6. Host an art market.
Our Director of Candidate Relations Bob Sutton’s church offers an annual art market during the holiday season. Here, local artists from both inside and outside the church can display and sell their merchandise. It is a great way to both support the local arts community and find great Christmas gifts for your family and friends.
7. Facilitate Operation Christmas Child at your church.
“A small shoebox can teach a child about the love of God, lead him or her to faith in Christ, inspire pastors and plant new churches. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out is eternal.” —Samaritan’s Purse
If you’re not familiar with Samaritan’s Purse, it’s a wonderful relief organization that brings shoeboxes filled with Christmas gifts to children in less fortunate situations. This is a great ministry for your small groups, families and/or children’s ministry to participate in.
8. Provide a free gift-wrapping station or hot cocoa station at the local mall.
Offering the free gift-wrapping or hot chocolate to those who are busy shopping for Christmas presents is a great way to touch strangers with kindness during a hectic season. Perhaps you could pass out small postcards inviting them to your church’s Christmas services as you make their day just a little less stressful and more full of holiday cheer.
9. Let’s not forget our college students.
The time leading up to winter break is an especially stressful time for college students as they finish papers and study for exams. Perhaps your small group could go caroling in the dorms or set up a “Re-fueling Station” in the student union with free coffee, donuts and/or five-hour energy drinks. … You name it, they’ll probably eat it.
10. Adopt a family.
During the Christmas season, William Vanderbloemen and his family adopt a local family with kids the same age as his. As a family, they spend time in prayer for their adopted family and pick gifts for each child specifically. Not only was this a meaningful moment for that family in need, but it was also one for William’s family. Partner with your local family shelters for family connections. In Houston, for example, we suggest you explore Star of Hope.
So on deacons, on elders, on choir and preachers,
On youth, on seniors and all those KidMin teachers!
Go forth and prosper in this holiday cheer,
Because now you’re equipped for a festive new year!
What other ideas do you have for seasonal outreach activities for churches?