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Prepare for people to visit your church who rarely attend church and do not have have a personal relationship with the Lord.\u00a0 They could be unsaved family or friends of regular attendees.\u00a0 They could be people who respond to an advertisement to a special program at your church.\u00a0 Make sure the Gospel message is clearly presented.\u00a0 Extend a warm welcome and invitation to return.\u00a0 Develop some form of follow-up that is unobtrusive yet shows you care.<\/p>\n
Christmas Outreach Ideas and Resources<\/a><\/p>\n Prepare to serve one another.\u00a0 As you approach the holidays, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember that there are those in your midst who can’t be with family and are lonely.\u00a0 1 Peter 4:9 says we should offer hospitality to one another.\u00a0 Make sure these people aren’t left alone.\u00a0 Others who have lost loved ones frequently find the holidays to be a depressing time.\u00a0 1 Thessalonians 4:18 says we should comfort one another.\u00a0 Some people may be unemployed or in financial distress and need a helping hand.\u00a0 Galatians 5:13 says we should serve one another, part of which may be helping to supply their needs.\u00a0 Finally, there are those who are suffering extraordinary stress at this time due to overtaxed schedules, increased demands at work, or any variety of reasons.\u00a0 James 5:16 says we should pray for one another.\u00a0 Let’s not get so self-absorbed over the holidays that we forget to show the love of Christ to others.\u00a0 Build margins of time into your schedule so you can be available.<\/span><\/p>\n Helps for People Who Hurt During the Holidays<\/a> (scroll down in About tab on that page)<\/em><\/p>\n Prepare your children for understanding the real meaning behind the holidays.\u00a0 Getting gifts quickly tops their list of why they like the holidays.\u00a0 Help them focus their attention on Jesus who came to give, not to take.\u00a0 Help them see Jesus who came to serve and not to be served.\u00a0 Realize, however, that a few well-spoken words during the season will have minimal impact if they are not backed up throughout the year.<\/p>\n Ideas and Resources for Teaching Children about Thanksgiving<\/a><\/p>\n Ideas and Resources for Teaching Children about Christmas<\/a><\/p>\n Prepare to show appreciation to those who labor among you.\u00a0 The holidays can be especially busy for people in ministry.\u00a0 This can therefore be a good time of the year to encourage them,\u00a0to let teachers, leaders, and other workers know they are valued.\u00a0 Remember, however, that they need affirmation and appreciation throughout the year as well.<\/p>\n Helps for People in Ministry During the Holidays<\/a><\/p>\n Prepare to use the holidays to disciple your group. Holidays present unique opportunities for discipleship. We can use these celebrations as a springboard for delving into related spiritual truths.<\/p>\n Holiday Reflections Discipleship Guides<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The holidays are a good time to reach out to people. Though outreach efforts should extend throughout the entire year, the holidays do present unique opportunities. According to Ephesians 5:15-16 we acting wisely when we make “the most of every opportunity.” . . . Continue reading Prepare for the Holidays: A Time to Reach Out to Others<\/span>\n
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