Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Lesson 1: Just as the Wise Men, be ready to meet God in the midst of our everyday activities, then get up and follow the star;
An invitation to all choirs and singing groups to sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ – listen to a preview. The first time an Advent and Christmas campaign from the Church spanned digital, print, traditional press and broadcast in terms of promotion and awareness Working with local churches, dioceses, colleagues across Church House Westminster, Lambeth Palace and Bishopthorpe we were able to build a campaign that engaged people across England and the Diocese in Europe. A huge thanks to everyone who got involved in shaping the strategy and being so enthusiastic throughout. Our aims were to: What about their being kings? Probably not. Matthew calls them “wise men from the East”– MAGOI in the Greek (which is where we get our term MAGI) – probably astrologers which explains why they would have noticed and then been so excited about coming across something unusual in the sky. As they would later say to Herod, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” Not unheard of in that day – the idea that heavenly signs marked the births and deaths of great leaders was widely accepted.(3) What they saw excited them, even enough to make them drop what they were doing and follow the star. Explore the digital promo planner, blogs and bitesize videos from Digital Labs to support churches in using the digital resources availableCenturies later, singing is still central to how millions of people celebrate the good news of Christmas. Singing and hearing carols can enable people of all ages to get in touch with the wonder and the truth of the Christmas story. The O little town of Bethlehem Christmas carol was a major success – used by Classic FM on social and radio and played on BBC Radio 2
For example, you can film your choir or singing group from when they first listen to the carol preview, during rehearsal (be sure keep any bloopers as they can make great content) and any public performances they might have. This type of authentic content performs really well online because it’s relatable and inviting. The family prayer card contains an angel-themed activity, either to be given away or made during a service. Three webinars are being organised to help churches make the most of the new resources in services, schools, or at home, with both children and adults. Christmas 2023’s digital resources unwrapped: join the Digital Labs team for an interactive session looking at the resources available for this year’s Christmas campaign. Sign up to join this webinar, held on Wednesday, 11 October.More than 50,000 items sold through the online store – bookmarks, booklets and flyers were particularly popular Alongside some familiar elements, there are some completely new strands to this year’s campaign to help schools, churches, cathedrals to connect with this year’s call to Join the Song, including: This year’s theme – Follow the Star: Join the Song – highlights how singing can help draw us closer to God and each other through the journey from Advent to Epiphany. Lesson 2: What you believe should determine how you behave. Be willing to put feet on your faith; then get going and follow the star;
The annual observance of the birth of our Savior is almost over – Epiphany, recalling the visit of the Wise Men is commemorated today, January 6, and ends the liturgical celebration, following the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” No gifts of turtle doves, French hens or partridges in pear trees; rather the more traditional gold, frankincense and myrrh. I found getting involved in the campaign was fantastic. We've had a good response from the local community and have see more new people to our church in January”
Other Topics
If you share a Christmas event link from AChurchNearYou.com, the link preview will carry a “You’re invited” link preview graphic. William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 1, Daily Study Bible Series, rev. ed., (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1976), p. 31 Lesson 3: Scripture is a wonderful resource if you want to know God’s direction for your life; get good directions, then follow the star;
Last Christmas, churches across the Diocese of Gloucester extended ‘The Great Invitation’ from the Church of England to Follow the Star to their local church in person once again.Christmas 2023's digital resources unwrapped: Join the Digital Labs team for this interactive session to look at the resources available for this year's Christmas campaign. Sign up to join the webinar on Wednesday 11 October.
Great Deal 
New Comment