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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Featured Resource: Special Christmas Events and Services  A living nativity is always a gamble.
Sheep and goats don't perform on cue. They take bathroom breaks without the bathroom. They smell. Occasionally one even breaks loose and wrecks havoc in the sanctuary. I read one account of a frisky donkey that bucked a hapless Mary right off his back. Joseph ran and tried to mount the unruly beast, only to get caught in the reins and dragged for several hundred feet! Yes, those are extreme incidents. Most living nativities go off without a hitch (or should I say a bridle?), and everyone sees the Christmas story afresh. And when it comes to celebrating Christmas, that's one of the biggest challenges: how do we help people see an ancient story in new ways? That's the inspiration behind this week's download, Special Christmas Events and Services. We've included advice on reaching "holiday attenders" and descriptions of different special services to try: Lessons and Carols, a Service of Solace, and a celebration of the twelve days of Christmas. There are also some ideas for Christmas outreach, like a free toy store, a neighborhood party, and yes, a living nativity. Find it all here! As we prepare for our Christmas celebrations, let's strive to make the story fresh and relevant. It's worth the extra effort, even if that means chasing down a bucking donkey. Also this week:
  Drew Dyck BCL Editor Question, comment, or need help finding something?Contact us here. advertisement
  On Being a Servant of God, Revised EditionWith candor and sensitivity, Warren Wiersbe shares what he wishes he had known about ministering to others when he began his own Christian pilgrimage.  Next Generation LeaderAndy Stanley shares material from his leadership training sessions, developed to address essential leadership qualities such as character, courage, and competency.  Four Pack: Orientation GuidesThis bundle from SmallGroups.com provides basic training for several small-groups ministry roles at a nice discount. Use them to train new ministry leaders, hosts, and members for their roles!  Subscribe to Christianity Today MagazineA timely and insightful news magazine from a Christian perspective, with compelling articles and thought-provoking columns by Christian thinkers that keep you in touch with the issues and events that affect your daily life. |
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