The national Church of England focus for Advent and Christmas 2020 takes the theme of 'Comfort and Joy' to reflect the current Covid context. There are many resources, ideas and updates on the ChurchofEngland.org web pages.
In Lichfield Diocese, we're joining and sharing ideas from parishes, schools, chaplaincies and fresh expressions.
We'll be posting ideas and resources here and on our facebook groups - the general and the worship resources, and elsewhere.
Bishop Michael kicks off our thinking with his thoughts and expectations:
Paper Nativity
St John’s Church, Walsall Wood has commissioned a 'Paper Nativity'. This is a craft project to be undertaken in a whole day or over the advent period. All it needs are a pack, a stick of glue, some scissors and some time to watch the “how to make it” video on YouTube. What better way to bring the Christmas message directly into homes during a time when we are together indoors.
Their vicar, Revd David Babbington says:
"We are producing these with the aim that all parishes can make a little money towards their parish share, therefore, we are charging £3.00 per nativity to resell at £5.00. The extra goes to your share! Alternatively, you can give them away as gifts. Maybe your schools would be interested in obtaining them for their children? If you buy over 100, the price reduces to £2.50 per nativity. Individually they are £5 (+p&p) from walsallwoodpapernativity@gmail.com.
"Let’s get families talking about the birth of Christ this Christmas as they have fun together."
Video inspiriation
Revd Julia Cody, vicar of Perton, is considering how a reflective service can still provide some familiarity and welcome to her community this Christmas:
Revd Rich Cresswell, vicar of Shawbury, Morton Corbet and Stanton-on-Hine-Heath is planning a nativity service made by many families at home. And with rhyme!
It's not often that church nativity scenes feature St Nic, but has Revd Julia Cody got a point?
The Soul Purpose team made of people from a number of Shrewsbury churches usually organises a Christmas Day lunch and party for those on their own. Not possible this year, but Verity Lowe from Holy Trinity, Belle View, describes how they are planning to still look out for people - adaptable elsewhere too:
Christmas characters stuffed in giant baubles? What is going on in #Shrewsbury? Judith Clarkson from @TrinityChurches explains how they're planning to bring #ComfortAndJoy to their communities:
One of the things many churches will particularly miss this #Christmas is the many ways they usually connect with children in their schools, clubs and youth groups. Revd Julia Cody has a crafty Christmas packs plan:
| And The Ministry Shift (a video series where church leaders discuss issues that affect their work and leadership becaouse of covid) kicked off its autumn run with some initial thoughts on how they might approach Christmas this year. |
