Evangelism resource newsletter


	Evangelism resource Newsletter
	Ideas for Reaching out at Christmas

In This Edition
Reaching at Christmas-ideas for individuals and churches
Resources for Christmas Services-a skit "Putting Christ Back into Christmas, Children's Service Ideas & an idea for an Advent service for the grieving
Internet Resources-plenty of ideas for Christmas and general evangelism
News from the Evangelism Resource Group
In 2004 this group will continue to produce four newsletters full of practical ideas and resources.
This group will now come more formally under the umbrella of EFAC who had been involved from its inception.

WANTEd!
Articles, ideas and resources that you are willing to share with others.
DON'T BE SHY…
Let us know what you have tried, how it went, etc.
HELP US SHARE IDEAS THAT WORK!

   Reaching out to friends & neighbours at Christmas



   SOME GROUND RULES:



People are busy so watch for body language





Remember you are sharing not preaching



Reaching out at Christmas is not different to reaching out at other times-it just opens up new & different opportunities



Pray for those you are in contact with-especially that this season will create new interest and that God will motivate them to seek Him





Remember that for some people it can be a sad time of the year so be sensitive to people who may be grieving or lonely or struggling in some way. See the service suggestion on page 4. At Holy Trinity Doncaster a small hamper is delivered to the next of kin of funerals held in the previous year with a small note of support & encouragement.





When you share your faith remember that your aim is to bring glory to God while encouraging the person you are talking to take a step closer to relating to Him-you do not need to cover the whole Bible in one session





Be interested in them as a person-ask questions





   WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID:



Complaining about the festive season-too busy, too expensive, family difficulties, etc-how can you share the good news if you are talking about how bad it all is!





Over-emphasising the secular aspects of the season-don't ignore them just don't let them appear to be central!





Becoming so busy that you don't have time to reach out to others





Making this the only time you share with people-if you are a closet Christian at other times then your witness will be less effective-it is, after all, a religious time of the year and it is not unusual for many in the community to become more religious. However what a great time of the year to start and develop the habit of sharing with others!





   WHAT YOU COULD TRY:

   þAt this time of the year "random acts of kindness" are going to be greatly appreciated so explore what you can do for others-cook a meal, look after children, ironing, etc. As a parish be on the look out for struggling families or run a crèche for playgroup mums one morning while they shop or offer one meal in the lead up to Christmas.



When sending cards think about the card you buy-mission society, charity, Christian cards, etc and what you write on them





When buying gifts consider making something and letting people know that you have bought useful gift through tear Fund or similar-show generosity





If you send out an annual letter include your church activities in it in a natural way





When someone wishes you "Happy/Merry Christmas" think about how you reply eg Christmas blessings to you, thank you-it is such an exciting time, etc so that it creates surprise at a 'different' response





When decorating think about the symbols you use eg a nativity scene as a centre-piece on the Christmas table, can you use stars or similar, avoid excessive secular images. However don't be afraid to enjoy Christmas-wear Christmas jewellery, have parties, etc but don't allow those things to become the "reason for the season"





Ask people what they do at Christmas, what does it mean for them, etc-not only will you understand where they are at but that they may well ask you about your Christmas





Acknowledge to your friends that Christmas is an important spiritual time of the year for you so you also like to celebrate that aspect with family and friends






SOME BOLDER IDEAS:


   ~Invite the neighbours kids to a birthday party for Jesus-you can introduce the Christmas story and help the parents at the same time by taking their children off their hands for a short time

   ~Have a neighbourhood Christmas party and share favourite Christmas memories or traditions or ask people to bring along a gift for a local charity-giving a reason for the party and a way to share

   ~Invite people to a special Christmas service and then to your place for supper/lunch. Perhaps church groups can use their break-ups as an outreach. St Timothy's Bulleen have a ladies group that meets monthly on Saturday mornings and the November will be a special Christmas celebration with entertainment.

   ~At this time of the year there will be lots of 'fringe' people visiting the church. Include the main dates for the following year in the notice sheet, make sure the building & grounds are clean & tidy, make sure the notice board is exciting and updated-perhaps with dates of when groups are starting back, photos of the past year, etc



   Resources & Ideas for Christmas Services

   Christmas Service of Hope

   Advent and Christmas herald for us "good news of great joy to all people," yet for many of our church members the holiday season is a time of grief and loneliness, a time when losses feel especially acute.

   This article was added to FaithandValues.com in November 2002.

   It is good for all of us to remember that Advent is, historically, a "little Lent," a short season of solemn preparation for the joy that lies ahead. The liturgical color for Advent, as for Lent, is the purple of penitence. During this season we bring our sorrows, burdens, and failures before God, in the sure hope of the mercy revealed to us in the coming of Christ. Understood this way, Advent is a perfect time to reach out in special ways to those who are especially burdened with sorrow.

   During the third or fourth week of Advent, some churches have been holding special services of hope, with an emphasis on ministry to the sorrowful.

   Springdale Presbyterian Church of Louisville, Kentucky, holds a Sunday afternoon Service of Hope during Advent each year. Ideas that have worked well for them include:

   ·Gather people for prayer around the Advent Wreath. Invite them to come in four groups. Light one of the purple Advent candles for each group, and offer for each a prayer focusing on particular struggles: loss of relationships, death of loved ones, loneliness, and loss of employment, family discord, and so forth.

   ·Print in the bulletin a list of helpful books, movies, community support groups, opportunities for service, and other resources.

   ·Conduct a Ritual of Remembering and Reconnecting. Church members are invited to bring a small object that represents their loss, and during a season of quiet music (Springdale uses guitars, mandolins, and dulcimers) place that object in a large sand tray, and then give them a card from a basket, each of which contains a comforting text from Scripture.

   Children's Service Ideas

   ·Advertise the service as a 'Birthday Party" and send out invitations (see page 10), decorate the hall with balloons, after the service have a birthday cake & give out "take home" bags with the Christmas story, church literature, a few sweets and a pen/pencil or similar with a verse or similar on them. Send invitations to play group families, baptism families, etc.

   ·Involve as many non-church families as possible. This can be done with minimal preparation-ask for volunteers to hold up the letters of the Christmas Alphabet (see page 8) or form a nativity scene by dressing the children up and take a photo. Offer families a copy by filling out an order form (see example page 10)

   ·Run a coloring competition-everyone wins a prize but prizes must be bought along to the country.

   ·The children can make a collage as you tell the Christmas story-have the pieces cut out ready to stick on a prepared background. Once again ask the children who have helped out to sit near the completed collage, take a photo and offer to deliver them to the families.



Drama Skit: Putting Christ Back Into Christmas

(Scene: three chairs side-by-side DC, two Bibles and TV remote control on end chair)

KATIE -- (enters carrying coat, crosses to chairs, drapes coat over back of chair, sits, picks up remote, turns on imaginary TV set in audience rear, watches intently)

JANEY -- (enters carrying coat, crosses to chairs, drapes coat over back of chair) What's on TV?

KATIE -- Shshshshs! I can't hear.

JANEY -- (looks at TV) What are all the firemen doing there? Is there a fire? (sits, stares at TV intently)

KATIE -- Shshsh! No, it's a big accident on the interstate.

JANEY -- Did you see Daddy there?

KATIE -- Not yet. Listen. (points to TV)

MOM ---- (enters, coat draped over arm, writing on pad, mumbling, nodding to self, crossing) Okay, here's the deal...

KATIE & JANEY -- Shshshshs!

JANEY -- Mom, there's a big accident on the interstate. (points to TV)

MOM ---- (studying notes) That's nice, dear. Listen, I'm going to need your help shopping tonight. Katie I need you to... (looks up) Katie, are you listening to me? (picks up remote, switches off TV)

KATIE & JANEY -- Mom!

MOM ---- Listen, we've got a lot to do and not enough time to do it all. So, can I have you're attention?

KATIE -- (sings) I'm listening.

MOM ---- I promised Grandma that I would do the cooking tomorrow for Christmas dinner and I haven't had time to do ANYTHING. (looks at notes) Katie, I need to have you call down to the Honey Baked Ham store and see if they're open late tonight.

KATIE -- (exiting) Yeah, sure, Mom. Honey Baked Ham is way more important that a half dozen people dying on the interstate.

MOM ---- What is she talking about? (studying notes)

JANEY -- There was a big accident on the...

MOM ---- ...Janey, I'm going to drop you off at the record store, so you can buy the CD for what's-his-name...

JANEY -- ...His name is Brandon. He's only your God son, Mother.

MOM ---- Whatever. You know the title.

JANEY -- Smashing pumpkins.

MOM ---- (studying notes) Isn't it a little late for Halloween music?

JANEY -- It's not Halloween music, Mother, it's rock....

KATIE -- (imitating sweetness) "The Honey Baked Hams store is closed for the holiday. (sings) Merry Christmas".

MOM ---- Oh, no. (studies notes)

JANEY -- (to Katie) We have to stop at the music store on the way to church tonight.

KATIE -- Mother, that's in exactly the opposite direction from church.

MOM ---- (not looking up) Huh? Church? Did someone say something about church?

KATIE -- It's Wednesday night down here on earth. That's the night we go to church.

MOM ---- (not looking up) Oh, we can't go to church tonight.

KATIE & JANEY -- What? Mother!

MOM ---- We have too much to do. This IS a special night, you know.

KATIE -- That's correct. They're having a special Christmas Eve service at church tonight.

MOM ---- That's not what I meant.

KATIE -- I know it isn't. It's what I meant.

MOM ---- I'm sorry. Normally, I would take Daddy shopping with me, but, unfortunately, I married a fireman.

JANEY -- That's what we've trying to tell you, Daddy's probably... (motions toward TV, palm up)

MOM ---- So, Janey, (drops money into Janey's outstretched hand) here's $20 for the Halloween CD.

JANEY -- (smiles to Katie) Smashing Pumpkins.

MOM ---- And Katie, (hands Katie a wad of money) here's $50 for the headphones for Uncle Albert. I'll drop you off at Radio Shack after I drop Janey off at the Tower Records. Then, I'll run over to the Ralph's market to see if they have any cooked hams that don't look like they just came out of a can. Then, I'll pick you both up and we'll run over to Wal-Mart for...

KATIE & JANEY -- (standup in unison and sing, very up tempo, harmonizing on the last two notes)

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jesus, Happy Birthday to you.

MOM ---- We really don't have time for this. As we just found out, some of the stores are already closed. And some of them are going to close early.

KATIE -- You're right, Mom. He was only a baby.

JANEY -- And he was born such a long time ago.

KATIE -- 2000 years.

JANEY -- Who can remember such an ancient event?

   KATIE -- And he was only the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE.

   JANEY -- Silly idea, naming Christmas after Christ.

   KATIE -- Silly.

   MOM ---- (deep breath) Alright, get your coats.

   KATIE & JANEY -- (grab coats, start toward exit)

   MOM ---- Don't forget you're Bibles.

   KATIE -- To go shopping?

   MOM ---- (throws pad and pencil over shoulder) Shopping? And miss Jesus' birthday party? Not a chance.

   KATIE -- What about the ham?

   MOM ---- I bought a canned ham last week just in case I got too busy at Christmas. I'm ALWAYS too busy at Christmas.

   JANEY -- (picking up Bibles) What about the CD and headphones?

   MOM ---- The drug store is open til midnight. We can find something there for Uncle Albert and what's-his-name.

   JANIE -- Brandon.

   MOM ---- Anyway, it's not Brandon's birthday. It's Jesus' birthday. (exits singing)

   Happy Birthday to you,

   ALL ---- (exit singing)

   Happy Birthday to you,

   Happy Birthday dear Jesus,

   Happy Birthday to you.



   ©2001 Bob Snook. Conditions for use:
Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it.
Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances.
You may reproduce and distribute this script freely,
but all copies must contain this copyright statement.
http://www.fea.net/bobsnook email: bobsnook@fea.net



   A Christmas Alphabet

   A for the angels who announced Jesus' birth

   B is for Bethlehem where Jesus was born

   C is for the camels which carried the wise men

   D is for the donkey which Mary rode

   E is for Elizabeth, Mary's cousin

   F is for the fields where shepherds looked after their sheep

   G is for the Good News that Jesus was born

   H is for Herod who hated Jesus

   I is for the Inn-keeper who had no room in his inn

   J is for Joseph, Mary's husband

   K is for the new-born King

   L is for the Little Lord Jesus

   M is for Mary, Jesus' mother

   N is for Nazareth where Mary & Joseph lived

   O is for the oxen inside the stable

   P is for the presents the wise men bought-

   gold, frankincense and myrrh

   Q is for the question the wise men asked: "Where is the baby Jesus?"

   R is for the long road from Nazareth to Bethlehem

   S is for the stable with the star above

   T is for the temple where Mary & Joseph took the baby Jesus

   U is for the unexpected visit of the angels

   V is for the visitors who came-the shepherds & wise men

   W is for the wise men who watched and followed the star

   X is for the exciting news of Christmas

   Y is for the young child who was born for you and me

   Z is for Zechariah the husband of Elizabeth



   Internet Resources That Are Worth Checking Out!

   Christmas Ideas…

   www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/clip.html

   This site is full of secular images of Christmas but also has some Christian images that are worth a look.

   www.first-school.ws/activities/bible/nativity1.htm

   This site provides a template for a nativity scene for children to make, songs that can be downloaded to play, colouring sheets and a download of Luke 2 to give to the children. A program outline for a Christmas service/event is also provided. There are links to famous paintings of the nativity.

   http://www.primaryetc.com/ChristmasIdeas.html

   This site has a large range of resources including scripts for nativity plays, ideas for church Christmas parties and comments from people who have tried out the ideas mentioned.

   www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/ARTICLES/ADVTRAD1.HTM

   This site explains the origins of many of the traditions associated with Christmas.

   http://www.christmasincyberspace.com/

   This is an excellent site that promotes the "Christian Christmas" and has heaps of links and resources-preaching/story illustrations, advent calendars, meditations, etc.

   General Links…

   www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/angie.php

   This site helps you to write your testimony in such a way that it targets non-Christian readers. An imaginary young woman 'Angie' has written her testimony in three different styles:

   1.For Christians, as she might tell in church

   2.Completely rewritten for non-Christians

   3.Also for non-Christians – but using the style of a magazine feature article

   Each style is extensively critiqued and clues are given as to how best write a testimony with a target audience in mind. This page is also available as an RTF file for royalty-free print publication and to be downloaded for training purposes. This would be useful in assisting individuals and groups to prepare their testimonies. It could also be used to encourage people to write their testimonies for church papers or magazines in an engaging way.

   www.journeyofjoy.com

   This site describes itself as a lifestyle magazine for women. It encourages women to turn their own journey into a journey of joy. It is an interactive web site that takes women on a journey designed to encourage them to consider their relationship with Jesus Christ. It has well-presented testimonies and question/answers that are thought provoking and encourage a response. It is written and presented in a non-threatening and 'non-churchy' style that makes it accessible for non-Christians and cringe-free for Christians, making it possible to recommend the site with confidence. It has a link to www.powertochange.com which has an excellent section of testimonies that give testimonies that cover issues such as alcoholism, cancer, depression, divorce, fear, self-esteem, sexual abuse, etc. It also has a section of tough questions and special features such as 'God & Science Collide.' This site is well presented but is not as accessible for non-Christians. It is an excellent resource though, in providing answers to questions.

AN
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DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN, GAMES, STORIES & MUSIC,
TAKE HOME BAGS
AND MORE!

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HOME Index of Articles

	Reaching out to friends & neighbours at Christmas

	SOME GROUND RULES:
	People are busy so watch for body language
	Remember you are sharing not preaching
	Reaching out at Christmas is not different to reaching out at other times-it just opens up new & different opportunities
	Pray for those you are in contact with-especially that this season will create new interest and that God will motivate them to seek Him
	Remember that for some people it can be a sad time of the year so be sensitive to people who may be grieving or lonely or struggling in some way. See the service suggestion on page 4. At Holy Trinity Doncaster a small hamper is delivered to the next of kin of funerals held in the previous year with a small note of support & encouragement.
	When you share your faith remember that your aim is to bring glory to God while encouraging the person you are talking to take a step closer to relating to Him-you do not need to cover the whole Bible in one session
	Be interested in them as a person-ask questions

	WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID:
	Complaining about the festive season-too busy, too expensive, family difficulties, etc-how can you share the good news if you are talking about how bad it all is!
	Over-emphasising the secular aspects of the season-don't ignore them just don't let them appear to be central!
	Becoming so busy that you don't have time to reach out to others
	Making this the only time you share with people-if you are a closet Christian at other times then your witness will be less effective-it is, after all, a religious time of the year and it is not unusual for many in the community to become more religious. However what a great time of the year to start and develop the habit of sharing with others!

	WHAT YOU COULD TRY:
	þAt this time of the year "random acts of kindness" are going to be greatly appreciated so explore what you can do for others-cook a meal, look after children, ironing, etc. As a parish be on the look out for struggling families or run a crèche for playgroup mums one morning while they shop or offer one meal in the lead up to Christmas.
	When sending cards think about the card you buy-mission society, charity, Christian cards, etc and what you write on them
	When buying gifts consider making something and letting people know that you have bought useful gift through tear Fund or similar-show generosity
	If you send out an annual letter include your church activities in it in a natural way
	When someone wishes you "Happy/Merry Christmas" think about how you reply eg Christmas blessings to you, thank you-it is such an exciting time, etc so that it creates surprise at a 'different' response
	When decorating think about the symbols you use eg a nativity scene as a centre-piece on the Christmas table, can you use stars or similar, avoid excessive secular images. However don't be afraid to enjoy Christmas-wear Christmas jewellery, have parties, etc but don't allow those things to become the "reason for the season"
	Ask people what they do at Christmas, what does it mean for them, etc-not only will you understand where they are at but that they may well ask you about your Christmas
	Acknowledge to your friends that Christmas is an important spiritual time of the year for you so you also like to celebrate that aspect with family and friends

	SOME BOLDER IDEAS:
	~Invite the neighbours kids to a birthday party for Jesus-you can introduce the Christmas story and help the parents at the same time by taking their children off their hands for a short time
	~Have a neighbourhood Christmas party and share favourite Christmas memories or traditions or ask people to bring along a gift for a local charity-giving a reason for the party and a way to share
	~Invite people to a special Christmas service and then to your place for supper/lunch. Perhaps church groups can use their break-ups as an outreach. St Timothy's Bulleen have a ladies group that meets monthly on Saturday mornings and the November will be a special Christmas celebration with entertainment.
	~At this time of the year there will be lots of 'fringe' people visiting the church. Include the main dates for the following year in the notice sheet, make sure the building & grounds are clean & tidy, make sure the notice board is exciting and updated-perhaps with dates of when groups are starting back, photos of the past year, etc

	Resources & Ideas for Christmas Services
	Christmas Service of Hope
	Advent and Christmas herald for us "good news of great joy to all people," yet for many of our church members the holiday season is a time of grief and loneliness, a time when losses feel especially acute.
	This article was added to FaithandValues.com in November 2002.
	It is good for all of us to remember that Advent is, historically, a "little Lent," a short season of solemn preparation for the joy that lies ahead. The liturgical color for Advent, as for Lent, is the purple of penitence. During this season we bring our sorrows, burdens, and failures before God, in the sure hope of the mercy revealed to us in the coming of Christ. Understood this way, Advent is a perfect time to reach out in special ways to those who are especially burdened with sorrow.
	During the third or fourth week of Advent, some churches have been holding special services of hope, with an emphasis on ministry to the sorrowful.
	Springdale Presbyterian Church of Louisville, Kentucky, holds a Sunday afternoon Service of Hope during Advent each year. Ideas that have worked well for them include:
	·Gather people for prayer around the Advent Wreath. Invite them to come in four groups. Light one of the purple Advent candles for each group, and offer for each a prayer focusing on particular struggles: loss of relationships, death of loved ones, loneliness, and loss of employment, family discord, and so forth.
	·Print in the bulletin a list of helpful books, movies, community support groups, opportunities for service, and other resources.
	·Conduct a Ritual of Remembering and Reconnecting. Church members are invited to bring a small object that represents their loss, and during a season of quiet music (Springdale uses guitars, mandolins, and dulcimers) place that object in a large sand tray, and then give them a card from a basket, each of which contains a comforting text from Scripture.

	Children's Service Ideas
	·Advertise the service as a 'Birthday Party" and send out invitations (see page 10), decorate the hall with balloons, after the service have a birthday cake & give out "take home" bags with the Christmas story, church literature, a few sweets and a pen/pencil or similar with a verse or similar on them. Send invitations to play group families, baptism families, etc.
	·Involve as many non-church families as possible. This can be done with minimal preparation-ask for volunteers to hold up the letters of the Christmas Alphabet (see page 8) or form a nativity scene by dressing the children up and take a photo. Offer families a copy by filling out an order form (see example page 10)
	·Run a coloring competition-everyone wins a prize but prizes must be bought along to the country.
	·The children can make a collage as you tell the Christmas story-have the pieces cut out ready to stick on a prepared background. Once again ask the children who have helped out to sit near the completed collage, take a photo and offer to deliver them to the families.

	Drama Skit: Putting Christ Back Into Christmas
	(Scene: three chairs side-by-side DC, two Bibles and TV remote control on end chair)
	KATIE -- (enters carrying coat, crosses to chairs, drapes coat over back of chair, sits, picks up remote, turns on imaginary TV set in audience rear, watches intently)
	JANEY -- (enters carrying coat, crosses to chairs, drapes coat over back of chair) What's on TV?
	KATIE -- Shshshshs! I can't hear.
	JANEY -- (looks at TV) What are all the firemen doing there? Is there a fire? (sits, stares at TV intently)
	KATIE -- Shshsh! No, it's a big accident on the interstate.
	JANEY -- Did you see Daddy there?
	KATIE -- Not yet. Listen. (points to TV)
	MOM ---- (enters, coat draped over arm, writing on pad, mumbling, nodding to self, crossing) Okay, here's the deal...
	KATIE & JANEY -- Shshshshs!
	JANEY -- Mom, there's a big accident on the interstate. (points to TV)
	MOM ---- (studying notes) That's nice, dear. Listen, I'm going to need your help shopping tonight. Katie I need you to... (looks up) Katie, are you listening to me? (picks up remote, switches off TV)
	KATIE & JANEY -- Mom!
	MOM ---- Listen, we've got a lot to do and not enough time to do it all. So, can I have you're attention?
	KATIE -- (sings) I'm listening.
	MOM ---- I promised Grandma that I would do the cooking tomorrow for Christmas dinner and I haven't had time to do ANYTHING. (looks at notes) Katie, I need to have you call down to the Honey Baked Ham store and see if they're open late tonight.
	KATIE -- (exiting) Yeah, sure, Mom. Honey Baked Ham is way more important that a half dozen people dying on the interstate.
	MOM ---- What is she talking about? (studying notes)
	JANEY -- There was a big accident on the...
	MOM ---- ...Janey, I'm going to drop you off at the record store, so you can buy the CD for what's-his-name...
	JANEY -- ...His name is Brandon. He's only your God son, Mother.
	MOM ---- Whatever. You know the title.
	JANEY -- Smashing pumpkins.
	MOM ---- (studying notes) Isn't it a little late for Halloween music?
	JANEY -- It's not Halloween music, Mother, it's rock....
	KATIE -- (imitating sweetness) "The Honey Baked Hams store is closed for the holiday. (sings) Merry Christmas".
	MOM ---- Oh, no. (studies notes)
	JANEY -- (to Katie) We have to stop at the music store on the way to church tonight.
	KATIE -- Mother, that's in exactly the opposite direction from church.
	MOM ---- (not looking up) Huh? Church? Did someone say something about church?
	KATIE -- It's Wednesday night down here on earth. That's the night we go to church.
	MOM ---- (not looking up) Oh, we can't go to church tonight.
	KATIE & JANEY -- What? Mother!
	MOM ---- We have too much to do. This IS a special night, you know.
	KATIE -- That's correct. They're having a special Christmas Eve service at church tonight.
	MOM ---- That's not what I meant.
	KATIE -- I know it isn't. It's what I meant.
	MOM ---- I'm sorry. Normally, I would take Daddy shopping with me, but, unfortunately, I married a fireman.
	JANEY -- That's what we've trying to tell you, Daddy's probably... (motions toward TV, palm up)
	MOM ---- So, Janey, (drops money into Janey's outstretched hand) here's $20 for the Halloween CD.
	JANEY -- (smiles to Katie) Smashing Pumpkins.
	MOM ---- And Katie, (hands Katie a wad of money) here's $50 for the headphones for Uncle Albert. I'll drop you off at Radio Shack after I drop Janey off at the Tower Records. Then, I'll run over to the Ralph's market to see if they have any cooked hams that don't look like they just came out of a can. Then, I'll pick you both up and we'll run over to Wal-Mart for...
	KATIE & JANEY -- (standup in unison and sing, very up tempo, harmonizing on the last two notes)
	Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Jesus, Happy Birthday to you.
	MOM ---- We really don't have time for this. As we just found out, some of the stores are already closed. And some of them are going to close early.
	KATIE -- You're right, Mom. He was only a baby.
	JANEY -- And he was born such a long time ago.
	KATIE -- 2000 years.
	JANEY -- Who can remember such an ancient event?
	KATIE -- And he was only the CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE.
	JANEY -- Silly idea, naming Christmas after Christ.
	KATIE -- Silly.
	MOM ---- (deep breath) Alright, get your coats.
	KATIE & JANEY -- (grab coats, start toward exit)
	MOM ---- Don't forget you're Bibles.
	KATIE -- To go shopping?
	MOM ---- (throws pad and pencil over shoulder) Shopping? And miss Jesus' birthday party? Not a chance.
	KATIE -- What about the ham?
	MOM ---- I bought a canned ham last week just in case I got too busy at Christmas. I'm ALWAYS too busy at Christmas.
	JANEY -- (picking up Bibles) What about the CD and headphones?
	MOM ---- The drug store is open til midnight. We can find something there for Uncle Albert and what's-his-name.
	JANIE -- Brandon.
	MOM ---- Anyway, it's not Brandon's birthday. It's Jesus' birthday. (exits singing)
	Happy Birthday to you,
	ALL ---- (exit singing)
	Happy Birthday to you,
	Happy Birthday dear Jesus,
	Happy Birthday to you.

	©2001 Bob Snook. Conditions for use: Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. Pay no royalties, even if you make money from performances. You may reproduce and distribute this script freely, but all copies must contain this copyright statement. http://www.fea.net/bobsnook email: bobsnook@fea.net

	A Christmas Alphabet
	A for the angels who announced Jesus' birth
	B is for Bethlehem where Jesus was born
	C is for the camels which carried the wise men
	D is for the donkey which Mary rode
	E is for Elizabeth, Mary's cousin
	F is for the fields where shepherds looked after their sheep
	G is for the Good News that Jesus was born
	H is for Herod who hated Jesus
	I is for the Inn-keeper who had no room in his inn
	J is for Joseph, Mary's husband
	K is for the new-born King
	L is for the Little Lord Jesus
	M is for Mary, Jesus' mother
	N is for Nazareth where Mary & Joseph lived
	O is for the oxen inside the stable
	P is for the presents the wise men bought-
	gold, frankincense and myrrh
	Q is for the question the wise men asked: "Where is the baby Jesus?"
	R is for the long road from Nazareth to Bethlehem
	S is for the stable with the star above
	T is for the temple where Mary & Joseph took the baby Jesus
	U is for the unexpected visit of the angels
	V is for the visitors who came-the shepherds & wise men
	W is for the wise men who watched and followed the star
	X is for the exciting news of Christmas
	Y is for the young child who was born for you and me
	Z is for Zechariah the husband of Elizabeth

	Internet Resources That Are Worth Checking Out!
	Christmas Ideas…
	www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/clip.html
	This site is full of secular images of Christmas but also has some Christian images that are worth a look.
	www.first-school.ws/activities/bible/nativity1.htm
	This site provides a template for a nativity scene for children to make, songs that can be downloaded to play, colouring sheets and a download of Luke 2 to give to the children. A program outline for a Christmas service/event is also provided. There are links to famous paintings of the nativity.
	http://www.primaryetc.com/ChristmasIdeas.html
	This site has a large range of resources including scripts for nativity plays, ideas for church Christmas parties and comments from people who have tried out the ideas mentioned.
	www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/ARTICLES/ADVTRAD1.HTM
	This site explains the origins of many of the traditions associated with Christmas.
	http://www.christmasincyberspace.com/
	This is an excellent site that promotes the "Christian Christmas" and has heaps of links and resources-preaching/story illustrations, advent calendars, meditations, etc.
	General Links…
	www.gospelcom.net/guide/resources/angie.php
	This site helps you to write your testimony in such a way that it targets non-Christian readers. An imaginary young woman 'Angie' has written her testimony in three different styles:
	1.For Christians, as she might tell in church
	2.Completely rewritten for non-Christians
	3.Also for non-Christians – but using the style of a magazine feature article
	Each style is extensively critiqued and clues are given as to how best write a testimony with a target audience in mind. This page is also available as an RTF file for royalty-free print publication and to be downloaded for training purposes. This would be useful in assisting individuals and groups to prepare their testimonies. It could also be used to encourage people to write their testimonies for church papers or magazines in an engaging way.
	www.journeyofjoy.com
	This site describes itself as a lifestyle magazine for women. It encourages women to turn their own journey into a journey of joy. It is an interactive web site that takes women on a journey designed to encourage them to consider their relationship with Jesus Christ. It has well-presented testimonies and question/answers that are thought provoking and encourage a response. It is written and presented in a non-threatening and 'non-churchy' style that makes it accessible for non-Christians and cringe-free for Christians, making it possible to recommend the site with confidence. It has a link to www.powertochange.com which has an excellent section of testimonies that give testimonies that cover issues such as alcoholism, cancer, depression, divorce, fear, self-esteem, sexual abuse, etc. It also has a section of tough questions and special features such as 'God & Science Collide.' This site is well presented but is not as accessible for non-Christians. It is an excellent resource though, in providing answers to questions.

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