Each month Our Connection Matters offers a toolkit which includes a wealth of resources focusing on a different theme to resource your local church in nurture, outreach, witness and advocacy ministries.

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward with anticipation to the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

The symbolism and focus during Advent and Christmas can provide a meaningful time to invite us into a deeper relationship with (and others into the saving knowledge of) Jesus Christ - as we wait... 

Advent/Christmas

We hope the resources provided in this edition will help jumpstart your planning and give you new ideas for this "season." Advent will be here before you know it! 

Connectional Ministries is here to help resource you in all areas of ministry and programming. Contact Allison Lindsey if you would like to share ideas and connect with other churches successful in specific areas of ministry. It's through our connection that we can learn best practices and help each other bear fruit for discipleship and be Alive Together In The World!  

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N  U  R  T  U  R  E

Take the Online Advent Quiz: (Download), print and share the Advent Quiz with your church, family & friends! 

Chuck Knows Church: The Advent Wreath (Video 3 minutes)

New Ways to Celebrate Advent With Kids

Christmas Gifts That Won't Break: A Children's Advent Study by James W. Moore.

Coloring Through Advent: A creative way to prepare your heart for Christmas. 

Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service: A unique service designed to minister to those who mourn during the holiday season. This service can be used as an outreach tool in your community as well.

Cokesbury Advent Studies: Looking for a study for a small group, congregation or yourself? Find a good selection at Cokesbury.

Unwrap the Meaning of Christmas: Children share the story of Christmas. (Video 1:26)

For more resources, visit Discipleship Ministries. 

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O  U  T  R  E  A  C  H

Ideas to reach into your community and embody the very thing we celebrate: God's love coming in human form as Jesus Christ is born!

4 Great Advent Outreach Ideas

Community Seeker-Friendly Outreach Event Ideas

Giving Tuesday: November 27, 2018 - People know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we want them to know about Giving Tuesday, too! This global day of giving is fueled by the power of social media. Find ways to kick off this charitable season by giving to your favorite mission organization.

Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Mike Slaughter's Bible Study on experiencing the joy of living and giving like Jesus. 

Advent Revolution: Learn how Thomasville FUMC turned the Advent season into Outreach, reaching their community and into the world. (The Advocate, 2016)

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (RACK): Churches Spread Christmas cheer through local communities. (The Advocate, 2013)

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W  I  T  N  E  S  S

While there’s debate about whether services on Christmas Eve or Easter Sunday draw the larger attendance, it is clear that Christmas Eve attracts more unchurched guests.

Creative Ways to Invite Others this Advent Season

Invite Your Community This Christmas: Get all the resources you need this Christmas, including direct mail, banners, and invites. 

Christmas Eve Hospitality: 12 Ways to Welcome

Roll Out The Welcome Mats This Christmas

Invite Christmas Eve Guests to Return

For additional Outreach & Witness resources, visit United Methodist Communications.

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A  D  V  O  C  A  C  Y

Advent Offers Homecoming

Advent in Action

Engaging Advent

All Earth Is Waiting: An advent devotional written through the lens of Creation and Creation Care. (Climate Justice)

For more Advocacy resources, visit Church & Society and Discipleship Ministries.

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T E L L   U S   W H A T   Y O U   K N O W

Our Connection Matters! In the next edition, we will be looking at... Bringing in the "New" - looking forward to a new year, equipping new leadership, dreaming up new ministries and more! 

We would like your input on future topics and resources to highlight. Please take a moment to share your ideas: click here.

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