Of course, you leaders must plan ahead, so allow me to share an idea for a Christmas project next month.

This is one of the Christmas ideas in my book, Fresh Ideas–1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving & Energetic Church:

A Nativity-a-Day

“For a ministry project, purchase a twelve-piece nativity scene and do this version of the Twelve Days of Christmas for a homebound member or person who will be alone for the first time this Christmas.  Deliver one piece of the nativity scene daily for twelve days, ending with the baby Jesus on Christmas day.  If this is a church or class project, a different member could deliver each day.  A friend of mine did this with “secret” deliveries, leaving daily notes and gift-wrapped nativity pieces on the front porch, by mail or other delivery methods.  At a scheduled time, she and her family delivered the baby on Christmas day.”

I received a note today from a lady who read the book, saying that she was purchasing a nativity scene and planning to do this with an elderly neighbor this Christmas.  Her husband’s Bible class was doing this as a mission project, with a different class member making a delivery each day. (I’m not sure if it’s a person in a nursing home, someone with an extended sickness, or a homebound member.) Each gentleman in the class is assigned a specific day, and makes a visit to deliver one nativity scene piece.  You don’t actually have to do exactly twelve–it could be more or less.  The gift is your reflection of God’s love as you show his care to one who needs it this season. 

My friend who did this with her young children made it an annual tradition. Each year, they would ask the pastor for an idea of a person who needed Christian encouragement, and they carefully made their plan. Each day was an adventure for the children as they planned how to deliver their surprise. As Christmas neared, they sent word through their pastor or a common friend to specify a time on Christmas Day they would like to stop by for the last delivery.  The recipient each year became a dear Christian friend of that family, and they began planning for next year’s Nativity-A-Day. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are such a wonderful time to shine for Jesus…

Keep on shining!

 I’m buried in books for five more weeks as I complete classes for my seminary degree.  One class is a masters level Old Testament class.  I’m constantly amazed to discover how much I don’t know, but I’ve really enjoyed learning about the archeological finds and verifying manuscripts found over the years that keep on confirming biblical history.  Pray for my poor brain!

I finally submitted the proposal for a next book–one for pastor wives. I’ll pick up working on that manuscript after Christmas, so if you have any great ideas or topics you’d like to suggest for it, let me know (click “add comment” below or email me.)  This is going to be a really great one!! I really enjoy encouraging pastors’ wives, and since I’ve spent most of my life in that role, it will be really fun to share tips and encouragements for that very important group of leaders. I’ll keep you up as this project progresses.

Steve and I led a deacons and wives retreat last weekend for two southern Indiana churches, and it was such fun.  One lady shared this gift exchange game, and I thought you might enjoy using it over the Christmas holidays. (I know! I know! It’s still not Thanksgiving yet. But if I file it away, you may never see it.) We’d used it years ago, and I’d lost the script. It’s easy, quick and fun for any age.

Keep on shining!

PASS-AROUND GIFT EXCHANGE

If you have a gift-exchange at your Sunday School class party, here’s a fun way to distribute the gifts.

The group sits in a circle, and each holds a gift. As the poem is being read (with deliberate emphasis on the words “right” and “left), each person passes his gift to the person on his right or left when the words “right” or “left” are read. At the end of the story, everyone opens the gift they are holding.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

‘Twas the night RIGHT before Christmas when RIGHT through the house
Not a creature was LEFT stirring, not even a mouse–
The stockings were hung RIGHT by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be RIGHT there.
The children were nestled RIGHT snug in their beds,
while visions of sugarplums danced RIGHT in their heads,
And mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled RIGHT down for a long winter’s nap,
When RIGHT out on the LEFT lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang RIGHT from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the RIGHT window I LEFT like a flash;
tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
LEFT a luster of midday to objects RIGHT below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleight and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver RIGHT lively and quick;
I knew RIGHT in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came;
and he whistled and shouted, and called them RIGHT by name:
“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blitzen!
To the RIGHT top of the porch! To the LEFT top of the wall!
Now dash away, dash away, dash RIGHT away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly
when they meet RIGHT with an obstacle, mount RIGHT up to the sky,
So up to the housetop the coursers they LEFT flew,
with a sleighful of toys and St. Nicholas, too.
And then in a twinkling, I heard RIGHT on the roof,
the prancing and pawing of each little RIGHT and LEFT hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning LEFT around
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, RIGHT from his head to his LEFT foot,
and his clothes were all LEFT tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung RIGHT on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His RIGHT and LEFT eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples were RIGHTmerry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was LEFT drawn up like a bow,
and the beard LEFT on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held RIGHT in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a round little belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was RIGHT chubby and plump, a RIGHT, RIGHT jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his LEFT eye and a LEFT twist of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went RIGHT straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings; then turned LEFT with a jerk
And laying his finger to the LEFT of his nose,
and giving a nod, he LEFT up the chimney he rose.
He sprang RIGHT to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
and away they all LEFT like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he LEFT–out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

My newest book, Deacon Wives, is officially online! Even though it won’t be released until next June, the book went online on Amazon.com and LifeWay.com for presale today.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

I’m very excited about this book.  Deacon wives can make such an enormous impact on their church’s ministry, its harmony and its joy. Pray with me that God will use Deacon Wives to challenge and encourage these great leaders.

Update of Recently published articles:

The Deacon Magazine - Winter issue

Utah-Idaho Southern Baptist Witness - October issue

South Carolina’s The Courier - October issue

The Indiana Baptist - October issue

The Illinois Baptist - October issue

Let’s Worship magazine - Winter issue

I’m shaking my calendar and wondering if it’s really true that November is here! 

Are you looking for some fresh ideas for celebrating Thanksgiving at your church? I just noticed that the LifeWay website has an excerpt from my Fresh Ideas book, and thought you might enjoy these Thanksgiving ideas–from a pie squad party to a “seeking thanksgiving” mystery trip. It’s pasted below.

Yes, it’s November. And I’m thankful.
——————-

FRESH IDEAS FOR YOUR CHURCH THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS

Written by Diana Davis

It all began with some comments about turkey. Our church’s annual turkey dinner had grown stale. As one young couple stated, “There’s a limit to how many turkey dinners one can eat in a week!”  It was time to begin a new Thanksgiving tradition.

On Sunday evening before Thanksgiving, our church family gathered in the fellowship hall for a very special Lord’s Supper celebration and a simple meal. Everyone was seated at round tables with candle centerpieces. One deacon or church staff member sat at each table, and a scrumptious meal of homemade stew and cornbread was served.  At their table, each person informally shared about blessings from God during the previous year.   

After dinner, lights were dimmed and the pastor led a meaningful candlelight Lord’s Supper, and we celebrated God’s greatest blessing. He directed the deacons or staff members to administer the elements to those at their table. This simple, solemn ceremony became an anticipated, well-attended tradition. And it was turkey-free. 

Looking for more fresh ideas for Thanksgiving?

A “Pie Squad Party”is a Thanksgiving celebration/ministry event. Partygoers load into cars to joyfully deliver gorgeous homemade pies to every church member who is homebound or living in a nursing home. Each member of the group signs a greeting card to leave with the pie, and after spending a few minutes to encourage and pray for the homebound friends, team members gather back at the church to enjoy the town’s biggest homemade cobbler.

“A Wall of Thanks” is a visual expression of thanks. At the beginning of November, use white paper to cover a focal wall in the church foyer. Invite church members of all ages to use markers or paints to artfully express thanks to God all month long.

“Seeking Thanksgiving” is a mystery van trip where vehicles packed with church members follow a map to several prearranged locations to discover and celebrate God’s blessings. Recruit church members with large vehicles to drive, and ask them to enhance its exterior with Thanksgiving decor and a “Seeking Thanksgiving” sign.

Carefully select Christians in your church who have been uniquely blessed or protected by God this year, and ask them to host a mystery stop, where carloads of church members will make a brief visit to celebrate God’s blessings. Your pastor may have ideas of very thankful members. Some examples:

• a couple with a new baby
• a homebound senior adult rocking on her porch
• a brand new Christian at his home
• a college student in her dorm
• a hospitalized member who can receive guests
• a recent immigrant

Each thankful person awaits the visitors, holding a large picket-type sign that reads “I’m thankful!”  Groups take a photo with them, encourage and pray with them, then return to the church for refreshments and fellowship.

After all, there’s more than just turkey to a great Thanksgiving season.

More “Fresh Ideas” for your ministry are available in these practical books by Diana Davis:

• Fresh Ideas: 1,000 Ways to Grow a Thriving and Energetic Church 
• Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry: Creative Plans and Programs that Really Work 

Also, check out Diana’s official website at www.keeponshining.com

Diana Davis lives in Indianapolis, where her husband Steve serves as the Executive Director for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. A popular women’s conference speaker, Diana has ministered to women’s groups internationally. She especially loves  encouraging pastors’ wives and deacons’ wives.

Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry is featured in a two-page spread in B&H Publishing Group’s new Ministry Resource Catalog! 

—–

Ladies Retreat Idea:

The Whitewater Association’s women’s retreat today was such fun! I enjoyed facilitating a packed classroom of pastor wives, and encouraging them in their ministries.  I also had the privilege of leading a class about women’s ministry, and had a great group of women in that class, too. 

Their retreat theme was “Tree of Life” using these Scriptures:

First, the true wisdom “is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her” (Proverbs 3:18).

That true wisdom can be none other than Christ (I Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:3).

One lady created a beautiful wall-sized tree visual with the Scripture and theme, and breakout classes centered around wisdom from God. 

One thing I especially enjoyed was the relaxed schedule. Though they had plenty of group time and breakout classes and music and testimonies, the overall time felt calm and very relaxed.  Fun retreat!

Celebration Time:

(Pardon me for this personal post. But you’re going to love the book recommendations!)

I’m celebrating the completion of two more seminary classes -  

(1) Systematic Theology 11 - I’m really celebrating this one. I’m afraid I’m way over my intellectual capabilities, but still enjoyed the class. I probably spent eight hours trying to understand Jonathon Edwards “In Freedom of the Will.”  My term paper was about God’s immediate forgiveness and it engulfed weeks of my life. I just turned it in today and feel like I accomplished a thesis!  Praising God it’s all turned in.

(2) Personal Evangelism 565 - one of the best classes I’ve ever taken. Dr. David Wheeler is excellent. The assignments were multitudinous, but well worth the effort. 

Here are some really great books from the class that I highly recommend: 

          Family to Family (Pipes) - If you have kids, you’ve got to read this book. It’s a great idea book and instruction book for creating a family mission statement so your family will intentionally honor God. Read it!  

The Unexpected Journey(Rainer) - I don’t know how I missed this Rainer book, but it is un-put-downable.  Each chapter holds a captivating interview with a Christian who was saved from a different faith view — everything from mormonism to satanism to buddhism. Each explains how they found the one true God, and gives tips for Christians about how to share Christ with them.

 Share Jesus Without Fear (Fay) - I’d read this previously, but if you’ve missed it, it’s a must-read-twice book.  Quite inspiring and practical.

Radically Unchurched (Reid) - This book will knock your socks off. It is a factual, in-your-face revelation of reasons our churches are unable to reach the majority of our nation’s younger adults and youth.  Well worth reading.

The Art of Personal Evangelism(McRaney) - Perhaps the best book on personal evangelism I’ve read.  Very practical, usable, inspirational. Read it.

Oh, there were lots of other books in this class, but these are some I thought you’d love.

  Just three more seminary classes to go now…

—–

One more article published this week:

Let’s Worship Magazine Fall ‘08 - (Missions celebration idea)

—–

Book Signing: One more note–I get to do a book signing during the state convention on Friday evening at 5:30. (for convention details, see www.scbi.org).

I walked downtown Indy last week to watch the deflating of the RCA Dome. The ceremony was tearful as dignitaries reminisced about its history and its impact on the city. The new Lucas Oil Stadium will house the Indianapolis Colts and other large concerts and gatherings, and it’s absolutely gorgeous.

The big balloon-like roof of the RCA Dome was held up with enormous fans, and as they counted down, the crowd shouted the 10-9-8-7-…3-2-1, they shut off the fans. And nothing happened. Or so it seemed.  It took forty-five minutes for the roof to deflate, and looking at it from the ground angle, the view didn’t change all that much. (I have great photos, but still can’t attach them to the blog for some reason!)

I spotted people standing on a roof next to the dome, so I walked there and rode the elevator to the top. Wow! The view from the top told the real picture of that deflated roof.  Nine acres of white sprawled in the huge bowl. I believe I read that it weighed 250 tons, or something enormous like that. It was quite a site.

I imagine that God’s view of our lives is quite different from our view.  We usually see only the here-and-now. We concentrate on things in our world that affect our small portion of it. We rarely think much farther than tomorrow. But God, with His view “from the top” has the big picture. He sees eternity past, present and future. He sees much more than we could dream or imagine.  

With all the changes in our world, I’m trusting that God, with His big picture view-from-the-top, is in control of all the details of my life and yours.  

Comforting, isn’t it?

New articles written by Diana have been published this week in the following publications: 

**Watch for article in Rick Warren’s Pastor Toolbox next week!

The Hawaii Pacific Baptist - October 2008

The Iowa Baptist - October 2008

The Indiana Baptist - October 2008

Fresh Ideas-1000 Ways book (hardbound) was featured in Crossings Book Club catalogue

No matter your age, there is a younger woman in your church that God would have you mentor. 

I love encouraging women on this topic, and enjoyed leading a retreat on the subject.  Here’s one of the handouts.  Take a look at these simple tips to get started:

A Few Small Hints for a

Mentor

Do it.  Mentor. Be mentored. Set an example for others by mentoring.

Who will you mentor as a Christian woman? _______________________________________________________________________

Informal or informal. Make a plan.________________________________

First:

1      Be reverent in the way YOU live…

1      Not slanderers

1      Worthy of respect

      1    Teach what is good.

Then:   

Spend at least a few minutes together every week.

             Can only teach if you spend time. When? ___________________

             Listen carefully to her story.        

Use Titus 2:3-6 as a checklist guide after each meeting together: Encourage her…

1     To love her husband. Teach by example and encouragement

1     To love her children. Learn her children’s names. Be there when it counts.

1     To be self-controlled. Model self-control in difficult areas: Spending, eating, time management, priorities, temper, chocolate.

1     To be pure. Modesty. Motives. Priorities

1     To be busy at home. Not busybodies

1     To be kind

1     To be subject to her husband

Be approachable.

Speak well of her.

Introduce her to your friends.

Sit by her occasionally at church…

Remember the pig. (Proverbs 11:22)

Love her in spite of her imperfections.

Invite her to your home at least once.

Occasionally write a Scripture for her.

Help her discover and use her spiritual gifts.

Occasionally invite her out for coffee or lunch.

Recommend great Christian books you enjoy.

Include her in ministry with you when possible.

Set an example of joyful service in the church.

Put her birthday and anniversary on your calendar.

Pray for her daily. How can I pray for you? How has God been working in your life this week?

Always pray aloud for her. Bible study? Read same Christian book? Chats?

Set a great example for younger women in every area of life–body language, dress, attitude.

New published articles by Diana: 

Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist, September 08 issue

The Indiana Baptist - state convention magazine

Texas Baptist Crossroads magazine - article for Texas’ Baptist’s 10th anniversary

The Illinois Baptist, September issue

The Indiana Baptist, state convention magazine

B&H Publishing Group’s Book & Bible Update newsletter

Oh, you’re going to love reading this! It’s the story of a church who determined that they needed to update their women’s ministry, and how God immediately blessed their efforts to serve Him!! They jumped from a small group to an enormous women’s ministry.

Read every word. You’ll be inspired.

Note: I blipped off the names of ladies in the church and just put xxx.

————-

BEGINNING HISTORY OF LIGHT

FALL, 2008 

      On May 18, 2008, each woman in First Baptist Church, Canton TX, was asked to complete an extensive survey.  This survey was to determine special interests, desire for fellowship outside the church, extra Bible Study times and what the women were already involved in. 

      The first meeting to begin a program called LIGHT was held on June 27th.  The women present looked at the survey to determine what interests were the greatest and what would be offered during the Fall Semester. 

      LIGHT stands for “Ladies Involved in Going, Helping, and Touching.”  The program for LIGHT consists of 3 components:  Fellowship Classes (designed for “me”), a time of Coffee Fellowship and a Devotional (designed for “us”), and Ministry Classes (designed for “them”); hence, the “going, helping, and touching” aspects of LIGHT. 

      The Mission Statement for LIGHT is:  “to provide opportunities for women to know Jesus Christ, experience spiritual and personal growth, build Christian friendships, and ‘light their world’ with the love of Jesus through ministry.” 

      An overall theme was chosen—“Lighting Our World”—and a beautiful logo was designed to be used in all communication about LIGHT and to depict what the Women’s Ministry at First Baptist Church is all about. 

      The verses chosen for the ministry are Matthew 5:14-16 in which Jesus talks about our being light in a dark world.  The song chosen, “Go Light Your World,” was composed by Chris Rice.  

      The Leadership Team is as follows: 

            Women’s Ministry Coordinators—(2) 

            Fellowship Coordinator—

            Ministry Coordinator—

            Registration Coordinators—

            Luncheon/Special Events Coordinators—

            Publicity Coordinator-

      There will be DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT meeting on alternating Tuesdays beginning with DayLIGHT on September 9^th.  The same classes will be taught in both groups.  DayLIGHT will be from 9:30 A.M.– 12:00 Noon, and NightLIGHT will be from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. 

FELLOWSHIP CLASSES AND TEACHERS for the Fall are  

            …Marriage Enrichment taught by xxx

            …Financial Management taught by xxx

            …Cooking Lite and Healthy taught by xxx

            …Love Crafts taught by xxx

            …Beginning Quilting taught by xxx 

MINISTRY CLASSES AND TEACHERS for the Fall are 

            …Barnabas led by xxx

.  …Hope Crisis Pregnancy Center led by xxx

            …Martha Ministry led by xxx

            …Homebound and Nursing Home led by xxx

            …School Mentoring led by xxx

      xxx has written the devotionals for LIGHT this year. 

      An exciting aspect of LIGHT is the childcare.  GLO (God’s Little Ones) will be led by xxx.  The children will have curriculum- based childcare for both DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT.  Refreshments will be served and recreation led by xxx. 

      The CHAMPS program will be led by xxx.  This is a group of FBC retired teachers who have committed their time for NightLIGHT to tutor and mentor students whose mothers are in classes.  Bible Stories, memory verses, and basic skills and spiritual guidance will be offered.  There will be a time of tutoring and refreshments; and our Minister to Students will plan the recreation time. 

      Special group projects are planned for the year.  Before school began, xxx coordinated gathering school supplies for children of single mothers.  Forty students were supplied with bags.  xxx coordinated the committee and received 1000 recipes from ladies at FBC for our cookbook, Taste and See.  A Birthday Party for the residents in the Nursing Home is planned for September directed by the Women on Mission.  Collection of Thanksgiving baskets for single moms and collections of Christmas toys for Christmas are planned. 

      It was decided that the meetings for LIGHT should be held in the Chapel and in rooms in that building.  There was a great need for the Chapel to be renovated with paint, new carpet, and new accessories.  On Sunday, July 20^th, xxx presented the need at the end of the business conference asking for donated labor and funds to refurbish the Chapel.  Volunteers came immediately to the need; and on Sunday, September 7^th, the Chapel was dedicated to the Lord to be used for His glory.  The verse from Psalm 115.1 is very appropriate:  “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory for your great love and faithfulness.” 

      Because of the need for funds for Kickoff and publicity, xxx coordinated a garage sale at the church Family Life Center on August 22 – 23.  Approximately $2400 dollars were collected for the needs of Women’s Ministry. 

      A skit was presented in the morning worship service on August 24^th with xxx introducing the Fellowship and Ministry Classes through a “Taste and See” skit. 

      The date set for Kickoff for the Fall semester of LIGHT was set for Saturday, September 6, from 10:00 until 11:30 A.M.  This was a time in which booths of everything offered in LIGHT and the total Women’s Ministry Program were set up.  In addition to the booths set up for the classes were booths for Women on Mission, Helping Hands Ministry, Parent’s Day Out, upcoming Special Events, Legacy of Love Conference, Volunteer Opportunities, and Bible Studies offered on different days. 

      The theme for the Kickoff and for the year is “Taste and see that the Lord is good”  (Psalm 34.8).  Teri Sawyer from FBC, Tyler, was enlisted to be the speaker.  Kimberly Abbott, Sign Language Artist from Tyler, and Amy Chalker provided the special music, our theme song, “Go Light Your World.” 

      One hundred twenty-five women came for the Kickoff.  After viewing the booths and choosing where they wanted to be involved, the women heard the program and then took individual candles and lit them from one another and closed the program in prayer and encouraged the women to “Go Light Their World.” 

      The First Annual Women’s Conference will be held on October 18^th, 2008, with Amy Jones from Dallas and her ministry team, “The Journey of Sisters.”  The Christmas Brunch will be held on Saturday, December 6^thwith Chris and Diane Machen, recording artists from Plano providing the program. 
 

Note from Diana: I sent a note to Paula Hearon, the women’s ministry leader, complimenting her on including so many women in planning. Read this great response…

A note from the women’s ministry leader:

Thanks so much, my special friend.  I have tried to listen everywhere I am to really hear what women are saying about their strengths.  If they even mention in a tiny way some area of strength or willingness to get involved (even if they don’t know what I’m about to do!!), I have tried to plug them in.  I was at the house of a retired teacher the other day and she showed me the scrapbook she put together after her son died.  She said she loved to scrapbook—SO…she now has the project of beginning our LIGHT scrapbook!!  The key, as you so well know, is to inspire and let the Lord do the rest.  It’s truly amazing to watch.  There is a lot of untapped talent here.  I’m after it!!!
 
We decided to do DayLIGHT and NightLIGHT to involve as many women as possible.  It would work here because of being a smaller town.  We had 53 in NightLIGHT last Tuesday with visitors from other churches present (which is so much what we desire). The assurance to working women that the same things would be offered them as were the women during the day has been a real plus.  You have to give involvement opportunities, don’t you think?   This isn’t counting the workers we had in CHAMPS and GLO.  This is truly amazing, Diana.  I’ve never experienced anything like this before.  I just wish I had had what I have now earlier in our ministry.  God doesn’t waste any experiences though, and I would not take anything for my “training ground” with you at FBCG.
 
One of the sweetest ministries is our Barnabas Ministry.  A lot of the Night class went in there.  There were 69 names on the board of our church members with Sept. birthdays, the SS teachers,  and others, and every name on the board was written.  Women were carrying out their little envelopes to go mail the next day.  This class will be the one to gather goodies for college and military boxes to be sent, along with other activities.
 
Thank you, Diana, for all your inspiration and encouragement.