Remembering Those Who Have Died in the Israel/Palestine Conflict
Jump Start Workshop on Worship
Safe Gatherings Application Discount Ending
Deepen Your Community Connection
Sharing Christmas Where Life Happens
Remembering Those Who Have Died in the Israel/Palestine Conflict
To remember all those who have died in the Israel/Palestine conflict, Methodists are being invited to leave their second Advent candle unlit this year. The call not to light the candle, which represents peace, on the second Sunday in Advent (10 December) and on subsequent Sundays, follows the news that celebrations to mark Christmas in the Holy Land will be subdued this year. The invitation comes from the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem via Palestinian Christian leaders. The Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem is a partnership of the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Church in Great Britain and the United Methodist Church. Its purpose is to increase international awareness and involvement of the Methodist community in the issues affecting Israel and Palestine. The office is located in St. George’s College, East Jerusalem. Its role is to be a presence on behalf of World Methodism in the Holy Land. Read more about the invitation at https://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/news/latest-news/all-news/call-for-advent-candle-to-remain-unlit-for-peace/.
Jump Start Workshop on Worship
Does your worship experience feel stuck? Join us for the first Jump Start workshop of 2024 on Jan. 16. Together we’ll consider how to create intentional worship experiences and offer new questions, new thoughts and new scorecards around this ministry essential. You’ll leave with practical advice and solutions that can be immediately implemented in your context. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/jumpstart-worship-experiences-workshop-17516239?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=netnews
Safe Gatherings Application Discount Ending
Are you Safe Gatherings certified? Sadly, local churches can be a dangerous place for vulnerable people. Do your part to protect others by becoming Safe Gatherings certified and helping those you serve with to get certified, too. Until the end of the year, we’re offering half-off the application fee. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/safe-gatherings-discount-ending-soon-17881518?utm_source=email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=netnews
6 Ways to Deepen Your Congregation’s Connection to the Community this Christmas
Deepen Your Community Connection
Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff offers six ways to engage people of all ages, including the groups meeting at your church, in the preparation for and celebration of Christmas. From decorating the sanctuary to decorating cookies and singing beloved carols, there are lots of ways to engage people in the celebration of Christmas. Read her ideas at https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/6-ways-to-deepen-your-congregations-connection-to-the-community-this-christmas/.
Sharing Christmas Where Life Happens
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff suggests that in an age of rampant religious disaffiliation our evangelistic task in the Advent and Christmas seasons may go beyond gathering in less-frequent church attenders, friends, family, and neighbors. She sees a need to help a generation of dechurched young people reclaim the sacred aspects of Christmas and offers ideas for rebuilding religious memories starting in the places where life happens. Read her perspective at https://www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/sharing-the-true-spirit-of-christmas-in-the-places-where-life-happens/.
