Going to Church. Sheila Hollins

can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:I wonder who that is?I wonder what is happening?What is he or she doing now?I wonder how he or she is feeling?

      4 You don’t have to read the whole book in one sitting. Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. In a book club or therapy group allow time for discussion of each picture.

      5 Some people will not be able to follow the story, but they may be able to understand some of the pictures.

      6 You can use the pictures as a storyboard for a drama group to create a play of the book.

      Storyline

      The following words are provided for readers and supporters who want some ideas about one possible story. Most readers make their own story up from the pictures.

      1 It’s Sunday. Mary and John watch ‘Songs of Praise’ while Anne and Alan wash the dishes.

      2 Now Alan joins in. What fun!

      3 Alan looks at his photo album.

      4 He looks at photos of himself when he was younger. That’s a nativity one. That one’s at church.

      5 Alan gets his cross out of the drawer. He has happy memories.

      6 Alan waves goodbye. He is going out.

      7 He stands outside a church. He thinks about going in.

      8 Alan goes into the church.

      9 Alan watches two ladies light candles.

      10 Susie and Alan are both praying.

      11 It’s Sunday. Alan goes to church – he is not sure whether to go in. Lots of people are there.

      12 A nice woman gives him a hymn book.

      13 Alan finds a seat.

      14 He loves singing! Other people look at him – is he too loud?

      15 Oops. Alan is embarrassed.

      16 The old man goes to communion. Alan doesn’t know what to do.

      17 Alan’s had enough and is going home. He’s a bit upset.

      18 Alan doesn’t eat his dinner. He is worried about something.

      19 He tells John about the church.

      20 John phones the vicar to introduce Alan.

      21 They go to the church together to meet the vicar.

      22 The vicar introduces Susie. He says Susie will look out for him.

      23 Susie sits with Alan and shows him what to do.

      24 Alan goes to communion. Susie helps him.

      25 He’s going to church again.

      26 Alan is in church praying.

      27 After the prayers, they all gather round for a chat, tea and a biscuit.

      28 Alan goes for a walk. He is day dreaming.

      29 Oh dear, he didn’t see the dog coming! That’s a nasty fall!

      30 Alan broke his leg. He has to stay at home.

      31 Susie and Jane from church come to visit. Susie brings a present – it’s a pot plant.

      32 Alan enjoys having visitors. They have tea and biscuits together.

      33 All of them are praying. Praying for Alan to get better soon.

      34 The vicar comes to see if Alan is all right. They shake hands and are happy to see one another.

      35 The vicar is glad to see Alan sing along with the TV. They have a good laugh together.

      36 Alan is back in church. Everyone welcomes him back.

      37 Singing! Alan knows the words – he doesn’t need the book.

      38 Alan is at home. He is smiling to himself and thinking. He wears his cross a lot of the time now.