Ministry and Care

Jumping the Shark

It’s called “Jumping the Shark” – and chances are it has happened to you!  Your favourite TV show is rolling along just fine until, without warning, something so stupid happens it changes everything and makes future episodes hard to watch. Why is this phenomenon called “Jumping the Shark”?  It all started in 1974 with a show called Happy Days.  Fonzie, the cool dude in the show, slapped on water skis – and, in a fit of fearlessness, jumped

 over a shark.  The show was never the same again.  Nowadays, the phrase “jump the shark” refers to any show or character who changes to such an extent that their original standing is lost.  Think of the shows you watch.   Have any of them suffered from the dreaded ‘jumping of the shark’ syndrome? If you think so, you can compare your conclusions with lists like: The 10 Biggest Jump-the-Shark Moments in TV History

 (https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/10-jump-the-shark-moments-in-tv-history/)   

And what about you personally?  Have you ever jumped the shark?  Has something so significant happened in your life that you now feel there’s no way back? Maybe it was something beyond your control, like an injury or illness.  Maybe it was a questionable decision you made and now you don’t feel the same.  Maybe it’s a temptation you can’t shake. 

We can get pretty depressed if we let ourselves go there.  But we don’t need to go there!  Christianity says that because of Jesus, God forgives and renews – not once, but continually.  No one is too bad to be forgiven; no one is outside the embrace of God’s care.  God is forever reaching out in forgiveness to us. Whatever we’ve been through, whatever choices we’ve made, whatever we’re battling – it’s not a done deal!  Jesus offers us life and hope.  God’s door is always open.

Seasons for Growth - Children and young People's Programme:  fostering resilience and wellbeing in children and young people.

The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People/s Programme is a small group programme which runs for 45 minutes over eight weeks.

Seasons for Growth is an evidence-based change, loss and grief education programme that uses imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of change, loss or grief.

The programme offers four levels with tailored, developmentally appropriate activities and discussions for ages from 6 to18 years.

See the attachments below for further information.