Plan for this holy season using these Michigan Conference resources, and then ensure your church’s online Christmas Eve services are listed correctly in our directory.
The seasons are changing, and there’s a nip in the air. It’s time to plan for local church Advent and Christmas services and events. The Michigan Conference has many resources coming your way, with the opportunity to integrate these offerings into your planning.
Christmas Eve Social Media Campaign
Did you know nearly 13,000 Michiganders sought out a Christmas Eve service last year by clicking on our “Spend Christmas at Our House” statewide social media campaign that reached almost 1 million residents? Click the button below to ensure your church is listed in our online directory and has accurate information for 2024. If you have updates or need to add your church’s information, email us by December 20 at [email protected].
Bishop’s Advent Offering
The Bishop’s Advent Offering for 2024 will support UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery, Advance #901670, a fund to provide immediate relief to those still impacted by natural disasters in the United States. Fall hurricanes have left scores dead, injured, unhoused, and still in need of the most basic necessities like water, food, medicine, and cell phone service. Know that giving means 100% of your offering will go to domestic disaster response.
Congregations should plan to receive an offering during Advent to contribute to Bishop Bard’s Advent appeal. A downloadable bulletin insert will be available soon on our Advent Resources page. Check back next month.
Those wishing to contribute can send a check, payable to the Michigan Conference, to this address: Michigan Conference, Attn: Accounts Receivable, 1011 Northcrest Rd., Lansing, MI 48906. Write this phrase in the memo line: Advent Offering. Donations can also be made online using this secure PayPal link.
Bishop David Bard notes, “We watched significant storms batter the southeast this fall, and the devastation moved our hearts. It will take months of work to help people rebuild their lives and communities. UMCOR is committed to working with people well after immediate needs are addressed, specializing in long-term recovery. You can brighten the holiday season for so many through a generous gift to the Bishop’s Advent Offering, which will go directly to UMCOR.”
Bishop’s Christmas Sermon
Coming in early November, share the joy of the birth of our Savior with this conference-produced sermon by Bishop David Bard. It can be used by local churches any time between Sunday, December 22, 2024, and Sunday, January 5, 2025. It is available to support our pastoral leadership with the many pulpit demands of the season. The video will be available for download on the conference Vimeo page early next month to integrate into your worship planning. Watch for more announcements in MIconnect.
Other Resources
Conference staff members have curated many other resources from previous years, including Christmas Eve ideas for families, original music, Blue Christmas services, social media campaigns, and so much more! Check out our Advent Resources page for updates.
Last Updated on October 28, 2024