With the world looking very different this year it may feel difficult to plan for Advent and Christmas. So we've gathered together some resources you may find helpful.
A video message from Bishop Martyn and Bishop Guli
Bishop Martyn and Bishop Guli will be recording a video message which will be available to download and include in your own online Christmas services. You can download the video here.
Preaching Mark in Advent with Ian Paul
Earlier in November Ian Paul held a webinar for us on the subject of Preaching Mark in Advent ​​​​​​. If you weren't able to join the webinar you can view a recording here. There are also notes from the day here, extra resources here and a helpful synopsis of Mark's Gospel here.
This is the national Church of England’s campaign for Advent and Christmas. Comfort and Joy holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a uniquely difficult year with an acknowledgement that – for those who have lost loved ones or livelihoods, or who are potentially still not able to be together with loved ones – it may be the Church’s role, both nationally and locally, to provide consolation, rather than assume everyone will be ready to join in jubilation. 
They have created a range of digital and print content available, branded with the Comfort and Joy theme:
- Reflections - There will be weekly reflections published on social media and available by email and app for each Sunday of Advent. Comfort and Joy: Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas mirrors the structure of a traditional carol service, exploring both biblical texts and the words of much-loved Christmas carols. Our very own Bishop Guli has contributed one of the reflections.
- Online services and events – they will continue to stream services throughout the festive period and will incorporate the theme of Comfort and Joy.
- Printed materials - Bookmarks, Christmas cards, banners, flyers, posters, booklets and other printed items are available for churches to purchase, as in previous years. Pre-printed materials are available (along with copies of the Reflections booklet) to order via Church House Publishing.
- Daily Hope - Daily Hope is a free phone number (0800 804 8044) offering music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line. Comfort and Joy reflections, services and some of the music will be available throughout Advent and Christmas.
Online Advent Journey
The Diocesan Comms team are offering a short Facebook Live daily devotional aid for you as we journey through Advent to Christmas. Nathan, whose artwork has been enjoyed by lots of you in our Sunday at Ten videos, will be filming himself writing out a few verses of Scripture and doodling meditations on them every day at 8:00am on the Diocesan FB page. These will start on Wednesday 2nd December, with a new one every day throughout Advent except on Sundays. The Scriptures will be drawn from the birth narratives in the Gospels and verses that look forward to Christ’s return. Would be a great way to start your day as we move towards Christmas.
This is going to be a Christmas like no other so the Generous Giving Team have been having a rummage through their mental cupboards in search of ways that your church can raise funds and hopefully bring some much needed warmth and light this Christmas. Read more here for a list of some fun, flexible and frivolous ways of bringing your community together, raising money and sharing the joy and good news of Christ’s birth.
A guide to holding a Virtual Christingle from The Children's Society
This is a unique year for Christingle as for the first time ever many will take place online. But whether you’re a virtual meeting expert or giving it a go for the first time, this guide will outline everything you need to know for holding a virtual Christingle celebration. You can also find more resources from The Children's Society here.
You can also register your Christingle on The Children's Society website here. By signing up you'll be able to take donations online, keep track of how much you've raised and help your community find your Christingle celebration.
Christmas Reality Check Webinar
4 December, 11am - 12.30pm
This webinar with Sandra Millar, Mark Betson and the Digital Team will focus on the art of the possible in the light of the Government guidance about Christmas and the actual situation for churches and worship.
Last minute ideas, reassurance – and practical insights. Please click here to reserve your place.
A Church Near You
Remember to list the full range of church building (where permissible) and online services taking place this year on your page on ACNY. As well as promoting services, A Church Near You editors can also access the Resource Hub, which will provide a range of free resources, such as customisable videos, images, social media graphics and approaches to online giving.
Engage Worship
Engage Worship have produced some Worship Lyric Videos avilable to download. You can use these Christmas Carol videos in any worship services, whether physically gathered, via Zoom-style chat, edited into a YouTube or Facebook live type service, or any other non-profit setting. Visit their website here for a variety of styles - contemporary, traditional, lyric videos and live films.