Description
Table of Contents and Introduction
Sample programming
The 18 programs in this creative and practical church program book are designed to connect God's people with God's story, from generation to generation. Author Rachel Gilmore takes traditional Christmas stories and weaves them into the big picture of God's salvation plan. The diverse selection of worship and learning formats includes:
• Interactive worship services
• Quiet vesper services
• Special celebrations
• Faith and fellowship events
• Compelling dramas
• Intergenerational hands-on workshops
Overarching Advent themes of hope, love, joy, peace, light, and eternal life meet with lessons on responsible stewardship, freedom from sin, sharing the Good News, and giving back to God through service.
Reviews
"Good news for the Advent season. This helpful resource directs multigenerational congregations to the big picture of God's salvation plan, using traditional Christmas stories...Good for church and school libraries." —Church Libraries, Winter 2012
"You will find [Gilmore's] communication style both refreshing and extremely pragmatic." —Doug Lawrence, ChurchCentral.com, 11/28/2011
"Rachel Gilmore is a creative writer who wants depth of experience for Christians at Christmas and as Christians prepare for Christmas during the season of Advent. She is to be commended for this sourcebook." —Rev. Paul J Cain, LHP Lutheran Book Review, 11/25/2011
Author Bio
Rachel Gilmore, MEd, has twenty years experience working in nonprofit settings in the areas of Christian education and youth ministry (including retreat ministry), as well as volunteer management, program/event planning and facilitation, and public relations. A prolific writer, Rachel writes for Christianity Today's SmallGroups.com website and previously wrote a weekly column titled "Intersections...of Faith and Life" on frankfort.patch.com. She has had more than 200 articles published in local newspapers and national magazines such as Chicago Parent, Christian Parenting Today, DevoZine, Leader in the Church Today, Church Educator and Group magazine. She is a contributor to Best of Try This One: Most Popular Ideas from the #1 Youth Ministry Resource and Plugging in Parents: 200 Ways to Involve Parents in Youth Ministry, both from Group Publishing. In 2012, her story "Gracefully Grateful" will appear in The Magic of Mothers and Daughters, a new edition of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.