How to engage the community when Christmas looks different
2020 has been weird. We all know it, we are all sick of saying it, but sometimes we just need to call it what it is. Here we are, 3 weeks out from Christmas in the middle of a pandemic and a ton of uncertainty. Seminary didn't prepare us for this.
With all this in mind, we have had a ton of conversations with pastors about how they are approaching Christmas this year and, more importantly, how are they engaging with their congregations and community during this season. One of the most creative approaches that I've seen comes from my friend, Doug Ferguson, who pastors Huntersville Presbyterian Church, in Huntersville, NC. Doug's church is rolling out the Couch Christmas box. Check out this conversation between Doug and Tim Nations, director of Chemistry'sVirtual Strategy Lab:
Here's what I love about this idea: it is simple, it is practical, and it will create a memory. I also love the way that it allows people to create a unique memory of Christmas in a unique time, and an easy way to invite others into your celebration... regardless of where they will be celebrating from.
What I also love about this idea, and this wasn't mentioned in the video, is that Doug's team is encouraging everyone who takes a box to return it to the church full of socks for a local homeless mission.
Look, I know that you have a ton on your plate and the last thing you need to
do is research how to pull a box like this together on short notice.
What I also love about this idea, and this wasn't mentioned in the video, is that Doug's team is encouraging everyone who takes a box to return it to the church full of socks for a local homeless mission.
Look, I know that you have a ton on your plate and the last thing you need to
do is research how to pull a box like this together on short notice. So we have put together a quick and dirty guide (complete with links and a logo) so that you can do your own.
Thank you for all that you are doing to faithfully share the story of Christ's birth in a crazy time... I am grateful for you!
P.S. Tim Nations has done some great work on what Christmas looks like this year. If you haven't done so yet, check out Christmas Disrupted.
