Statewide Christmas Eve Social Media Campaign
With most local churches finding it necessary to offer Advent and Christmas services online, the Michigan Conference is launching a social media and Google Adword campaign the week of December 20-24. Targeted Facebook ads in 11 Michigan media markets will guide Michiganders to a conference webpage that lists and links local online Christmas Eve services by city. December 23/24, those searching for key words like "Christmas Eve," "Christmas Service," "Online church service" will be guided to the same page.
Please take a moment to confirm your local church is listed correctly by clicking the red button at left. For updates or to add your church, please contact conference communications.
Advent resources for families
Advent and Christmas are significant in the life of children and in the church. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ministry around Advent and Christmas may look different. This toolbox will have ideas, articles, resources, and more for ideas specifically for 2020 as well as general information and ideas that may be able to be adapted for this year.
Something special every day
#pictureAdvent is a free online resource for all ages. Each day offers scripture, photos, reflection questions and a prayer, similar to the visio divina practice. For those who like an active challenge, there is also a Service Bingo board.
Online Advent Calendar for young people
Share this turn-key advent calendar designed for young people through your website by sharing this link https://bit.ly/adventyp2020
Or create your own free Advent calendar using the website My Advent
Now Available
Online Children's Christmas Eve Service
A 15-minute children's Christmas Eve worship service featuring 26 families across Michigan. The service is targeted to young children and shares the ABC's of Christmas. The service has two versions. It can be downloaded and used as a stand alone version or you can use the editable version to include a greeting from your local church. The video can be embedded into websites and shared through local church websites. Questions can be directed to Kathy Pittenger kpittenger@michiganumc.org
NEW RESOURCE
The longest night
During the year 2020, it seems as though everyone has felt the weight of the pandemic and the way it has impacted every aspect of our lives. 12 United Methodist pastors, deacons, and musicians offer a virtual service as a way to find a way of meeting that hurt and grief in a way that leads to healing and wholeness.
Meet Caleb Williams
These new resources come to us from Rev. Caleb Williams. Deacon Caleb has led music ministries in a wide variety of congregations. He has led traditional choirs, hand drumming, handbells, contemporary worship bands, and even an opera or two. This summer he launched a new subscription service CalebBWilliams.com for worship music/hymn videos to help local churches offer a quality online worship experience. He is also now serving as Minister of Family and Outreach at Milwood UMC in Kalamazoo.
Free original music to use during Advent
Never Be The Same: Learning Video
Never Be The Same: Week 1
Never Be The Same: Week 2
People, Look East
Performed by Carter Cortelyou
A Time of Prayer for Advent
15 minutes of beautiful music by M. Hayes, performed by Eric Strand, piano.
Do you hear what I hear
Music by Jean Watson and guitarist Phil Keaggy. This may be used in local churches
Carol of the Bells
Music by Jean Watson. This may be used in local churches.
jeanwatson.com
Now available: A Christmas Greeting from Bishop David Bard
This four minute greeting is intended to be a part of your Christmas Eve Service or Advent services in December or may be shared on its own. There are two versions; a stand alone version that can be used as part of worship, or offered through social media, and an editable version to integrate into a local church Christmas Eve service.
Free video bumpers to use during Advent
10 second prayer-time bumper
5 second announcement bumper
5 second offering bumper
5 second scripture bumper
30 second "Go in peace" fade-out
1st Sunday of Advent Candle Lighting
2nd Sunday of Advent Candle Lighting
3rd Sunday of Advent Candle Lighting
4th Sunday of Advent Candle Lighting
Christmas Eve Christ Candle Lighting
Birthing a promise, building a movement
Anti-Racism Readings and Reflections for Advent
We find ourselves in a time of expectant waiting, anticipation, and preparation for the
birth of a Promise in the Holy Child. Christ came into the world in an unexpected place in an
unpredictable year. Over 2,000 years later, we find ourselves with similar challenges today,
but it is the birth of Christ that reminds us that we are to continue building a movement for
the Kin-dom of God that calls us to be in beloved community with one another.