Christmas Continued…

Yesterday I mentioned that it’s time to start planning for Christmas. I’ve already heard of some churches that are doing something associated with the new movie “The Nativity”. Outreach has put together several resources if your church wants to do something with this movie theme. Check them out (some are FREE).

Here’s an announcement from my friends at Midnight Oil Productions:

Two Christmas resources for the price of one…

For three days only–now through Saturday night–get two of Midnight Oil’s beautiful, full-featured Christmas resources for the price of
one. Titles include:

• Follow the Star
• Personal Connection
• Rediscover Christmas

Each disc is regularly $75. Get a bundle of two for the same price.

To see videos and learn more click here.

 

Christmas Is Here!

Well, not really, but it’s close. Trust me – it’s never too early to start planning Christmas.

Hillsong Worship just released their new Christmas CD. I’m already working on a new Christmas video (more on that later). I’ve already been meeting with the worship planning team at my church to plan our annual “Christmas to Remember” program. I know that Todd Bell and Prestonwood just finished recording their Christmas CD two weeks ago (they’ll have it ready to roll out in November and be available to their church to give out as gifts to people).

What are you doing to prepare for this fast approaching holiday? For the last 4 years I’ve done a “Christmas Media Review” (which I’ll do again this year). I’m always amazed at how Christmas seems to sneak up on some companies. I’ll email and call them and ask when I can expect to review their Christmas stuff and they end up releasing their Christmas videos or projects in the month of December? December…are you kidding me?

MEDIA COMPANIES:
Start working on Christmas yesterday and have it ready to be available to churches in mid to late October – that’s when they can use it and make plans accordingly.

CHURCH LEADERS:
Start planning yesterday. Dream, friends, dream. Ask what you can do differently this year. How can you celebrate the Christmas season in a new, fresh, relevant and meaningful way? For the many visitors that will visit your church for the first time this Christmas, what will engage them and encourage them to return?

 

Today Is My Birthday!

That’s right, September 22nd, also known as the first day of Fall, is my birthday. I turn 31 today. I guess I really am in my 30s!

 

May We Never Forget

Today we pause to remember the lives lost 5 years ago today. This picture, which was downplayed in the media, was and is a reminder to me that God is in control. I trully believe that just like us, He wept that day.

 

Planning Something Special for this Sunday (The day before 9/11)?

I just want to remind you about an earlier blog I did on 9/11 resources. I also want to highlight the “America” video clip from Flashlight Films (we used this at my church on Memorial Day and the response was amazing). If you’re going to have a brief moment in your Sunday service to remember 9/11, you might want to check out WorshipHouse’s September 11th store.

 

FREE 9/11 Video

WorshipHouse Media has changed their free monthly download to a new short film entitled “Bob Appleby“. Bob Appleby is a chaplain who helped during the recovery efforts of 9/11. He followed the orders “Go to the zone, stand there, and God will tell you what to do.”