Always now and not yet

Now is the time to remember that Christmas “light, grace, hope, joy, peace, and love will soon arrive into the world, break into it and break through all that might… Continue Reading Always now and not yet

Things to make your Advent special

We are just two days away from the first Sunday of Advent! Here are some activities, ideas, and resources to guide you and your family on your journey to Christmas.

Invite guests to your Christmas worship

Reach out to your community through the “Spend Christmas at our House” campaign of The Michigan Conference. Check the listing to be sure your church is included.

Resources to help plan Advent 2021

The Christian Year ends with Christ the King Sunday on November 21. Then comes Advent! Here are dozens of activities, ideas, and resources to guide your planning for all ages.

From stable to garden with Jesus

It is important to fully embrace and live out of what happened in a manger in Bethlehem and a garden tomb in Jerusalem.

God invites all children to play

He said “activity” instead of “nativity.” Maybe a six-year-old theologian named Drew had not made a mistake but instead voiced a great truth about God.

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus

After a nine-month struggle to do ministry in a pandemic, pastors use creativity and flexibility to celebrate Advent safe from the coronavirus.

Grace for a time of trauma

2020 has been marked by trauma — polarization, racial reckoning, economic hardship, denominational division, and fragility in our democracy. Bishop David Bard shares good news of God’s gift of grace.

Bishop’s Advent video offers hope

“This Advent season,” says Bishop David Bard, “we find ourselves in the wilderness, exiled from our usual practices.” The bishop offers a song about the new thing God is doing… Continue Reading Bishop’s Advent video offers hope

Books for your Advent journey

‘Tis the season to give the gift of a good read, to yourself and others. Hope, peace, love, and joy fill these books’ pages recommended by the United Methodist Publishing… Continue Reading Books for your Advent journey