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Sight Loss Friendly Church Christmas Top Tips

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Sight Loss Friendly Church Christmas Top Tips

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Advice from Torch on how to ensure your Christmas events are accessible to those with sight loss.

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MyAdvent let's you create personal online advent calendars with photos, voice messages and videos and share those with friends during the Christmas season.

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A great way for church to share the Christmas story with their local school. Please get in touch with Bristol Schools Connection for more info!

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A 7-17 part script for a Zoom nativity service. They ask that you let them know if you use it.

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A narrated video of lego characters creating a Christingle.

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The URC have created some excellent resources for an Advent box to be distributed around homes.

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The Advent Box of hope and joy offers a range of fun, creative and reflective activities for all ages. It is organised into six weeks to cover the whole of Advent through to Epiphany 6th January.

The boxes have sold out. Below are links to the downloadable material for you to print off and use, or to make your own boxes:

Below is a list of items you can purchase to create your version of the box. The links to eBay sellers replace trade suppliers:

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The Advent Box of hope and joy offers a range of fun, creative and reflective activities for all ages. It is organised into six weeks to cover the whole of Advent through to Epiphany 6th January. The boxes have sold out.

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A local initaitive that has gone global creating an Advent Online Calender through Facebook.

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An introduction to this wonderful collaborative project 'Advent Online' Calendar, providing a rich library of resources for all churches and Christians to draw from and share with their people https://www.facebook.com/AdventOnline.Faith

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An introduction to this wonderful collaborative project 'Advent Online' Calendar, providing a rich library of resources for all churches and Christians to draw from and share with their people https://www.facebook.com/AdventOnline.Faith

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Advent Online

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Great version of Little Donkey with BSL.

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British Sign Langauge Carols and Prayers Videos

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British Sign Langauge Carols and Prayers Videos

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BSL have created a range of prayers and carol videos to be used as part of online worship.

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in British Sign Language

Signed by Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford
Translation consultant: Gill Behenna
Musical and vocal arrangement: David Luke
Performed by David Luke
Featuring Chris Orton on violin
Original words and music: public domain
Musical and vocal arrangement, performance, and recording copyright: ChristianBSL.com 2020
Video copyright: ChristianBSL.com 2020
Click the purple & white play button on the player above to watch this video. You can download these videos to include them in live-streamed/pre-recorded/in-building church services, Bible studies, school assemblies, workshops, and similar. Find out how. We have commissioned exclusive musical and vocal arrangements, performances, and recordings and included a buy out in the contract thereby holding the rights to the arrangement, performance and recordings ourselves. We would like to bless those who download our Christmas carol videos to use them without any additional music licences. However, please prayerfully consider making a donation towards our work.

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Christmas Carols in British Sign Language - Christian BSL

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in British Sign Language Signed by Mary-Jayne Russell de CliffordTranslation consultant: Gill BehennaMusical and vocal arrangement: David LukePerformed by David LukeFeaturing Chris Orton on violin Original words and music: public domainMusical and vocal arrangement, performance, and recording copyright: ChristianBSL.com 2020Video copyright: ChristianBSL.com 2020 Click the purple & white play button on the player above to watch this video.

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Community Christmas meals, Diocese of Gloucester 

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Community Christmas meals, Diocese of Gloucester 

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The Diocese have partnered with a local food charity to offer 1,800 Christmas meals to people who are vulnerable, elderly, have a new family or just need a bit of help. People can sponsor a meal for £5 and includes a gift and a card. Meals are frozen so can be distributed ahead of Christmas.

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Following on from our Feeding the 5,000 project, providing nutritious meals for those in need at the beginning of lockdown, we are once again partnering with The Long Table to offer Christmas meals and gift bags for people who need a bit of extra love this Christmas. It could be grandparents who now have to spend Christmas on their own, people in the community who you know are vulnerable, parents with a new born baby, or just a lovely Christmas offering of a meal, a gift from your church. One church in Stroud has got on board to provide meals to their congregation as they won't be able to join together for their usual Christmas meal.

As a worshipping community, you are invited to get involved and sponsor Christmas meals for £5 per person. Each meal will come with a Christmas gift bag, which you can personalise, to help spread the festive spirit across your community.

It's really simple! The Long Table cook a delicious Christmas meal and provide them frozen for you to deliver, or you can store in a freezer to deliver at a time suitable for you. The freezers can also be made available, you just need to plug it in! You identify who in the community would benefit from the meals and ask some willing volunteers to deliver them and help make lovely gift bags with mince pies, a Christmas card, carols etc.

The word 'Christmas' and idea, with everything you have on your plate right now, might want to make you not read on, but please do! We are not looking to add to your load. We know that Christmas will look different for all of us this year and this offering is a way of reaching out to our communities, all done at a local level with your local stamp on it. Many of you will already have Christmas plans, but this idea is so simple, it could be something you join in with as part of spreading hope and joy over what could be a really difficult time for many people.

There are only 1,800 packs available on a first-come-first-served basis. The meals suggested in the menu will feed one hungry adult or two hungry children. Any leftovers can be reheated for another meal if one portion is too much for someone.
For more information please contact Lucy Taylor on *protected email* The final cut-off for orders is Friday 13 November - so get those local conversations happening and sign up.
See the Christmas menu here, with meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Christmas Dinner - with meat 425g

A juicy piece of chicken baked in our Christmas spice rub [lemon zest, clove, star anise, cinnamon, bay, nutmeg, sage, golden caster, clementine]

Sticky roast carrots and sprouts

Roast potatoes

Hearty bread sauce, made with sourdough

Pig in blanket, butchers sausage rolled and cooked in smoked bacon

Pickled red cabbage

Gravy

Christmas Dinner - veggie 425g

Thick slice of Christmas roast

Sticky roast carrots and sprouts

Roast potatoes

Hearty bread sauce, made with sourdough

Wedge of squash baked in Christmas spice rub

Pickled red cabbage

Gravy

Christmas Dinner - Vegan and Gluten Free 425g

Thick slice of Christmas roast

Sticky roast carrots and sprouts

Extra helping of roast potatoes

Wedge of squash baked in Christmas spice rub

Pickled red cabbage

Generous portion of GF gravy

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Following on from our Feeding the 5,000 project, providing nutritious meals for those in need at the beginning of lockdown, we are once again partnering with The Long Table to offer Christmas meals and gift bags for people who need a bit of extra love this Christmas.

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Church Christmas promotional videos, Go Chatter

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Church Christmas promotional videos, Go Chatter

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Go Chatter is a site that helps you create promotional videos for your services and events. There’s plenty of templates and you don’t need to be a very creative or techy person. Reasonable prices from £5.50. Ideal for sharing on social media.

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Select

Select the template you'd like to customise from the selection below.

Create

Add your own text about your events and your church and see the preview.

Export

Our website will then compile & create your video for you.

Download

You can download the video and use it to help promote your events.

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Select the template you'd like to customise from the selection below. Add your own text about your events and your church and see the preview. Our website will then compile & create your video for you. You can download the video and use it to help promote your events.

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Publicising your Christmas Service - Hints and Tips

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Publicising your Christmas Service - Hints and Tips

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A simple introduction to how to make your community aware of your Christmas events on social media, and maximise your reach

‘Publicising your Christmas services with Facebook’, God for All,

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Eleanor Ledesma

Big Reach Innovator

Creating a Facebook event for your Christmas services, particularly your most family-friendly ones could be an effective way to reach new people in your community. As more people register their interest, their Facebook friends will see your service details too, and so the word will spread. Your church will need a Facebook page or group in order to create an event.

Creating an event is free. However, if you are able to invest a small amount of money into promoting your Christmas service event, for example £25-£100, you will see even greater results as the event will be shown to a wider audience. You can specify who the advert is shown to, so you could select a geographic radius around your church targeting only local people, which is better value for money. When compared with printing costs, you'll find that Facebook advertising can be very reasonable, and yield better returns.

Step-by-step guide to creating a Facebook event

Step-by-step guide to promoting your event the simple way. (If you are confident using Facebook marketing, you could create your event through Adverts Manager for more tailored options)

Top Tips:

​ Look professional Before you begin creating your Facebook event, you will need to create a Facebook event photo with the right size and dimensions. The correct Facebook event photo size has the dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is equivalent to an aspect ratio of 16:9. Free graphic design websites such as www.canva.com make this easy.

Alternatively, you can use a ready-made event photo by downloading one of these options:

Be interactive Post some updates in the run-up to the event so people who have registered interest can begin to look forward to attending. Could you share a picture of the church decorations going up? Or how about posting a sneak-preview of the children's activities or even share a YouTube video of one of the carols you'll be singing. Little things like this can build a sense of anticipation and help ensure people do turn up on the day!

Don't panic! Whilst there are many options to consider, nothing is irreversible. So if you want to change a photo, or adjust your budget or wording you can do so easily. The most important thing is to get stuck in, take your time working through the options on-screen, and have fun as you see your new Christmas service event page taking shape!

Youth, Children and Families

Evangelism

Reach Resources

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Publicising Your Christmas Services with Facebook

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Eleanor Ledesma Big Reach Innovator Creating a Facebook event for your Christmas services, particularly your most family-friendly ones could be an effective way to reach new people in your community. As more people register their interest, their Facebook friends will see your service details too, and so the word will spread.

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Church, Christmas and Covid Facebook group

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Church, Christmas and Covid Facebook group

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A group of church leaders sharing their ideas for Advent and Christmas this year. Lots of images, videos, nativity scripts, etc that people are sharing. Free to join and participate in, just need a Facebook account.

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Church, Christmas and Covid has 1,683 members. A central place for the sharing of ideas, inspirations, approaches and experience to help us lead people through Advent and Christmas within all the...

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Christmas Tree Trail 2020, St Luke’s Church, Maidenhead 

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Christmas Tree Trail 2020, St Luke’s Church, Maidenhead 

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Entrants pay £10 and display their tree in a window or outside with a number to place on the tree. The public can go and spot them throughout December.

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For the last nine years St. Luke's church has held an increasingly popular Christmas Tree Festival. We have had a lot of festive fun and drawn our community together, as well as raising over £10,000 for charities, and funds that have enabled the church to keep going. Last year around 3000 people visited the church during the festival.
Clearly, and sadly, we just can't do that this year.

But we don't want to lose the celebration of Christmas, and the joy that the trees bring. So, this year, the festival is becoming a Christmas Tree Trail (CTT)!

The idea is that anyone (family, business, charity, school, organisation...) can decorate a tree and place it in a window or outside (safely). For a fee of just £10 they will then be entered in our CTT and given a number and a certificate to place near or by the tree to indicate that they are taking part. Once we have all the names of all the entries in ( closing date is 30th November) then we will draw up a list of all the trees and their locations and publish it on our dedicated CTT website, inviting members of the public to go for walks and spot the trees. The trail goes live from 9th December and runs through until 24th December.

Click here for more details and an application form,
Read about our previous festivals below Christmas Tree Festival
Thank you to everyone who helped and came along to our Christmas Tree Festival. It was a fabulous weekend.

We do not yet have a total for over all money raised for church funds but we are delighted that the voting boxes under each tree raised a total of over £2100 for Ivy's Gifts.

The winning tree, as voted for by money placed in the boxes was sponsored and decorated by The Claremont and Holyport Practice Nursing Team.

The Winning Tree:

The Claremont and Holyport Practice Nursing Team.
Click here to view some photos of the festival, more to follow.

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St Lukes Church | powered by Church Edit

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St Lukes Church | Christmas Tree Festival

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For the last nine years St. Luke's church has held an increasingly popular Christmas Tree Festival. We have had a lot of festive fun and drawn our community together, as well as raising over £10,000 for charities, and funds that have enabled the church to keep going.

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Andy Frost, from Share Jesus International, has created five short reflections on the greatest interruption, the birth of Jesus, for this Christmas and Advent season. They will be released weekly online in December. Each video ends with the prayer: ‘God, interrupt me this Christmas.’

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2020 has not been the year many of us expected. Many of our plans were interrupted!

This Advent and Christmas season, Andy Frost has put together five short reflections on the Christmas story about the greatest interruption in history - the birth of Jesus.

We can become so familiar with the Christmas story that we miss the humanity of the characters - the rich emotion of these ancient stories. Andy takes us through some of the key characters and looks at how their story was interrupted by the birth of Jesus. Each video ends with the simple prayer: 'God, interrupt me this Christmas.'

These videos will be released weekly online in December but if you would like to use them in your worship/ church outreach then you can email Lucy and she will send you a link to the videos in a dropbox file.

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Christmas Interrupted | Share Jesus International

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2020 has not been the year many of us expected. Many of our plans were interrupted! This Advent and Christmas season, Andy Frost has put together five short reflections on the Christmas story about the greatest interruption in history - the birth of Jesus.

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An outdoor Advent calendar, sharing comfort and joy was th local church communities. Each calendar could reflect specific needs / actions for every parish.

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I've come across this and thought it might be useful for others too...

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An Elf on the Shelf Alternative. Wandering Wise Men

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An Elf on the Shelf Alternative. Wandering Wise Men

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Natalie Kay,  Children and Family worker Bell Street (Shaftesbury) and Motcombe, have been working on an alternative to the Elf on The Shelf called The Wandering Wise Men. It combines the fun of the Elf on The Shelf with crafts, retelling the Nativity Story and Acts of Random Kindness.

It could be a lovely way to engage children and their parents in the run up to Christmas. There's a build up on alternate days of a child friendly retelling of the Nativity that could be read by parents or children, a list of suggested, free or inexpensive Acts of Random Kindness from The mischievous Wandering Wise Men, links to a fun animated retellings of the Nativity Story and links to the Bible chapters verses on Bible Gateway. Ideal to share with toddler group connections, schools, church children's groups and so much more.

Just follow the link to the google doc and feel free to download and tweak or amend.

Please do let us know if you use it and how it works out for you.

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Church Army are seeking a world where everyone has a safe home, enough to eat, can access mental health support, and has someone to turn to.
Each week over Advent they are releasing a video exploring a different issue (homelessness, food poverty, mental ill-health, and loneliness). Take a look at the introductory video here.

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As we imagine our new normal, how can we ensure social justice is part of that reimagining? 

Sign up to Church Army's Imagine a world to receive four videos exploring how you can be the change you wish to see in the world: www.churcharmy.org/imagine

[Words by: William Lee]

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The Church Army have created some free downloadable resources to journey through Advent to Christmas with Mary and Joseph.

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"It's amazing how much impact the #PosadaJourney is having beyond our doors. It's great to see our faith wandering around in the community." - Holy Nativity Church, North Yorkshire

Please run Posada within COVID-safe guidelines and the government's restrictions.

If you are passing Nativity figures between different households make sure you wash your hands thoroughly, then wipe them down with antibacterial wipes or spray. After you've done this, put them in a bag or box and don't touch them again.

When passing the Nativity figures to the next household please ensure you maintain the safe 2m distance and don't enter households in areas this is currently prohibited in (please refer to your local guidelines). We suggest putting a bag/box with the figures in on the floor and then stepping away before the next people pick them up.

If there are people in your community who are worried about being involved in Posada due to coronavirus, print out or email them the Reading Guide and the Poster to put in their window so they can still take part. They are, of course, still welcome to make a donation to support Church Army's work (and will then receive a Posada Decoration as a thank you).

Sign up below to receive all the resources you need to run Posada this Advent:

Date of birth (optional)

To comply with GDPR we need to ensure that we are not sending any fundraising communications to those under 18. Please tick below if you are under 18 and complete the year of birth field above.
I am under 18 years of age

Email address*

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How did you hear about Posada?

By submitting this form you are agreeing to receive future marketing and fundraising communications from Church Army. If you change your mind you can opt-out from communication at any time. You can do so by writing to us at Wilson Carlile Centre, 50 Cavendish Street, Sheffield, S3 7RZ, emailing supportercare@churcharmy.org, calling us on 0300 123 2113 or by using the unsubscribe link on any email. If you do not wish to receive information from Church Army, please do not submit this form. For further information you can read our Privacy Notice.

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taking inspiration from the las posadas festival

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church army's advent resource enables churches and families to journey through the christmas story by hosting mary and joseph for a day or two.

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"It's amazing how much impact the #PosadaJourney is having beyond our doors. It's great to see our faith wandering around in the community." - Holy Nativity Church, North Yorkshire Please run Posada within COVID-safe guidelines and the government's restrictions.

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A 40 day journey following the wise men through Advent to just after Epiphany. This was originally used for our Church Facebook page. I have put it on a blog to make it accessible for others to copy, adapt and use as most helpful to you.

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These blogs allow me to explore thoughts about Treasure. I hope it starts helpful conversations. Treasure is the Churches fifth mark of mission: "To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. I am a Church of Ireland Minister living on the Irish border.

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Something different that could work well if you have a choir or can invite one.  We did a carol service last year with readings reflections and a single carol revised with 13 or 14 verses. In bursts with readings, prayer & reflections these  take you through the whole story of Christ's coming. As the carol covers the whole story, some of the verses can be used in other services too.  Could be used any time Advent -Epiphany.  Contact Richard on rbeadleca@gmail.com for more resources for this - music readings etc.

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A four session course from Sheffield Diocese specifically written for use in this COVID Advent season for individuals or groups to reflect on the themes of distances, safe, trust, normal. Free and available to download.

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Welcome to Light in the Darkness

This Advent, the night sky will offer something special. If you look to the southwestern horizon on a clear evening, soon after sunset, you should see two bright lights: the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Each evening, they will move slightly closer. Just before Christmas, Jupiter will pass in front of Saturn: what astronomers call a 'Great Conjunction'. On the longest, darkest night of the year, the two will seem to merge into a single light that shines with truly exceptional brightness.

This course aims to help us reflect, at the darkest time of the year, on our calling to be Lights for Christ. We'll consider what that means and looks like; how that light may shine more brightly at the close of this year.

The course is designed for the four weeks of the Advent season. It can be used individually or in groups. Feel free to use it flexibly: for example, if Advent is very busy for you, you might decide to complete the second half of the course after Christmas.

Traditional Advent themes are present, but not the major focus of this course. Its main aim is to help us reflect on our experience during an extraordinary year which is now drawing towards its close. In doing so, we also look forward as we enter a new season and new year. The four parts are based around four words which have been central to many people's experience during all the upheavals of 2020.

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Light in the Darkness 4-week Advent course - Lights for Christ

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This Advent, the night sky will offer something special. If you look to the southwestern horizon on a clear evening, soon after sunset, you should see two bright lights: the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Each evening, they will move slightly closer. Just before Christmas, Jupiter will pass in front of Saturn: what astronomers call a 'Great Conjunction'.

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The Diocese of St Albans has produced some great ideas for how to celebrate Advent and Christmas. This one in particular looks at how the community can create an Advent journey to post daily on social media. It doesn't require too much artistic flair, which may be a good thing for some!

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Some of our young adults (who usually put on a fantastically creative all age service the week before Christmas) are going to pre-record a Zoom nativity which we can then show at one of our Christmas services.

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One of our toddler group leaders is going to record a 'bedtime story' in her PJs by her Christmas tree, which we're going to send out to all our families with little ones for Christmas Eve.

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Accessible Advent and Christmas resources

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Accessible Advent and Christmas resources

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Torch Trust, the Christian sight loss charity,  provide accessible Christian literature in braille, large print and audio. They have many books for Advent and Christmas from a wide range of Christian publishers. EG The Bethlehem Carol Sheet, Advent Bible study's,  Christian magazines.  Great for people in our congregations who are struggling with their sight and struggling to access online events.

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Torch Trust - The Christian Sight Loss Charity

Daily Bible verse and prayer topic - Thursday 22 October 2020

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved Acts 16:31 ( more daily Bible verses)

Give thanks for our supporters' prayers and encouragement for our ongoing mission. ( more daily prayer items)

Our online Daily Prayer Guide can be found on the Support Torch with Prayer page where there is an update to the Torch Prayer Phone.

Torch Holiday and Retreat Centre - Announcement
Posted: 9th September 2020 by Tim Jeffery, Interim CEO
It is with very mixed emotions that I bring to you the news that the sale of HRC has now completed. HRC has been a significant part of the ministry of Torch over many years and I know that it was a special and much loved place for so many people. It is therefore appropriate for us to mourn the ending of that era of Torch's work but also to give thanks for all that God has done in and through HRC. So many people have been instrumental in establishing and running the Centre and we are so grateful for all that has been poured out by so many to make it the very special place it has been.

At the very heart of creation and our faith is the mystery of crucifixion and resurrection. We know that it is out of death that new life emerges. Sad though the ending of HRC is, we can also be a people of hope that God will do new things. Like so many charities and ministries, Torch is experiencing very uncertain times and significant challenges both in the ways we operate and in the finances that enable all that we do. Unfortunately HRC was making a significant financial loss and so the decision was a hard but necessary one. The sale of HRC will help us to recover those losses and give us some ability to invest in some new things - including to develop new ways of providing the spiritual refreshment, space to relax and fun that so many experienced at HRC. We trust the Lord, as we move forward to guide us into new and exciting areas of ministry as we seek to be good stewards of all that he has entrusted to us.
This news story continues...
Torch in brief

Torch Trust's aims can be summarised as enabling people with sight loss to discover Christian faith and lead fulfilling Christian lives.

Towards this end we provide Christian resources and activities for blind and partially sighted people worldwide. Our services are offered to all who experience sight loss, of all faiths or none, and including those with sight loss who have other disabilities.

Among our services, Torch provides Christian literature, including a free lending library and a range of magazines, in various accessible formats. We also promote Christian fellowship through over 60 local Groups across the UK. Our international arm involves Torch working in partnership with others and being involved in various projects, especially in Malawi which in turn serves the needs of blind and partially sighted people in various other African countries.

Torch Trust has a driving vision for people with sight loss, wherever in the world they may live. Our seven-fold charter is that every blind or partially sighted person may have the opportunity to:

Explore Christian faith and discover Jesus

Grow as a Christian

Enjoy a fulfilling devotional life

Access Christian activities and resources they need

Join a church of their choice

Develop their invaluable God-given gifting

Contribute to the life of the church

Click here to access a display poster of our Charter.
Support Torch

If you would like to support the work of Torch, please visit our support area

CONTACT US to receive regular news updates and information for prayer, to find out how you can volunteer with us, to make donations, to access free literature for a blind or partially sighted person, or to make a link with your local Torch Fellowship Group.

Twitter Follow @TorchTrust

Privacy Policy - click here to view Torch's Privacy Policy

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Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved Acts 16:31 ( more daily Bible verses) Give thanks for our supporters' prayers and encouragement for our ongoing mission. ( more daily prayer items) Our online Daily Prayer Guide can be found on the Support Torch with Prayer page where there is an update to the Torch Prayer Phone.

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Wellbeing – a Christmas sermon theme
HOPE and Kingsgate Church have created The Wellbeing Journey - a new 8-part video series, which will be ready for churches to launch at Christmas guest services online or in person. Jesus is ‘the Prince of Wholeness’ as The Message version translates Isaiah 9:6, so we will have Christmas sermon ideas to help churches to invite friends, neighbours and colleagues to join the journey. Local churches are in a unique place to lead communities on this journey to physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing as they offer this practical guide. We hope you and your church will join us on this amazing journey. Find out more below.

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The Wellbeing Journey is a new 8-part video series, which will help churches and communities address the challenging impact of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

The videos are presented by Simon Thomas (ex Sky Sports / Blue Peter) and Joanna Abeyinka (CBeebies), with contributions from leading experts in different fields.

As well as the videos, there is a book 'God's Plan for Your Wellbeing' by Dave Smith (Waverley Abbey Resources) which offers fuel for the journey.

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The Wellbeing Journey is a new 8-part video series, which will help churches and communities address the challenging impact of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The videos are presented by Simon Thomas (ex Sky Sports / Blue Peter) and Joanna Abeyinka (CBeebies), with contributions from leading experts in different fields.

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I can't find the knitting pattern for Christmas angels, have I missed the link?

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I can't find the knitting pattern for Christmas angels, have I missed the link?

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Many thanks
An evangelist!

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Normally we would hold a Christmas meal for the older members of our community.  This year we are creating afternoon tea bags incl mince pie, christmas cake, chocolates, prayer card, Christmas and more TBD.  People can nominate others in the community for a bag and they will be delivered as a surprise the weekend before Christmas.

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We're currently planning a carnival float crib scene with Mary and Joseph (adult couple) on it, a couple of shepherds and wise-folk walking (socially distanced) behind. Recorded carols through speakers on the float. Handing out candy canes and 'Christingle-in-a-box' to households as the crib-float passes by, ushered on by Mr Christingle ringing a bell. ...It'll tour different streets around our parish each day in the week before Christmas. Still got a few details to sort out and, in the end, dependant on at-the-time guidelines. ...We're declaring, "We're bringing Christmas to you!"

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Daily videos or posts of church members throughout Advent

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Daily videos or posts of church members throughout Advent

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Last year, the Diocese of Exeter used the Church of England's theme 'Follow the Star' to create 24 short daily videos of people's own 'Follow the Star' moments for their social media sites. Perhaps something similar could be made involving this year's 'Comfort and Joy' theme?

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Christmas time-lapse flashmob video by All Saints Peckham

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Christmas time-lapse flashmob video by All Saints Peckham

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An alternative telling of the Christmas story filmed on public transport in London.

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Nativity on the Overground -- A Christmas, Timelapse Flashmob (HD)

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The nativity story using animations and children as the narrators in a short two-minute video.

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Watch this animation and find out all about the story of the Nativity this Christmas.

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A verse for each day of the month themed around hope. Encourage people to use them through December as part of their prayers.

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Sometimes it is helpful to have a visual reminder of our hope in God. Here are eight postcards to share with people through Advent, inviting them to palce them in their Bible/around their home and so on.

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Andy March has written a series of monologues and poems that can be used as part of Advent and Christmas posts online or services and events. Freely available from the link below.

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Through their eyes - encounters with Jesus

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Dear God and Lord almighty, creator of it all,I have a few questions about the Christmas festival.Each year we remember these events so long ago - We sing and tell the story - but there's lots I still don't know.You see, the problem is, I don't quite understandWhy it happened the way it did - was ... Continue reading Was it badly planned? (A Christmas poem)

This is made up of a series of monologues from Mary's perspective. I suggest asking different people to read the different reflections. Feel free to choose different carols/readings. This has been used for the Sunday after Christmas, but again, could fit elsewhere. Opening prayer Carol - O come, all ye faithful Reading - Luke 2:19 But ... Continue reading Remembering with Mary - A service of reflection during Christmas season

These were written as a series of short reflection for a new type of carol service before Christmas. They were interspersed throughout the service, which had Bible readings and updated versions of carols in it. Introduction - Signposts to Wonder All I see is the mess that surrounds me - All I hear is the noise ... Continue reading Wonder - Reflections for the Alternative Carol Service

Load more posts

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Dear God and Lord almighty, creator of it all,I have a few questions about the Christmas festival.Each year we remember these events so long ago - We sing and tell the story - but there's lots I still don't know.You see, the problem is, I don't quite understandWhy it happened the way it did - was ...

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Rather than four local churches working hard and each producing something a bit mediocre, we're grouping together. Hopefully less work overall, and better quality. Easier to advertise locally if all the advertising is pointing to one website.

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Open the building up for people to drop in (covid securely). Have different prayer stations, pitched at people who wouldn't normally come, to the explore themes of 2020: grief, sadness, learning, hopes, BLM etc. Gently getting them to think about where God is in all of this. Could also do in a pop-up shop, or in an online space. Advertise in local online forums. Make sure there's links to local online carol services etc

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Brilliant spoken word video by Phil Knox/Great Commission

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Tonight, thank God it's Him: How Christmas songs remind us that the baby in the manger becomes the world's saviour

About Evangelical Alliance

The Evangelical Alliance joins together hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals to make Jesus known.
Representing our members since 1846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in the UK.
United in mission and voice, we exist to serve and strengthen the work of the church in our communities and throughout society.

Featured Resources

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Instead of you | A Christmas spoken word - Great Commission - Evangelical Alliance

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Tonight, thank God it's Him: How Christmas songs remind us that the baby in the manger becomes the world's saviour The Evangelical Alliance joins together hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals to make Jesus known.

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Each year the Bible Society do a brilliant animated story video. This is last year's but they're all great.

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With Love from God To You – A Christmas story

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Three brilliant spoken word pieces by Miriam Swaffield, perfect for carol services.

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Three brilliant spoken word pieces by Miriam Swaffield, perfect for carol services.

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A series of short vidoes exploring key words, for example hope. comfort, joy.

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Discover the rich meaning of key biblical words in both Hebrew and Greek. | BibleProject™

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Some biblical words are strange to us, and some are so common they've lost their meaning. Study these words in the original language and see the fascinating connections to the story of the Bible.

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Soulbox band reflects on the difference between presents and presence - 1.13 long.

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Themed around the creation of a typical manger scene - 2.32 long.

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Not Just a Baby // A Christmas Spoken Word

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The story of the nativity told as spoken word from a car park.

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A beautiful telling of the Christmas story using Happy Land characters for young ones that could be incorpated into an online event.

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Happyland Nativity - The Christmas Story

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A creative idea here for advent prayer bags to be used in the home.

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This year I have seen a variety of lovely ideas online for helping children and families to get involved with the Advent season. Drawing on some of the ideas I've seen, I've come up with a little bag of things to give out (along with prayer ideas for each item) which will take people through some of the main Advent themes. Putting the bags together doesn't take all that long when you have everything you need and it's quite therapeutic to paint a whole load of Baby Jesus stones! If you want to find out a bit more about the baby Jesus stones, For each bag you will need: A prayer sheet (
click here.
click here to print), A felt or paper star, a felt or paper heart, a pipe cleaner, a baby Jesus stone, a tea light candle, an organza drawstring bag (I used purple bags to reflect the liturgical season.

First paint your baby Jesus stones. I used white and brown paint and a black paint marker (but a sharpie would probably work too). I also covered the finished painting with glossy mod podge. Varnish would work too, but this part isn't strictly necessary!

Next, fill your bags with one of each item and give them out! Keep in touch with your families if you can and see how the bags are working out :-)

The contents of the prayer sheet are below:

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

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This year I have seen a variety of lovely ideas online for helping children and families to get involved with the Advent season. Drawing on some of the ideas I've seen, I've come up with a little bag of things to give out (along with prayer ideas for each item) which will take people through some of the main Advent themes.

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A range of books for children that could be given as gifts.

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Our new Christmas children's booklet It Begins in Bethlehem - A Nativity Rhyme for Christmastime gives us a fresh perspective on the nativity with glorious rhymes from Bob Hartman and lively illustrations by Mark Beech. Discover God's Christmas present to you!

Instant Nativity

Looking for a fun and interactive, rehearsal-free nativity to perform in your church? Look no further! Adapted by Bob Hartman from the children's booklet, this energetic script will be enjoyed by all ages at a Christmas service.
Available 28 September.

Video animation

We'll have a lively video animation of the booklet, perfect to show at your church service - available from the beginning of October.

Brand new, beautiful Christmas cards designed by Emma Skerratt, celebrating Jesus as the light of the world. Available to buy in packs of 10, with 5 great designs. The cards are also interactive - cut out the bauble shape on the front and hang it on your Christmas tree! Price £4.50 per pack.

Based on the theme of Jesus as the light of the world, our new stickers are the perfect way to brighten up your Christmas card envelopes and Christmas presents, designed by Emma Skerratt. Available to buy for £2 for 4 sheets of stickers.

'A Christ-mess story' is a down to earth book which unwraps the good news of Christmas through poetry, playfulness, honesty and humour. Written by spoken word poet Dai Woolridge to complement the 'Mess Spoken word' film, this little book explores the journey of the nativity through three key words, 'mess, message and messiah'.

If you're over familiar with the story of Jesus, or if you don't know your 'magi' from your 'wisemen', this is the perfect messy Christmas gift for adults and young adults alike. May this book point you to the one born in the mess, for our mess.
Available to order on 28 September.​

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Our new Christmas children's booklet It Begins in Bethlehem - A Nativity Rhyme for Christmastime gives us a fresh perspective on the nativity with glorious rhymes from Bob Hartman and lively illustrations by Mark Beech. Discover God's Christmas present to you! Looking for a fun and interactive, rehearsal-free nativity to perform in your church?

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Worship for Everyone have some great material on YouTube for including in your online carol services. Here is one example.

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Hear The Bells - Nick & Becky Drake // Christmas Worship Song

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Great video to show at an event to explore the Christmas story in spoken word. Dai Woolridge has other videos free to download from his webiste.

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A spoken word film for this Christmas

It's just one word. One syllable that brings to mind a whole load of images....messy ones! And at Christmas time, this one messy syllable word seems to shift into top gear! I think of the post-Christmas dinner-plate pile-up in the kitchen and the décor of celebration wrappers between the sofas (the Malteaser ones!)

It's fair to say there was a fair bit of mess at the very first Christmas too. As Mary and Joseph trekked down to Bethlehem for a census, there was no room for them to stay. So the young couple welcomed Jesus into the world, with a bunch of animals as his roommates (some scholars claim it was almost as bad as living with students).

But Jesus didn't just enter the mess of a downstairs room with a feeding trough, he entered the mess of our world too. It was a message that has been posted in versus throughout scripture, one will come to fix up the mess.

The Christmas story involves Mess, but it's about the one who was born in the Mess. You see 'Mess' is only central to the Christmas story when it's an abbreviation. When it's followed up with 3 letters i.a.h. - it changes everything.

Watch Mess

Credits

A Spoken-Truth film in partnership with Bible Society (filmed with 2v Studios)
Written and performed by Dai Woolridge
Filmed by 2v Studios and Spoken-Truth
Director of Photography - Andy Toovey
Sound and Edit - Joe O'Hare
Post Production - Andy Toovey
Production manager - Abigail Orr
Behind the scenes photography - Dan Rogers
Messiah design and construction - Lois Adams
Postcard design - Hannah John

Download Options
Mess HD - MP4 Mess HD - WMV Mess SD - MP4 Mess SD - WMV TIP - Try this if you're having trouble downloading. Right click on the download button and you'll have an option to 'save link as' or 'save target as'. You should then have an option to save the video to your computer and you're good to go!

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A spoken word film for this Christmas It's just one word. One syllable that brings to mind a whole load of images....messy ones! And at Christmas time, this one messy syllable word seems to shift into top gear! I think of the post-Christmas dinner-plate pile-up in the kitchen and the décor of celebration wrappers between the sofas (the Malteaser ones!)

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Sports Chaplaincy and Hope UK are are hosting Virtual Christmas Carols events on YouTube on Tuesday 15 December at 7.30pm and Sunday 20 December at 6.00pm. Elements of the events will be available for churches to use in their own carol services. More details will be available from.

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Journey To Bethlehem

We're bringing communities together this Christmas to celebrate Jesus' birth using new resources from our partners Bible Society, Hope and Integrity Music. You can use the free carols booklet we've produced as you sing carols door-to-door, as a flashmob in a shopping centre or in your stadia carol service.
Materials

Carol booklets can be ordered in packs of ten (provided by Bible Society free of charge) with a small postage and packing charge. Single sample booklets and a suggested order of service, along with other resources, are available from the Bible Society: click here.

Journey to Bethlehem Publicity materials are available separately from CPO to match this carol booklet, many of which can be customised. Find out more click here.

If you want to sing outside or by candlelight, then why not get the words for free on your smartphone? Just visit weareworship.com and search for the carol words app, and iSingWorship will be providing backing tracks.

Journey to Bethlehem is the perfect opportunity to reach out to your community with a carol singing event. Use our publicity resources and hold your events in sports stadiums to bring communities together to celebrate Jesus' birth.

#christmasjourney

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Christmas: reaching out into your community

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We're bringing communities together this Christmas to celebrate Jesus' birth using new resources from our partners Bible Society, Hope and Integrity Music. You can use the free carols booklet we've produced as you sing carols door-to-door, as a flashmob in a shopping centre or in your stadia carol service.

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Happyland Nativity Christmas Story -Video

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Happyland Nativity Christmas Story -Video

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A beautiful telling of the Christmas story using Happy Land characters for young ones that could be incorpated into an online event.

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Happyland Nativity - The Christmas Story

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J John is Offering to Speak at your Christmas Service

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J John is Offering to Speak at your Christmas Service

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Over the years J John has produced a wide variety of resources and spoken at many Christmas events. this year he is offering to speak at your service, along with Cliff Richard and David Suchet! Take a look at the link below.

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Share Christmas with J.John Video Content For Christmas Services To Share the Message of Christianity Contributors

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Worship for Everyone have some great material on YouTube for including in your online carol services. Here is one example.

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Hear The Bells - Nick & Becky Drake // Christmas Worship Song

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The Angels Knew - A Christmas Worship Song to Share

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The Angels Knew - A Christmas Worship Song to Share

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There are lots of good videos on YouTube and Vimeo, here is a song by Nick and Becky Drake that links well with the angel themed ideas above.

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The Angels Knew - Nick & Becky Drake // Worship For Everyone // Christmas Worship Song // UNIQUE

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Based on the popularoity of Pokemon Go, here is another version of the above idea that can be found on the link below where an Angeldex was created and shared through the schools with children. It included a link to a Facebook page. Great fun.

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Jo Birkby is the Children and Families Worker at Holy Trinity & St Saviour's Churches, Knaphill with Brookwood in Woking, Surrey. Jo has recently had a God-inspired moment, leading to a family community activity, similar to the Messy Nativity Sheep Trail but with a trendy twist! Messy creativity at it's best! Jo says:

'While walking along our local canal this summer, I was amazed at the number of families I saw out and about hunting Pokemon and it made me wonder how we, as a church, could do something similar to get families out having fun together in the local community. As I was walking and praying, a feather drifted down from the trees above me-hence the idea of Angel Go, a truly God-inspired moment!

'I wasted no time in getting everyone in the church knitting, crafting and crocheting angels for our ever-so-slightly lower tech version of the phenomenon that is Pokemon Go! When I delivered the "Angeldex" we had devised to our local schools, giving clues to where they would be able to find the angels, the children were incredibly enthusiastic. The shopkeepers who are participating have given their angel a name and the children and families have to find them and fill the name in on their Angeldex.

'It's our hope that this will not only encourage and support our local shops, but also create a feeling of community and fun for families as they "catch 'em all!"

'We've created an "Angel Go" Facebook page so that families can engage that way too, inviting them along to our Messy Church, and posting YouTube videos of how to craft their own angels at home.

'The initiative has been received with great enthusiasm from shopkeepers and families alike. A mum contacted me yesterday saying that while they were out hunting, there were lots of families doing the same thing... she said we'd brought Knaphill to life!

'The "hunting period" will be 14 November-12 December and there will be several prizes (a knitted angel, DVD and a book of Michael Morpugo's On Angel Wings, tubs of chocolates donated by shopkeepers), one at each school, the winners selected at random as they visit either Holy Trinity or St Saviour's Churches for their Christmas concerts.'

We would love to hear from you if you have any Messy Nativity Sheep Trail stories or similar community activities. Contact me jane.leadbetter@brf.org.uk.

Read more Messy Sheep Trail stories on our website.

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Jo Birkby is the Children and Families Worker at Holy Trinity & St Saviour's Churches, Knaphill with Brookwood in Woking, Surrey. Jo has recently had a God-inspired moment, leading to a family community activity, similar to the Messy Nativity Sheep Trail but with a trendy twist! Messy creativity at it's best!

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The CofE Digital Labs team are running two webinars on the Comfort and Joy materials on 27 Oct and 4 Nov. Booking details below.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Comfort and Joy: Resourcing your church this Christmas. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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This webinar has two dates available. Please select one below. Join this webinar to find out more about the plans for Comfort and Joy, the Church's 2020 Advent and Christmas campaign, focusing on how your church can make the most of the content and resources. There will be an opportunity for Q&A throughout.

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Connect with People through Next Door App

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Connect with People through Next Door App

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The Next Door social media App is a good way to connect with people on our local streets, and you could use it to find out if there are any local needs and offer to help.

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Join Nextdoor, an app for neighbourhoods where you can get local tips, buy and sell items, and more

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Join Nextdoor, an app for neighbourhoods where you can get local tips, buy and sell items, and more

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Many won't be able to afford much, if anything, this Christmas, so delivering Christmas hampers to those who would be blessed by them would be a great thing to do.

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We normally decorate the inside of our buildings, but this year how about decorating the outside of your building. The Church Porch could make a cool stable.

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Illiuminate the outside of your building with changing Advent images.

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Over the last few years a number of churches have run a 'blue Christmas service' for those wanting sometihng a little more reflective and sombre if they have had a tough year. There are a range of ideas and resources online. The link below includes a service outline.

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Church Support Hub | Church of England Ministry & Vocation Support

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From the middle of November, shops, media and advertising collude to convince us that Christmas is magical, full of joy and fulfilment. Cares are banished and laughing children reinforce the message that sadness and anxiety have no place in the festivities.

But what if bereavement means that sorrow is the overwhelming emotion felt at Christmas? How do you observe it then? Three years ago, my church came across 'Blue Christmas', an American service specifically designed for those whose mood is 'blue' in this season. We conduct many funerals during the year, so decided to hold an Anglicised version to meet the needs of those who felt on the edge of seasonal merriment because of bereavement.

First we changed the name. The Elvis overtones of Blue Christmas didn't seem right. So we called it Longest Night and chose to hold it on the longest night of the year, 21st December.

The service itself is very simple - a mixture of carols (sometimes just selected verses) and readings to narrate the Christmas story; prayers which acknowledge pain and emptiness alongside the Christian hope; a reflection which gently speaks of light in darkness. We keep the length to no more than 40 minutes, and leave times of silence, not rushing to fill every moment with word or song. We also stay seated throughout the whole service, to avoid any embarrassment of knowing when to stand.

As people arrive, each is given a service sheet with all the words and instructions needed, along with a candle. Quiet music plays for about 10/15 minutes before the advertised start time with the leader is place to create a calm, safe atmosphere.

Near the start, we invite people to place their candle near our crib scene as a symbol of the darkness they are carrying. Towards the end, they are invited to come and light it as a sign that even in the darkest night, the light of Christ offers hope. There was no pressure if people did not want to bring their candle or light it, but almost without exception they did so.

We did very little advertising the first year and yet people came - some whom we knew, others who had no previous contact with our church. Many stayed sitting quietly in the church after we had finished, and we tried to ensure they did not feel that they had to hurry away.

"That was Christmas for me," said one woman as she left. Her husband's depression had darkened their marriage, and Longest Night allowed her to hope for light to return. Another couple sat and silently wept as they remembered family who had died during the year.

December 22nd will be our third Longest Night. It's our privilege to offer a space where the reality of life with its grief and pain does not have to be left at the church door but can sit alongside the hope and light which is the real heart of Christmas.

See the Order of Service we used in the Ideas section.

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From the middle of November, shops, media and advertising collude to convince us that Christmas is magical, full of joy and fulfilment. Cares are banished and laughing children reinforce the message that sadness and anxiety have no place in the festivities. But what if bereavement means that sorrow is the overwhelming emotion felt at Christmas?

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Comfort and Joy - CofE Advent and Christmas Theme

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Comfort and Joy - CofE Advent and Christmas Theme

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The CofE Christmas theme this year is Comfort and Joy with a wide range of resources becoming available at the end of October. Logos are already available to download.

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Comfort and Joy  holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a uniquely difficult year with an acknowledgement that - for those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods, or who are potentially still not able to be together with loved ones - it may be the Church's role, both nationally and locally, to provide consolation, rather than assume everyone will be ready to join in jubilation. We also have to anticipate there may be further spikes.

This Christmas the Church will need, in the words of St Paul in Romans 12.15, to 'Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep'. We will aim to celebrate where we can together in one place - but also embrace a wider community that wants to join in the celebration but may not be physically able - or emotionally ready - to do so. We hope that Comfort and Joy will enable us to build a campaign that both enables us to reconnect with the rich and joyous traditions of the past and to offer God's consoling love in the present.

What are the key elements of the campaign?

As in previous years, the national Church will work with dioceses and churches to make a range of content available, branded with the Comfort and Joy theme:

Reflections

We are aiming to partner with a number of public figures to produce short reflections exploring the theme. Comfort and Joy: Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas will mirror the structure of a traditional carol service, exploring both biblical texts and the words of much-loved Christmas carols. The reflections are being edited by the Ven John Kiddle, Archdeacon of Wandsworth, author of the best-selling God With Us: Your Christmas Journey. They will be published in booklet form by Church House Publishing and also made available freely via app, smart speaker, audio and email. Working with the Archbishop of York's Youth Trust and the Evangelism & Discipleship team, we will also produce a series of youth reflections in December.

AChurchNearYou.com

In Advent and Christmas, we will encourage churches to list the full range of church building and online services taking place and the Resource Hub will provide free adaptable content, download and share (such as customisable videos, images and approaches to online giving).

Online services and events

In collaboration with a range of Christian charities and organisations, we will produce nine online services throughout Advent and Christmas. This will include an online service for each Sunday of Advent, a Christingle with the Children's Society, nine lessons and carols and midnight services. Charities involved include Christian Aid, Church Army and Embrace. The online weekly services have been very well received on social media and continue to attract a diverse audience including regular churchgoers, people exploring faith and a younger age demographic.

We will also be encouraging churches to share either pre-recorded or live services, if possible, using AChurchNearYou.com and their own websites and social media accounts to promote.

Singing and music

For centuries, music has been integral to both Advent and Christmas and this year it will be even more important. We are exploring ways in which socially distanced and online choirs and worship groups may be able to share music from across the traditions. This will include providing music for churches to use as part of online and physical services and events, building on the success of the 220,000+ downloads of music over the first three months, thanks to the partnership with St Martin-in-the-Fields and RSCM.

Printed materials

Bookmarks, Christmas cards, banners, flyers, posters, booklets and other printed items will be made available for churches to purchase, as in previous years.

Daily Hope

Daily Hope is a free phone number (0800 804 8044) offering music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. We are delighted that the Comfort and Joy reflections, services and some of the music will also be available throughout Advent and Christmas. This will enable as many people as possible to access the content we are developing.

How can your church prepare for Advent and Christmas?

in addition to Comfort and Joy sessions at the upcoming Evanglism and Discipleship and Digital Labs conferences, we are also hosting free webinars that focus on how you and your church can make the most of the content and resources.

Find out how you can register for free for the ACNY Resource Hub. This will be the home of the digital resources for lay and ordained leaders to use and share with church communities. A range of colour and black and white logos are available below.

This page will be updated in the coming weeks with more information on printed and online content and resources. We will share information from our Twitter and Facebook accounts so do keep an eye on these pages.

Thank you for your support as we work collaboratively to build a campaign and suite of resources that provide Comfort and Joy for communities across England and in Europe. The prayer of the teams working on this is to bring the Christian message of hope and peace at a very challenging and difficult time.
Church of England Communications

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Preparing for Advent & Christmas 2020: Comfort and Joy | The Church of England

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We hope that Comfort and Joy will better enable us to reflect where the country is and will be by the end of this year. This builds on the success of #FollowTheStar, the theme of the 2018 and 2019 campaigns.

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Be Sure to Register with 'At a Church Near You'

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Be Sure to Register with 'At a Church Near You'

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Whatever you are doing be sure to list your events and services on At a Church Near You so people can find what is going on easily.

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Church buildings are now able to reopen and you can use the search box below to find your nearest service or event. There are still thousands of locally streamed services and events taking place and a range of national online church resources to engage with.

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Church buildings are now able to reopen and you can use the search box below to find your nearest service or event. There are still thousands of locally streamed services and events taking place and a range of national online church resources to engage with.

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St Albans diocese have created an online Zoom crib service outline and resources.

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Children's Ministry in St Albans Diocese

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Christmas - Children's Ministry in St Albans Diocese

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Posts about Christmas written by stalbanscme

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You can use this webiste to create your own church Advent calender for your community and share it with contatcs, scschools, on social media.

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Photos

Voice messages

YouTube videos

Text messages

For each day in December you can upload a photo, text or voice message or a video from YouTube. You can even combine all of those for every single day! In case you have your own website, you can also embed your calendar directly in your site! The best part: MyAdvent is free & without ads for personal use!

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MyAdvent let's you create personal & free online advent calendars with photos, voice messages and videos and share those with friends during the Christmas season.

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A visually presented short poem for each day of Advent, free to download, and could be posted on your community FB group or otehr social medai channels.

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We are very excited to share these 24 Tiny Advent Poems by Amy Scott Robinson. They have been presented visually by Richard Lyall, and we think the potential for these is endless!

They are free to download and use as you wish for non-profit purposes. Could you:

Look at one a day as part of family devotions through December?

Use in a school classroom for a daily reflection through Advent (the open-ended nature of the poems makes them good to use in a religiously neutral setting)?

Post (or share our Facebook or Twitter posts) of these on social media for each day of Advent?

Email one a day to your church family?

We would love to know how you have used these and any stories that have come as a result.

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We are very excited to share these 24 Tiny Advent Poems by Amy Scott Robinson. They have been presented visually by Richard Lyall, and we think the potential for these is endless! They are free to download and use as you wish for non-profit purposes.

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We are thinking of decorating windows in houses around the parish to tell the Christmas story,  perhaps one a day for each day of Advent (a sort of Advent calender), then making a storytelling map uploading it and encouraging families to journey following the map in the footsteps of the holy family through Advent.

An alternative version would be to create several 'sites' around the community with relevant scenes for people to visit over a two week period leading up to Christmas, again with a storytelling map.

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The idea is to create a pebble search in our community. We will invite familes to paint pebbles with Christmas images, place them around the community, include a #tag to our Facebook page which will have reflections, prayers, stories, etc on it each day. Use poster paints and then paint over with Mod Podge to make waterproof. For ideas for images see the link below.

With regard COVD safety, the advice is 'to quarantine centrally in a church or at home in a plastic bag for 48 hours before distribution, and as long as the volunteers distributing them have washed/sanitised hands or gloves before placing that should be fine. The risk is much less in outdoor spaces, but it would be good to include a message encouraging those collecting the stones to wash their hands when they get home.'

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea .

I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

Looking for more Nativity Activities and Crafts for Kids? T hen see our Best Nativity Crafts & Activities for Kid s to find great inspiration.

Unlike the Christmas story stones I shared recently (over on Crafts on Sea) I was a bit worried about making these, to put it politely my drawing skills are not my strongest and drawing people is.... well it's tricky. I've made these story stones simple enough so that older kids can make them and also simple enough that I was brave enough to pick up a pen and do it too.

After all, I'm a great believer in always giving something creative a go and not being held back by your own fears.

What You'll Find on This Page

Materials needed for Christmas Story Stones for the Nativity
We have included affiliate links to some of the products and resources as an associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Stones or Pebbles - you can buy bags to use that are perfect.

Pens - I used a mixture of Posca pens for the black fine line work. Chalkola pens for the thicker colours

Note - You could also use Acrylic Paints

How to Make your OWN Nativity Story Stones

Create the outlines

I started by drawing all the outlines using a thin black pen. Both the sets of pens I've used are easy to remove if you make a mistake, just give the stone a bit of a rub with a baby wipe and then try again when it's dried off (if you use a sharpie or acrylic paint then nail polish remover is your friend especially with acetone in it).

Top Tip!

I've also previously covered both my own hands and my children have drawn all over their hands in the pens I recommend. They were really easy to clean so I'm happy to report that these are pretty child-friendly!

Fill with Colour Using Chalk Paints

The outlines only take a moment to dry and then I filled in some colour. Originally I was going to leave all the pens as black outlines. But I was a little concerned that my kids wouldn't know who was Mary and who was Joseph so the thicker pens came out for colouring.

If you want to colour your Nativity story stones with paint I would recommend giving a few minutes between the layers of paint.

Give your stones a minute or two to dry and they are ready to share with your kids for them to use as a story prompt or to talk about the nativity story. These are also great for kids to make themselves and to display as a little nativity scene.

Simple DIY Nativity Story Stones

Easy to make, story stones depicting the story of the very first Christmas, ideal for kids to play with and retell the Nativity Story.

Author: Kate from Crafts on Sea

Draw the outlines of the characters in black POSCA pen.

Use the chalk pens to fill in your black outlines. This makes it easy for a child to distinguish between some of the characters.

For staying power. Use the matt Mod Podge to give the stones a coat and allow to fully dry.

Using POSCA and Chalk Pens instead of sharpie or acrylic paints means that you can use a baby wipe to remove if you make an error.

Love decorating stones! Why not create your own stone game inspired by the book Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Nativity Craft and Activity Ideas for you to Share with your Children

Simple Nativity Ornaments

Nativity Shadow Puppets to Print and Download

Nativity Sequencing Cards

Make some wooden nativity ornaments with the kids to hang on the Christmas Tree.

Create your own Shadow Puppets to retell the story of the First Christmas with our FREE printable.

Help your child to understand the events that happened during the Nativity Story with our Nativity Story Sequencing Cards.

Kate Williams is a Mum to two small superheroes who are often found trying to climb on top of her head or running into the ocean.

A crafter, a play at home Mum you can find her at Crafts on Sea where she shares achievable ideas for creative family life including ideas for Creatives Mum's as well as the kids.

Kate has also got some other Christmas Story Stones which you can find on her blog Crafts on Sea.

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea . I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

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Building on people coming out to thank the NHS earlier in the year, ecnourage neighbours to come outside to sing carols led by a Christian in their street backed up with appropriate musicians from the church or music on a device.

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A church with four Primary Schools is going to give all chiildren a painted pebble with picture of Jesus as a baby on one side and a prayer on the other and invite them to make a manger to place the stone in and send their photos of their manger to church for displaying on FaceBook group, and possibly as part on their online Christmas service.

For ideas for images use the link below.

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea .

I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

Looking for more Nativity Activities and Crafts for Kids? T hen see our Best Nativity Crafts & Activities for Kid s to find great inspiration.

Unlike the Christmas story stones I shared recently (over on Crafts on Sea) I was a bit worried about making these, to put it politely my drawing skills are not my strongest and drawing people is.... well it's tricky. I've made these story stones simple enough so that older kids can make them and also simple enough that I was brave enough to pick up a pen and do it too.

After all, I'm a great believer in always giving something creative a go and not being held back by your own fears.

What You'll Find on This Page

Materials needed for Christmas Story Stones for the Nativity
We have included affiliate links to some of the products and resources as an associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Stones or Pebbles - you can buy bags to use that are perfect.

Pens - I used a mixture of Posca pens for the black fine line work. Chalkola pens for the thicker colours

Note - You could also use Acrylic Paints

How to Make your OWN Nativity Story Stones

Create the outlines

I started by drawing all the outlines using a thin black pen. Both the sets of pens I've used are easy to remove if you make a mistake, just give the stone a bit of a rub with a baby wipe and then try again when it's dried off (if you use a sharpie or acrylic paint then nail polish remover is your friend especially with acetone in it).

Top Tip!

I've also previously covered both my own hands and my children have drawn all over their hands in the pens I recommend. They were really easy to clean so I'm happy to report that these are pretty child-friendly!

Fill with Colour Using Chalk Paints

The outlines only take a moment to dry and then I filled in some colour. Originally I was going to leave all the pens as black outlines. But I was a little concerned that my kids wouldn't know who was Mary and who was Joseph so the thicker pens came out for colouring.

If you want to colour your Nativity story stones with paint I would recommend giving a few minutes between the layers of paint.

Give your stones a minute or two to dry and they are ready to share with your kids for them to use as a story prompt or to talk about the nativity story. These are also great for kids to make themselves and to display as a little nativity scene.

Simple DIY Nativity Story Stones

Easy to make, story stones depicting the story of the very first Christmas, ideal for kids to play with and retell the Nativity Story.

Author: Kate from Crafts on Sea

Draw the outlines of the characters in black POSCA pen.

Use the chalk pens to fill in your black outlines. This makes it easy for a child to distinguish between some of the characters.

For staying power. Use the matt Mod Podge to give the stones a coat and allow to fully dry.

Using POSCA and Chalk Pens instead of sharpie or acrylic paints means that you can use a baby wipe to remove if you make an error.

Love decorating stones! Why not create your own stone game inspired by the book Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Nativity Craft and Activity Ideas for you to Share with your Children

Simple Nativity Ornaments

Nativity Shadow Puppets to Print and Download

Nativity Sequencing Cards

Make some wooden nativity ornaments with the kids to hang on the Christmas Tree.

Create your own Shadow Puppets to retell the story of the First Christmas with our FREE printable.

Help your child to understand the events that happened during the Nativity Story with our Nativity Story Sequencing Cards.

Kate Williams is a Mum to two small superheroes who are often found trying to climb on top of her head or running into the ocean.

A crafter, a play at home Mum you can find her at Crafts on Sea where she shares achievable ideas for creative family life including ideas for Creatives Mum's as well as the kids.

Kate has also got some other Christmas Story Stones which you can find on her blog Crafts on Sea.

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea . I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

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We are going to encourage families who haven’t yet ‘bubbled’ to do so with a person living on their own and not already in a bubble who is on their street/in their community and invite them in to celebrate with them?

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With many unable to connect to online services, the Church of England and Connections at Holy Trinity Claygate have created a telephone line where people can listen to music, reflections and daily services. It is a free line, and worth promoting widely amongst our congregations and into the wider community.

Great to include publicity about this on any promotional material (website, Christmas cards, posters, leaflets) and encourage people to share this with those who can't got online or get out.

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Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.

A Church of England initiative in partnership with CONNECTIONS at Holy Trinity Claygate, and Faith in Later Life

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Daily Hope phone line | The Church of England

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Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. A Church of England initiative in partnership with CONNECTIONS at Holy Trinity Claygate, and Faith in Later Life

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Created within copyright permissions this is a complete carol service (34 minutes) that anyone can listen to and join in with at home. There is website, mp3 and YouTube versions, all accessible using the link below.

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Welcome - Bells and Organ

Once in Royal David's City

Reading 1 - The angel Gabriel visits Mary

Joy to the World

Reading 2 - The Birth of Jesus

Silent Night

Reading 3 - The shepherds go to the manger

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

Reading 4 - The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

As With Gladness Men of Old

Reading 5 - The Light of the World

O Come All Ye Faithful

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Closing Organ Music

Carol - Once In Royal David's City

(Verse 1 - Solo)
Once, in royal David's city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed.
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little child.
Words: Cecil F. Alexander, 1848.

Reading - Luke 1:26-35,38 / The angel Gabriel visits Mary

Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. Having come in, the angel said to her, "Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you."

But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And look, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.' He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his kingdom."

Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born will be called the Son of God.

And Mary said, "See, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from her.
Thanks be to God.

Reading - Luke 2:1-7 / The Birth of Jesus

Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him, being pregnant.

It happened, while they were there, that the day had come when she should give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him with pieces of cloth, and placed him in a feeding trough, because there was no guest room available for them.
Thanks be to God.

Carol - Silent Night
Full verse and 1st line introduction. Words: Fr. Joseph Mohr, 1816.

Reading - Luke 2:8-20 / The shepherds go to the manger

There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And look, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for see, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough." Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward humankind."

And it happened that when the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. When they saw it, they made known the saying which was spoken to them about this child. All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Thanks be to God.

Carol - While Shepherds Watched
Words: Nahum Tate, 1700.

Reading - Matthew 2:1-12 / The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, look, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him."

And when King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Messiah would be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophet, 'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people, Israel.'"

Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him."

And they, having heard the king, went their way; and look, the star which they saw in the east went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And they came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Being warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Thanks be to God.

Carol - As With Gladness Men of Old
Words: W. Chatterton Dix.

Reading - John 1:1-14 / The Light of the World

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of humanity. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.

There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, but the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and those who were his own did not receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Thanks be to God.

Carol - O Come, All ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
In the highest:

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesu', to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing:
Words: Traditional. Frederick Oakeley, altd.

Almighty God, who has poured upon us the new light of your Incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Carol - Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.'
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
'Christ is born in Bethlehem.'
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!'

Christ, by highest heav'n adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, the incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!'

Hail! the heaven-born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
'Glory to the newborn King!'
Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. altd.

Thank You for coming

Thank you for taking part in our online carol service. We hope you enjoyed the service.

You can find out lots more about Christmas on www.whychristmas.com

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Online Carol Service - A Virtual Carol Service

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Welcome - Bells and Organ Once in Royal David's City Reading 1 - The angel Gabriel visits Mary Joy to the World Reading 2 - The Birth of Jesus Silent Night Reading 3 - The shepherds go to the manger While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks Reading 4 - The wise

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We are planning to place a 'COVID' Christmas tree in an accessible church/community space, and invite people to place their prayers (perhaps specifically related to COVID ie loss, anxiety etc.) on the tree and to take away an appropriate prayer card/leaflet/booklet away with them.

Alternatively

Deliver a Star/Angel/ribbon/gift tag to each house in Parish with details of Christmas Services - starting with online worship available. Parishioners asked to return to tree outside church, or in porch with prayer, hope or memory of/for 2020

Another variation of this is to encourage people to do this in their home with their children. See the link below.

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If you would like your Christmas tree to mean more this year, why not try this beautiful and thoughtful prayer idea?

Children love to help with decorating the tree. This idea is an easy way to let them get involved, and helps them pray at the same time.

Buy some pretty gift tags (sparkly stars work well) - or make some by cutting up last year's Christmas cards.

Write on the plain side the names of people or situations that you want to pray about.

Hang the gift tag prayers on your tree as a sparkly reminder - just as your tree lights shine in the darkness, so your prayers are like a candle that lights up the lives of those in need.

Christmas is a particularly difficult time if you are sad, or ill, or lonely or worried. Keep a few spare gift tags so you can to your tree when you think of others who need your prayers.

Tip: If you know someone needs your prayers, but it's best if others don't know they're in need, why not just write their initial on the tag, or draw a heart shape - God will know you are thinking of them.

As you look forward to the year ahead, look back too and say thank you to God for all the blessings he gave you last year. These very simple ideas help you do that with young children.
More

Advent is 'the final countdown' to Christmas day and many children will have an Advent calendar to help them count the days. It's also a really special time for the church. Here's more about why it's so special, and some Advent activities for children.
More

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Christmas tree prayers | Church of England Christenings

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If you would like your Christmas tree to mean more this year, why not try this beautiful and thoughtful prayer idea? Children love to help with decorating the tree. This idea is an easy way to let them get involved, and helps them pray at the same time.

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A creative way of engaging young children in the Christmas story.

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea .

I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

Looking for more Nativity Activities and Crafts for Kids? T hen see our Best Nativity Crafts & Activities for Kid s to find great inspiration.

Unlike the Christmas story stones I shared recently (over on Crafts on Sea) I was a bit worried about making these, to put it politely my drawing skills are not my strongest and drawing people is.... well it's tricky. I've made these story stones simple enough so that older kids can make them and also simple enough that I was brave enough to pick up a pen and do it too.

After all, I'm a great believer in always giving something creative a go and not being held back by your own fears.

What You'll Find on This Page

Materials needed for Christmas Story Stones for the Nativity
We have included affiliate links to some of the products and resources as an associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
Stones or Pebbles - you can buy bags to use that are perfect.

Pens - I used a mixture of Posca pens for the black fine line work. Chalkola pens for the thicker colours

Note - You could also use Acrylic Paints

How to Make your OWN Nativity Story Stones

Create the outlines

I started by drawing all the outlines using a thin black pen. Both the sets of pens I've used are easy to remove if you make a mistake, just give the stone a bit of a rub with a baby wipe and then try again when it's dried off (if you use a sharpie or acrylic paint then nail polish remover is your friend especially with acetone in it).

Top Tip!

I've also previously covered both my own hands and my children have drawn all over their hands in the pens I recommend. They were really easy to clean so I'm happy to report that these are pretty child-friendly!

Fill with Colour Using Chalk Paints

The outlines only take a moment to dry and then I filled in some colour. Originally I was going to leave all the pens as black outlines. But I was a little concerned that my kids wouldn't know who was Mary and who was Joseph so the thicker pens came out for colouring.

If you want to colour your Nativity story stones with paint I would recommend giving a few minutes between the layers of paint.

Give your stones a minute or two to dry and they are ready to share with your kids for them to use as a story prompt or to talk about the nativity story. These are also great for kids to make themselves and to display as a little nativity scene.

Simple DIY Nativity Story Stones

Easy to make, story stones depicting the story of the very first Christmas, ideal for kids to play with and retell the Nativity Story.

Author: Kate from Crafts on Sea

Draw the outlines of the characters in black POSCA pen.

Use the chalk pens to fill in your black outlines. This makes it easy for a child to distinguish between some of the characters.

For staying power. Use the matt Mod Podge to give the stones a coat and allow to fully dry.

Using POSCA and Chalk Pens instead of sharpie or acrylic paints means that you can use a baby wipe to remove if you make an error.

Love decorating stones! Why not create your own stone game inspired by the book Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Nativity Craft and Activity Ideas for you to Share with your Children

Simple Nativity Ornaments

Nativity Shadow Puppets to Print and Download

Nativity Sequencing Cards

Make some wooden nativity ornaments with the kids to hang on the Christmas Tree.

Create your own Shadow Puppets to retell the story of the First Christmas with our FREE printable.

Help your child to understand the events that happened during the Nativity Story with our Nativity Story Sequencing Cards.

Kate Williams is a Mum to two small superheroes who are often found trying to climb on top of her head or running into the ocean.

A crafter, a play at home Mum you can find her at Crafts on Sea where she shares achievable ideas for creative family life including ideas for Creatives Mum's as well as the kids.

Kate has also got some other Christmas Story Stones which you can find on her blog Crafts on Sea.

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Published by Kate from Crafts on Sea . I'm a bit addicted to creating story stones for my kids, they're the kind of thing that I wasn't sure if my children would go for but they love to use them as story prompts and these DIY nativity story stones are a great way to help them remember the story of the very first Christmas.

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We’ve decided not to try to do our ‘normal’ programme as we can’t get our heads round socially-distanced Christingle services or a non-singing carol service. It does feel like a unique opportunity to do something more experimental this year and I think we have a real opportunity to connect with people. (Our Associate Vicar made the very good point that we can get away with doing something completely different this year; next year there’s likely to be pressure to be more normal.)

We’re going to run a Christmas experience called Encounter Christmas. It’s a journey through the Christmas story using six or seven stations running through our church building, each themed around part of the story, using one or two Christmas carols to make a connection to themes which go with the story. Each station will have a QR code to access music, short talks, videos etc. – we’ll suggest they do some of these in the building but more at home (to try to keep people moving). There will be craft to take home (make your own Christingle, which will have a video to explain). We’ll run it in the evenings of the week leading up to Christmas, on the basis that more people are likely to stay at home and there will be less to do (minus panto, Christmas parties etc.).

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The Children's Society have created a free Online Christingle Guide.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Many people may not be able to attend a service in person this year, so help them light up computer screens by holding an online service. Whether you're a virtual expert or giving it a go for the first time, this guide outlines everything you need to know for holding a Christingle celebration online.

This is a downloadable product. Look out for the link in your inbox.

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How to Christingle Virtually Guide (digital download)

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Many people may not be able to attend a service in person this year, so help them light up computer screens by holding an online service. Whether you're a virtual expert or giving it a go for the first time, this guide outlines everything you need to know for holding a Christingle celebration online.

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One of the things we have learnt through going online is that we suddenly became accessible to a whole lot of people So whilst we might be tempted to think that we want to create some sort of physically gathered experience (and of course that would be good to do), my encouragement would be for us to do a superb job of some online gatherings (carol service, Christingle, etc), and to make sure we give equal investment of time and energy to creatively planning these.

And a really old fashioned idea linked to that would be to invite everyone in your community to come along, yes using every social media avenue we can, but also it may be time to deliver to every home an appropriately worded invite/Christmas card/gift/booklet inviting them to come along to our our online celebrations.

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We're going to do some games on Facebook through advent - a 'where are Mary and Joseph today?' Photo each day on Facebook showing Mary and Joseph getting ready for Jesus somewhere in town. Trying to provoke questions about what it means to be ready for Christmas.

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We are planning ‘light in a box’ - our Christingle is usually huge, and we can’t fit everyone in. This year we will send a box out to everyone that registers for one, containing all they need to make a Christingle with an explanation of the symbolism. Box will also contain some family friendly Christmas literature. Christingle to be made on Christmas Eve. Then at 5 pm we will ask everyone to go out to their front gate, light their Christingle and sing silent night. Will probably link to a recorded all age service, but we have found not much take up by families online.

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We are filming a children's Nativity (in different family groups then edited together) and hoping to show it on Christmas Eve. Streaming into our multiple rooms for an in person gathering if we are allowed to by then, and online.

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If we can pull it off, we are hoping to do Christmas displays in the empty shop windows in the High Street. We got past the first hurdle for permission today, one more to go.

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We are thinking of doing a nativity float, Mary and Joseph on an open top van with Christmas carols out of sound system, people walking alongside with Why Christmas and church online invites (or could be used as a way of intriguing people as invites are put through the doors as the float goes down their street).

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Pinched from my lovely friend, Selina Garner, I’m wondering if churches can do covid-secure ‘Experience Christmas’ type events in their churchyard with a station which tells the angel story, one that tells the story of the wise men and so on. Am also wondering if towns can do it between them... you go to one church to hear about the star, another to hear about Mary and Joseph’s baby and so on. All without touching, queing etc.

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A number of churches have done Drive in Church over the summer period, and some are now plannig Drive in Carol services. We've created a guide based on two churches' experience of doing such events. It is a significant investment of time and energy, but would be a great way to attract people to a carol service this year, and could be resourced by a group of churches in an area.

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The congregation for various reasons has not embraced online and we don't have the technical ability or staff to make it happen. What we can do is knit. Last year we knitted angels which were hung on bushes and trees with messages of God's love and hope. This year with lockdown we are hoping for 1000 angels to fly into the local community. The pattern and ideas from other churches are linked below.

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For Christmas, we are using the Advent windows idea, keeping it as simple as possible.  We will invite the whole community (15,000 people) to decorate a front window to represent any Christmas Carol they like (I'm expecting a few Rudolphs). They can reveal it any time 1-24 December, send us a photo and title if possible so we can share the photos. Keep them up until 6th Jan, so between 24th Dec and 6th Jan we can walk around spotting them. I will use some of these carols with photos of the windows as the basis for an online Carol Service. We will decorate a church window and our grounds.