Season 1 and watch one episode each Sunday.
Available free on the app, web, or Amazon Prime.
👉 Watch now
🎨 Bible Chat Mats
Each Sunday, download a creative Bible activity sheet to colour, reflect, and explore. Great for all ages!
Download pdf files week 1 to 4.
🎥 Watch & Learn
👣 Everyday God with Paula Gooder
Explore how God meets us in the ordinary.
👉 Watch video
📚 Intro to Luke’s Gospel (10 min)
A quick and helpful overview by Paula Gooder.
👉 Watch here
📚 Intro to Mark's Gospel part 1 (12 min)
A quick and helpful overview by Paula Gooder.
👉 Watch here
📚 Intro to Mark's Gospel part 2 (8 min)
A quick and helpful overview by Paula Gooder.
👉 Watch here
📚 Intro to Matthew's Gospel (10 min)
A quick and helpful overview by Paula Gooder.
👉 Watch here
📚 Intro to John's Gospel (12 min)
A quick and helpful overview by Paula Gooder.
👉 Watch here
🎥 Animation – DIY
Make your own animation of a Bible story using the Aardman Animator (Google Play & Apple App store) with lego or play dough etc.
🐑 The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7)
Perfect for visual comedy and heart — one silly sheep wandering off, lots of slapstick potential with the shepherd searching.
🧱 The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24–27)
Physical comedy galore! One builds a sturdy house, the other builds a wobbly shack — cue a comical rainstorm.
💬 However You Sabbatical...
We hope this season is filled with moments of renewal, connection, and peace.
If you try any of these ideas, we’d love to hear what blessed or surprised you!
With prayers and gratitude,
The Alconbury Weald Church Team