In 2023, we began talking about how we can live and act more as everyday disciples of Jesus. As part of that, we started looking at some of the historical Christian disciplines that followers of Jesus have used for centuries to grow stronger in their relationship with him. One of the disciples we talked about was the historic Christian (and Jewish) practice of Sabbath. Sabbath gives us a day to slow down and rest from our normal activites. God created it to rejuvenate and renew us. Sabbath creates time for us to delight in God's gifts and creation. It also leads us to worship and glorify God.
And yet, as staff and leaders of Ivanrest Church, we also realize that we are actually one of the biggest reasons many of you can't sabbath well. You may try to cease your work, stop, rest, delight, and worship on Sunday, when most of you sabbath, but our programming and events fill your calendars and make it hard for your Sabbath to truly function the way it should.
Introducing...Sabbath Sundays! Once a quarter or so, we will cancel all our other activities, programs, and events as a church other than our Sunday morning service. On those days, we'll do as much as we can without volunteers. Our hope is that this practice will lead us into an even deeper practice of this discipline and, more importantly, a deeper relationship with Christ as our Rabbi and Lord.
Below you will find a liturgy to use as part of our sabbath, suggestions of games/activities, local areas to enjoy the beauty of God's creation, and recipes to enjoy. You are also invited to utilize the Ivanrest Church game and puzzle library...borrow a new-to-you game or puzzle, enjoy and return!
Book/Resource Recommendations:
Card Games for Travelers
Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton
Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner
Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest by Kathi Lipp
Spring
Spring in West Michigan - Local Family Activities
Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt - I–Spy with My Little Eye
Summer
Plan the Perfect Afternoon - Let's go fly a kite and then we'll have s'mores!
Beautiful Suncatchers - Let the sun shine in!
Summer Scavenger Hunt - There is so much to discover in God's creation!
Fall
Area Parks & Beautiful Lakes - Autumn in Michigan has unbeatable beauty! Take some time to enjoy God’s masterpiece!
Ministry Year Time Capsule - A fun, meaningful way to reflect on where you are, what you hope for, and how you've grown!
Nature Scavenger Hunt - How many items can you find?
Pumpkin Decorating- Not your ordinary pumpkin decorating!
Apple Stamping - A preschool classic and a hit year after year!
Fall Leaf Suncatcher Craft - A simple, budget-friendly craft that beautifully catches the sunlight!
Winter
Family Fun Activity - Magic Milk Science Experiment
Winter Fun & Kindness Ideas - Winter - Snowy Activities & Cozy Stories
Winter Walk Scavenger Hunt - I–Spy with My Little Eye
Sledding Hills - Embrace the snow!
Winter Charades - How many of these popular winter items can you identify?
Winter Snowflake Craft - Release your inner creativity!
1 Player Games
Scoundrel - For 1 player; 1 deck of cards
Klondike Solitaire - For 1 player; 1 deck of cards
Windmill Card Game - For 1 player; 1 deck of card
Tripeaks Solitaire - For 1 player; 1 deck of cards
Citadel Solitaire - For 1 player; 1 deck of cards
2+ Player Games
Knock Out Whist - For 2 players or 2 teams of 2; 1 deck of cards
GOPS - For 2 players; 1 deck of cards
Sevens - For 3-8 players; 1 deck of cards
Crazy Eights - 2-5 Players
Yard Twister - 2-4 Players, Outdoor Game!
Hillbilly Rummy - For 2-4 players; 2 decks of cards
SCOPA - For 2-4 players; 1 deck of cards
4+ Player Games
Canasta - For 4 players; 2 decks of cards
President - For 4-7 players; 1 deck of cards
Donkey Card Game -For 4-12 players; 1 deck of cards
Comfort Food
Baked Ravioli - Does pasta get any cozier than this?
Baked Ham & Kale Frittata - Full of taste in every bite!
Chorizo, Orzo & Sweetcorn Stew - Healthy, colorful stew!
Overnight Sausage Hash Brown Casserole - Prepare the day before and enjoy a prep free Sabbath meal!
Chill Chili - A perfect meal to make ahead and reheat when needed!
Sabbath Soup - Potato Soup - Prepare the day before to fully enjoy your Sabbath!
Slow Cooker Pot Roast - Most of this recipe can be prepared the day before so dinner can be ready when you are!
Slow Cooker Chili - Set and forget it until dinnertime!
Quick & Easy
Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Rice Bowl - This colorful bowl is full of Thai flavors and so simple!
Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Even better than P.F. Changs!
Loaded Baked Potato Toppings Bar - There's really no wrong way to serve a potato-especially with all these toppings!
Taco Salad - Quick to prepare, quick to assemble!
Build Your Own Pizza - An easy way to get a dinner on the table that everyone will enjoy!
Sweets & Treats
Icebox Sandwiches - A cool, creamy treat!
Flourless Chocolate Cake - A rich, dense, flourless cake!
Hot Chocolate Bar - A cozy afternoon treat
Caramel Apple Nacho Bar - One of the best fall treats and much easier than making caramel apples!