Advent2009

Just a few pointers to what's online during Advent. If you know of any websites that may be of interest, just email us and we'll include them too.

Advent Calendars

A Paperless Christmas - A video each day during Advent starting from 1 Dec

Worship & Mission

Carol Service

If you're planning to have a Carol Service you might find this PowerPoint version of the Carols and readings useful. The readings can be changed and you can alter the order of the carols themselves. The final slide is Holman Hunt's "Light of the World" and there are a few 'spare carols' which can swapped around.

A World in Waiting - Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have produced reflections and prayers in light of the economic crisis.

The Text this Week - includes resources for a 'Blue Christmas', a Christmas service for those who find Christmas a difficult time.

Christmas Posada resources to download from the Church Army website - an opportunity to share the meaning of Christmas with your local community.

What is Posada? It's an old Mexican tradition where young people dressed as Mary and Joseph travelled from house to house asking for a room for the night and telling people about the imminent arrival of Jesus in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Joy to the World - Ideas to help children appreciate how Christmas is celebrated around the world from Barnabas in Schools

Children and Youth Christingle Resources - available from the Children's Society.

Jesse Tree - Make ornaments for each day of Advent to hang on a Jesse Tree. The symbols are taken from scripture verses starting way back in Genesis and tell the story of why Jesus was born. There are patterns for the ornaments, an outline for an intergenerational event along with family devotions.

Teddy's Christmas Adventure - Care for the Family Engage offers free materials to help run a Christmas event for your church or community toddler group.

Teddy's Christmas Adventure is a specially written story to explain the meaning behind Christmas. With a slide show presentation, colouring sheets, advertising posters, craft ideas and a ready-made script, Teddy's Christmas Adventure will help you connect with your group in a lively and exciting way.

Nativity - Damaris Trust have been commissioned to provide resource materials including downloadable clips from the new family comedy film which is due to be released at the end of November. Churches will be able to use these in talks.

Don't be a stranger - The Evangelical Alliance invites us to take up Jesus' challenge to welcome those we consider to be strangers - and not just at Christmas.

Advent Resources from EMBRACE NI - this is a group of Christians working together to promote a positive response to people seeking asylum, refugees, migrant workers and minority ethnic people in Northern Ireland.

Be part of the action - Church 25-12: Bus stop Nativity available from the Churches Advertising Network

Hubble Space Telescope Advent Calendar from 2008 still available with amazing photos of the universe.