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SERVICE AND CRAFT PROJECT
• Summer Friendship Gathering events lasts three evenings and each evening is divided into three parts: fellowship meal, worship time with a large group lesson, and small group discussion. On the last evening there is a closing worship service, which replaces the Large Group Bible Lesson and Small Group Discussion time.
• On Days 1 and 2, there will be Small Group Discussion time, followed by a craft/service project related to that day’s Bible lesson.
• This year, we will again take an offering of non-perishable food items to help stock local food pantries. If your church has a food pantry, or has a relationship with a food pantry, your church is
encouraged to distribute these items. If not, Connection Ministries will help with the distribution.
• A table will be available near the registration table for collecting the food items on all three days of the Gathering. As you arrive each day, you can bring your food items to the table and label them.
• Help the friends with disabilities to also label their food items as well. On the third evening, these
food items will be used for the offering during the worship service.
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2021 SUMMER FRIENDSHIP GATHERING
SERVICE AND CRAFT PROJECT CONTINUED• The second project will be completed during the Small Discussion Group time on Day 2. It is both a service project and a craft project. The project is a beaded bracelet with the words “Capture His Spirit” spelled out with beads. Connection Ministries will supply these bracelets.
• Each friend with a disability will make two bracelets, one as a craft project to keep for themselves, and the second as a service project to give away to someone as a gift. This is an opportunity for our friends to witness to
another person.
• Many of our friends with disabilities will need the volunteers’ help
assembling these bracelets. For this reason, we will only supply bracelets for our friends with disabilities.
• Many Friendship groups enjoy craft projects. Groups are welcome to select an optional craft project for Day 1.
• It will be important to choose a project that is not childish. It is important to leave time for discussing the lesson and prayer.
• It is recommended that you do not use messy supplies like liquid glue or glitter. If glue is needed, consider glue sticks. Your group will be
responsible for the craft supplies for any of the optional projects.
2021 SUMMER FRIENDSHIP GATHERING
CRAFT PROJECT OPTIONS• The following are craft options that Gathering groups can use for the Day 1 Bible lesson, to emphasize the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Online links are included with these craft project ideas.
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CRAFT PROJECT OPTIONS CONTINUED
• Holy Spirit Banner
- Make a simple design stating, “Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here”, with clip art of flames and a cross. Include the SFG theme Bible verse, Acts 1:8.
- Print off design on cardstock paper and have it pre-cut ahead of time.
- Participants take two popsicle sticks and glue them to the back of the cardstock paper.
- Take string or yarn and glue it to the back, so the banner can be hung up.
• Pentecost Flame Ring
- Use a foam or metal ring and tie yellow, orange and red ribbons to it.
- Link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/308778118198791548/
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2021 SUMMER FRIENDSHIP GATHERING
CRAFT PROJECT OPTIONS CONTINUED• Holy Spirit Flames
- Have pre-cut flames out of tissue or construction paper. - Tape the flames around a tea light.
- Turn on the light and the flames are illuminated. - Include the SFG theme Bible verse, Acts 1:8.
- Link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434949276491174626/?d=t&mt=login
• Holy Spirit Dove Paper Plate
- Pre-draw an outline of a dove body and wings on a paper plate. - Cut out the outline and glue the pieces together.
- Markers can used to make the eyes, beak and feet. - Attach a string in the back to hang the dove.
- Include the SFG theme Bible verse, Acts 1:8.
- Link:
https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/197595502389585184/?d=t&mt=login
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SUMMER FRIENDSHIP GATHERING
SCHEDULE
(This schedule is a guideline and is flexible, especially for smaller groups that can transition quicker. If your group plans to start at a different time,
please let Connection Ministries know about the change.)
Day 1
5:30 p.m.
Volunteers arrive / Meet and Greet / Sign-In / Names Tags
Any new participants need to fill out applications. Collect food pantry items.
6:00—6:45 p.m.
Table Blessing / Dinner / use Restrooms as groups
6:45—7:00 p.m. Music and Singing
7:00—7:30 p.m.
Group Bible Lesson / Skit or Biblical visitor
7:30—8:20 p.m.
Small Group Discussions/ Optional Craft / Service Project / Group Prayer
Collect Booklets and Name Tags. Place them in the bin on your table.
8:20—8:30 p.m.
Wrap Up / Announcements / Reminders / Closing Prayer
Day 1: pass out Gathering T-Shirts as registered participants leave for home.
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Day 2
5:30 p.m.
Volunteers arrive / Meet and Greet / Sign-In / Names Tags
Any new participants need to fill out applications. Collect food pantry items.
6:00—6:45 p.m.
Table Blessing / Dinner / use Restrooms as groups
6:45—7:00 p.m. Music and Singing
7:00—7:30 p.m.
Group Bible Lesson / Skit or Biblical visitor
7:30—8:20 p.m.
Small Group Discussions / Optional Craft / Service Project / Group Prayer
No Discussion Group on Day 3. Discussion Booklets can be taken home. Collect Name Tags and place them in the bin on your table.
8:20—8:30 p.m. Wrap Up / Announcements / Reminders / Closing Prayer. Remind
participants to wear their Gathering T-Shirt on Day 3 for pictures.
Day 3
5:30 p.m.
Volunteers arrive / Meet and Greet / Sign-In / Names Tags. Collect food
pantry items and stick Scripture labels on items.
6:00—6:45 p.m.
Table Blessing / Dinner / use Restrooms / Move to predesignated location
for the Large Group Photo.
6:45—7:15 p.m. Large Group Photo
7:15—7:30 p.m.
Restroom Break. Bring food pantry items to the Sanctuary for offering.
7:30—8:20 p.m.
Worship Service with Day 3 Message / Large Group Bible Lesson
Groups can start the worship service when the Large Group Photo is done.
8:25—8:30 p.m.
Sending / Closing Prayer. Request for participants and volunteers to leave
Name Tag holders with Connection Ministries staff.
