Seasons: Stories that scatter seeds of hope

Jonny McClune introduces ‘Seasons’, a new resource inspired by the rhythms of rural life, designed to start faith conversations in any setting.

We live in a world obsessed with stories. Whether it’s podcasts on a morning commute, social media feeds or the Netflix binge, stories are everywhere.

We consume them, share them, and are shaped by them. They help us make sense of life, of one another, and of what we believe. Stories are our common ground.

And yet, when it comes to sharing the story of Jesus, many of us hesitate. We worry we won’t have the right words. We fear being misunderstood. We wonder if it’s even our place to bring it up.

That’s where ‘Seasons’ comes in – it’s not a programme. It’s not a course. It’s a conversation starter.

What is Seasons?

Seasons is a set of four standalone video testimonies with an accompanying card to guide a reflective conversation about life and faith. The four stories are set around the seasons – autumn, winter, spring and summer – drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of the year. The themes –loss, preparing, new life and joy – are universal, yet they are framed through the lens of the seasons, echoing the natural cycles that shape rural life.

…when it comes to sharing the story of Jesus, many of us hesitate.

The heart of Seasons is real-life stories. Each video features someone sharing honestly about their life and faith. These aren’t polished performances – they’re real people talking about the real difference a relationship with Jesus makes in their lives.

Whether shared over coffee, during a walk in the countryside, standing at the school gate or as part of a small group gathering, Seasons offers a gentle, thoughtful way to explore deep issues affecting us all, and brings the goodness of Jesus and the Christian faith into the conversation in a relaxed and relational way.

These everyday settings involve following the leading of the Holy Spirit and some intuition and initiative. A video might be shared ahead of time – “Take five minutes to watch this before we meet” – or brought into the moment; a story recalled mid-walk; a clip shared while pausing at a bench. The school gate can often feel like a transient, surface-level space – where people scroll their phones or wait in silence – but it also holds quiet potential as a place of connection, where small conversations can grow into meaningful relationships and community. Don’t underestimate the power of the follow-up text: “Our chat today reminded me of a story I heard, give it a watch and we could chat again if it resonates with you”. These informal encounters may feel ad hoc, but they reflect the cultural value of relationship over structure. Even when only part of the content is explored, the space for reflection and return allows the Holy Spirit to stir curiosity and open hearts over time.

Why is it needed?

With over a third of people in Ireland living in the countryside, many people are deeply connected to the land yet may feel disconnected from church or unsure about faith. Seasons recognises this as a meaningful opportunity for the church to be present in the everyday, not through pressure or argument, but through common experiences. It doesn’t so much tell as it shows – inviting reflection, conversation and response.

Seasons is…real people talking about the real difference a relationship with Jesus makes in their lives.

Starting conversations about faith can be difficult and when relationships are often long-standing and close-knit, there can be added pressure not to ‘rock the boat’. Seasons responds to this challenge and offers a way in – through story, Scripture and shared reflection – noticing the spiritual in the everyday and letting the conversation grow naturally from there.

A resource rooted in hope

The stories shared through Seasons are about hope. It’s about helping people see that God is present in every season of life – through joy and sorrow, growth. and waiting, beginnings and endings. It’s about giving us a way to talk about Jesus and sow gospel seed in the soil of everyday life.

In the autumn story, William shares about how life does not always go the way we would plan and yet how he encountered God after a life-altering illness. William talks about putting his hope and trust in God and feeling prepared for the future. This story becomes a platform to introduce the parable of the rich fool which Jesus told (Luke chapter 12).

Other stories include: a story of loss where Elizabeth shares finding comfort from God’s presence in her life; Glenda’s story of finding new life in a relationship with God; and Andy’s story of experiencing life full of joy in the blessing and goodness of God.

Jonny McClune is PCI’s congregational witness development officer.

To order, contact PCI’s Congregational Life and Witness office:

Email: clw@presbyterianireland.org

Telephone: +44 (0)28 9041 7246