School’s out and summer is upon us—the perfect moment for the Reverend Jim Young of Christ Church Jebel Ali to share ideas for keeping children busy and connected with church over the long holiday.

The first is Flat Jesus—a summer engagement project CCJA adopted from Sparkhouse, based on a popular children’s book by Jeff Brown. (Visit Sparkhouse here) 

“Just as Flat Stanley has helped children explore literacy and geography, Flat Jesus encourages children to remain connected to Jesus and to their church community wherever their summer travels may take them,” says Fr Jim.

Children—and young-at-heart adults, too—colour their paper cut-out of Jesus to take on holiday with them, with families encouraged to photograph Flat Jesus wherever they may be, sending pictures back to the parish.

“This simple reminder of Jesus’s promise, ‘I am with you always’, also helps families stay connected to congregations throughout the summer,” says Fr Jim.

Another firm favourite with the little people of CCJA is a colouring book, developed by Christ Church to introduce Bishop Sean to the congregation while explaining the Confirmation journey in a child-friendly way—an idea other churches of the Diocese might like to explore, as well as sharing some of their own summer suggestions.