We’ve talked a lot about increasing generosity at the end of the year. As we’ve posted elsewhere, the end of the year brings challenges. You’ve got this year’s budget gaps, next year’s budget planning, end-of-the-year appeal letters—it’s a lot. On top of that, Christmas is fast approaching. There are two temptations during seasons like this…
What’s on Your Christmas Wish List?
At LeaderWorks, we are all about helping church leaders do their work. To that end, we posted a new idea for helping your church give in the final month of the year: make a Christmas Wish List for your church! Still, you deserve more than a lump of coal, so take a break and write…
The Church Calendar: A Rookie Anglican Guide to the Christian Year
What time is it? At first glance, it might not seem like it, but this is one of the most important questions a human being can ask! Thankfully, there’s an Anglican answer! Or, better, there is a Christian answer that the Anglican tradition helps proclaim! While the secular calendar organizes life around civic holidays, national…
Four Meditations for Nine Lessons and Carols
The Nine Lessons and Carols service is a wonderful opportunity to share Scripture’s story as it culminates in the life of Jesus Christ.
Advent: John the Baptist and Me (Part 1)
John the Baptist looms large on the horizon during Advent. Why John? Isn’t this after the birth of Christ? Why would we read this before Christmas? John’s ministry was to prepare the way for Christ, and we are doing this during Advent. You may remember the beautiful story of the baby who leaped for joy… (Note: To…
Themes of Advent
Advent is right around the corner. But what are the themes of Advent? The overarching theme of Advent derives from John the Baptist’s words: “Prepare the Way of the Lord!” What Does Advent Mean? Advent starts with an apocalyptic theme on the first Sunday. You might be wondering what the Second Coming of Christ has…
Christmas & The Holidays
In order to navigate this in our own culture, it might be helpful for us to see “the holidays” as distinct from “Christmas.”
