Research has revealed that 85% of people agree with the statement that "Christmas should be called Christmas because we are still a Christian country". But it also shows that only 12% of adults know the facts of the Christmas story in any detail. So if Christians really want to keep Christmas focused on Christ, we must constantly re-tell the story of his birth in ways which engage positively with the public's interest.
The "Christmas Starts with Christ" campaign by ChurchAds.Net re-tells the Christmas story in modern, secular contexts to capture the general public's attention and interest. Poster ads in previous years have set the nativity in a bus shelter and featured a dramatic "Jesus babyscan". Radio ads have placed the story in a football match, horse race and pop chart countdown. Look out for this year’s poster in the run-up to Christmas on a bus shelter or in a shopping centre near you.
Research shows 61% of people surveyed like the message "Christmas Starts with Christ", with 41% saying it makes them think more about the true meaning of Christmas. The "Christmas Starts with Christ" campaign has a very simple but dramatic idea. The nativity has been re-set in modern professions and high street fashions. Shepherds become cycle couriers and plasterers. Wise men are successful entrepreneurs and their gifts are iconic "treasures" of modern culture: a Swarovski crystal perfume bottle, a Faberge egg and a replica Damian Hirst skull. All are sharply dressed. But the traditional nativity arrangement is unchanged, with Jesus as its clear focus. And the message is compelling: "However you dress it up ... Christmas Starts with Christ".
The "Christmas Starts with Christ" campaign by ChurchAds.Net re-tells the Christmas story in modern, secular contexts to capture the general public's attention and interest. Poster ads in previous years have set the nativity in a bus shelter and featured a dramatic "Jesus babyscan". Radio ads have placed the story in a football match, horse race and pop chart countdown. Look out for this year’s poster in the run-up to Christmas on a bus shelter or in a shopping centre near you.
Research shows 61% of people surveyed like the message "Christmas Starts with Christ", with 41% saying it makes them think more about the true meaning of Christmas. The "Christmas Starts with Christ" campaign has a very simple but dramatic idea. The nativity has been re-set in modern professions and high street fashions. Shepherds become cycle couriers and plasterers. Wise men are successful entrepreneurs and their gifts are iconic "treasures" of modern culture: a Swarovski crystal perfume bottle, a Faberge egg and a replica Damian Hirst skull. All are sharply dressed. But the traditional nativity arrangement is unchanged, with Jesus as its clear focus. And the message is compelling: "However you dress it up ... Christmas Starts with Christ".
It's the meeting of Christianity and high street consumerism, with Christ in the middle. In the final few days before Christmas, millions of people will be heading for shopping centres. Could there be a better time to expose people to this Christian message? So, at St John’s
November/December 2011
Saturday 26th November, 10.30am: Christmas Bazaar – Refreshments, handicrafts, cakes, raffles, preserves, toiletries, games & toys for children, international food, Christmas gifts and many other stalls. Visit Santa in his grotto.
Sunday 27th 6.30pm Advent Service - Seven Kings Fellowship of Churches
Saturday 3rd 6.00pm Tamil Carol Service
Sunday 11th 6.30pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St Peter’s Aldborough Hatch
Sunday 18th 10.00am All-age Christingle Service - a colourful service of music & light (collection for The Children’s Society)
6.30pm Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight - traditional carols and readings
Monday 19th 7.00pm Carol Singing around the Parish - wrap up warm. Collecting for Church
Urban Fund.
Tuesday 20th 2.00pm Carol Tea – Mothers’ Union (All are welcome)
Christmas Eve
Saturday 24th 5.00pm All-age Nativity Service - dressing up & tree lighting - fun for all. Bring a
present to leave under the tree for children helped by Barnados. Collection to the Church Urban
Fund.
First Holy Communion of Christmas
Christmas Day
Sunday 25th 8.00am Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer
Christmas All-age Holy Communion - children, bring a gift you have
received to show others
New Years Eve
Saturday 31st 11.30pm Watchnight Service - welcoming the New Year in prayer and reflection
Bruce Cockburn - Cry Of A Tiny Babe.
No comments:
Post a Comment