A new all-church study is among the seven new devotional resources for Advent 2015 from Abingdon Press and The Upper Room. Others include a look at the ways the various Gospels announce Christ’s birth or make way for his ministry, a different way to read the Christmas story and reflections on well-known carols.
Sent
Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas (Abingdon Press) is a new all-church study, which makes it easy for different age levels to study the same theme each week so families can discuss them together. The Rev. Jorge Acevedo leads the team using story, art and Scripture to discover how, where and why Christ sends his disciples into the world to be his hands, feet, head and heart. While individuals can use the five-session study book, the video presentations and a leader’s guide will be useful for group study. Sent resources also include a devotional book, a youth study book, a children’s leader guide and a large print edition of the adult study. Joining Acevedo in leading the study on video are the Rev. Jacob Armstrong, the Rev. Justin LaRosa, the Rev. Rachel Billups and Lanecia A. Rouse.
Awaiting the Already
Using a thematic approach that applies Bible study to everyday life experience, Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey through the Gospels (Abingdon) is usable by individuals and small groups. The Rev. Magrey R. deVega, senior pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, wrote the five-session study with a weekly focus and encouragement to engage in a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help the reader grow in faith.
A Calendar of Devotions
The Advent 2015 edition of the booklet has daily devotions that include a Scripture reading, a Bible verse, an inspirational message and a prayer. Nell W. Mohney wrote Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2015 (Abingdon Press). The booklet will fit in a #10 envelope.
Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam
Originally published as a study for adults, Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam (Abingdon Press) is being reintroduced as a five-week all-church study with sessions for adults, youth and children. A DVD includes five 8-10-minute sessions that can be used to facilitate discussion of the book’s content. Written by the Rev. James W. Moore, the study focuses on ways Christ breaks into chaos and confusion that often accompanies Christmas, showing that Bethlehem always happens in the midst of bedlam.
Five Questions of Christmas
By exploring questions asked by the Magi, Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah and the crowd witnessing the naming of John the Baptist, author Rob Burkhart helps readers explore their own curiosities about purpose, favor, trust, justice, doubt and promise. Individuals and small groups can use the five-week study focusing on Five Questions of Christmas: Unlocking the Mystery (Abingdon Press), questions that open the door to some of life’s great mysteries.
The Gift of New Hope
Author, lecturer and worship leader Christopher L. Webber is the writer of The Gift of New Hope (Abingdon Press), the Advent 2015 study based on the Revised Common Lectionary. The five-week study, based on Year C of the three-year cycle of Bible readings, encourages readers to claim and celebrate the new hope offered in Jesus Christ. Each chapter covers the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel readings for the week as well as discussion questions, personal reflection questions and suggested activities for group study.
Why This Jubilee?
The Rev. James Howell explores the birth of Jesus through familiar carols. In Why This Jubilee (The Upper Room), Howell offers 24 reflections on well-known carols and Christmas songs for individuals to use. The book includes a guide for four discussions focusing on:
- The Place
- The Men (Joseph, shepherds, magi)
- The Mother
- The Child
Compiled by the Rev. Kathy Noble, editor of Interpreter and Interpreter Digital.
Planning Ahead
Rethink Inviting: While supplies last, churches can receive 100 free customized door hangers from the Rethink Church ministry of United Methodist Communications. Orders must be placed by Nov. 1 to assure delivery by Thanksgiving or by Dec. 1 to be on time for Christmas. National advertising in the United States supporting local churches’ outreach and invitations during Advent and Christmas will launch Monday, Nov. 16. Other invitational resources available for congregations include direct mail postcards. Among the worship resources are graphics, bulletin covers and sermon starters. The materials support the Rethink Church message of “Church can happen anywhere” while raising awareness of specific events. Learn more at www.umcom.org/rethinkchurch.
Giving Tuesday: Dec. 1 will be the fourth annual #GivingTuesday, a day focusing on contributing rather than consuming. The General Board of Global Ministries will again promote #UMCGivingTuesday to support Advance projects, while many congregations and annual conference and other denominational missions and ministries will highlight projects to support with online giving that day.