Unabridged
Please don’t hate me for this issue. I didn’t want to publish this right after
There’s one theological issue that every Advent, because the next Advent season
Christian agrees on, from the most orthodox seemed to far away to warrant planning. But
conservative to the wildly liberal. Muslims, I did want to publish in time for the ideas
Jews, Hindus and other faiths also agree. included here to be able to be put into place
Atheists and agnostics are on board with this this Advent season. Some of the things outlined
one as well. Everyone, collectively, individually in this publication take a considerable amount
and universally, complains when retail stores of planning and preparation, so I don’t think
bring out the Christmas music and decorations this is coming out too soon.
too early. The point of this is to encourage that fifth
I’m told in days of old the Christmas buzz expectation of ministry that all of us in the
just came out a week or two before Christmas. I Missouri Conference are living by. You know it,
remember when anytime after December 1 was the one that comes after Christ-Centeredness,
fair game. Then anytime after Thanksgiving. Fruitfulness, Excellence and Accountability.
Then Halloween. Some non-Halloween focused That’s right, Collaboration. By taking the first
retailers begin even earlier. And now here I step of sharing the stories of their successful
go, putting a picture of a Christmas tree on advent ministries, the churches in this publi-
the cover of a magazine that comes out in cation are well on their way to collaboration.
September, just a few weeks after the start of Some of the stories themselves involve collabo-
the school year. ration taking place. If you need more informa-
If this is too unsettling for you, just set it tion about how you can plan a ministry like
aside until you’re ready. But if you can handle one in this publication, just contact the church
it, I’d recommend you try to give it a quick read that is featured in the ministry. If it looks like
before it gathers too much dust. too big of a project for your church to take
Just before last Advent, I invited the church- on alone, consider calling up the next church
es of the Missouri Conference to share creative down the road to join you.
and successful ministries that were part of their But don’t wait too long. It’s almost October.
advent season. The collection of stories that I
received over the next several weeks are assem- Fred Koenig
bled into this publication. Editor, Missouri Conference of the UMC
Bridges is a resource for church leaders, and is a supplement to the Missouri Conference Review,
an edition of the United Methodist Reporter. Information for Bridges should be sent to Fred
Koenig, The Missouri Conference, 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202, phone number
(877) 736-1806, e-mail fkoenig@moumethodist.org.
Living Nativity .................................................................................................... 3
Shalom House Party....................................................................................... 4
Santa at Church ............................................................................ ................. 5
Giving Back to the Community ....................................................................... 6
Christmas With the Blues ............................................................................... 7
Open Invitation ............................................................................................... 8
Ringing in the New Year ................................................................................. 9
Christmas Carol for Habitat ........................................ ................................... 10
Operation Toy ................................................................................................. 11
Advent Conspiracy ......................................................................................... 12-13
Beatles Christmas ......................................................................................... 14
Bethlehem Craft Shops ................................................................................. 15
Green Christmas List ...................................................................................... 16
On the Cover: Helen Kanatzar plays the piano during a Sunday of Advent.
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