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!”

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.

Here’s this month’s article from the Indiana Baptist. This would be a great New Year project for a church!

——–

Fresh Ideas

The 52 Challenge

By Diana Davis

“…Compel them to come in so that My house will be filled.” Luke 14:23b

Amazingly, nine out of ten unchurched people say they would come to church if they were asked.* Will you be the asker? I double-dare you to take the “52 Challenge”:

Step#1: Think of one person you know who doesn’t attend church. Only one. Invite that person to your church this Sunday and arrange to meet at the front door. Write their name on Sunday’s date in your personal calendar.  

Step #2: Commit to God that you will repeat that process weekly for one year.  Don’t know 52 lost people? Don’t fret.  Just ask God’s direction and watch for one person to invite this week.  Suddenly, you’ll notice masses of lost people around you. Need ideas?

• As you walk the dog and observe a neighbor outside, remember the 52 Challenge.
• Ask that friend you’ve been intending to invite.
• Invite the Wal-Mart greeter. How about your hairstylist, doctor, tax advisor or landlord?
• In the post office or grocery line, or riding the bus, converse with someone who needs an invitation.
• Make a list of relatives, acquaintances or neighbors, and systematically invite them.
• During coffee break at work or chatting with the butcher or working out at the gym, think “52.”
• Who could you invite at the PTA meeting, reunion, company picnic or ball game? 
• Ask your new neighbor, car salesman, insurance agent or sister-in-law. Invite your mail carrier, restaurant waiter, fireman, repairman, or mayor.  

During the next 52 weeks, write the name of the person you invite to church on every Sunday’s box of your calendar.  52 weeks. 52 people. One week at a time.

The 52 Challenge is for individuals, but a church can encourage personal invitations by providing “invitation business cards” with church address, worship times and website.  Attendance more than doubles at Plymouth Baptist’s annual Friend Day. How? Each member simply invites one friend.

What would happen if every Christian in Illiniois committed to ask just one person to church every week this year? They’re waiting for an invitation, and eternity is at stake.  Will you take the 52 Challenge? 

(*Statistic from Thom Rainer’s book, The Unchurched Next Door, Zondervan).  

“give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord.”

I Thessalonians 5:12-13

Each October, many churches designate a day to show appreciation to their pastor and church ministerial staff member. 

October is quickly passing. If your church hasn’t expressed appreciation, it’s not too late. There are dozens of personal ways your church (or you) can express thanks and love to the leader God gave your church.

Here’s an excerpt of ideas from my book, Fresh Ideas (B&H Publishing) with some ideas I think you’ll enjoy.

One Fishing Lure

Determine one small item your pastor enjoys, such as M&Ms, fishing lures, popcorn, coffee, or golf balls. Ask each church member, including youth and children, to bring one of that item on Pastor Appreciation Sunday. For example, each family member will bring one bag, any size, of peanut M&Ms. Bring extras for guests and forgetful members. As your church thanks God for your pastor on Sunday, each member can walk to the front and place their token of love in a large basket. 

The Church Building & the Church

Present your pastor with a beautifully framed photo or painting of the church building. Use an extra wide matting and ask all church members to sign the mat before adding glass.

E-Pounding

Distribute your minister’s e-mail address to all church or class members, asking each one to send an e-mail note, describing something specific that they appreciate about their pastor. E-mails should be sent one specific day or week, creating an e-pounding of blessings!

Text-Pounding

Use the same basic idea, but ask each member to send a text-message to the pastor or staff member. 

Puzzle Gift

Order a jigsaw puzzle with a photo of your church family or church building.  Internet puzzle companies make 100 or 1000 piece puzzles from a photo.

Love Our Pastor

Take out a full-page ad in your local newspaper, featuring a photo of your pastor with each church member’s signature around it.  Include a declaration of your church’s love and appreciation for your pastor.

Lotsa Notes

Give each church member a stamped envelope that is pre-addressed to your minister’s home. Ask them to send a very specific, personal note of appreciation this week.

Make It a Month

As a church, deacon body, ladies group, choir or youth group, make October a true month of appreciation for your pastor. Ask individual volunteers from the group to write their name on one day of an October calendar. On the assigned day, that person expresses appreciation to the pastor in a unique way. Each day will be different. The pastor might receive a letter or gift. It could be a meal, a shoeshine or a “thank you” balloon bouquet. After a whole month of pleasant surprises, won’t your pastor feel appreciated? And won’t God be honored by your acts of love for His servant?

While You Were Out

Hanover Baptist in Indiana surprised their pastor with a gorgeous new home office. With his wife’s input, of course, they worked with a decorator and volunteers to turn a spare room into a home office while the pastor was out of town. They did paint, wallpaper, window coverings, shelves, desk, chair, computer, and decorator items.

Gift of Prayer

Give your pastor the gift of prayer. Create a chart, and allow members to choose a specific time that they will commit to pray weekly for the pastor this next year.  They do not need to come to a specific place—just pray on their way to work or pray each Tuesday at 2 PM. The project could be done by a deacon group, choir, class or the entire church. Present the prayer promise chart to the pastor as a gift. Then remember to pray!  

A Class Idea

All the Sunday School classes of the church could pool their resources to purchase a full set of Bible commentaries. Every individual class could sign inside one of the books, then present it as a gift from their class.

Gift from Deacons

Each deacon purchases a gift certificate to a restaurant, carwash, coffee shop, or book store. He writes a personal note on the back, then all coupons are placed inside a card for the pastor.

Gift from Kids

Wouldn’t it be fun for every child at church to create a signed bookmark for their pastor or children’s pastor, using cardstock paper, crayons or markers?  Laminate the bookmarks, and then call all the children forward at the end of worship to put their bookmarks in a basket for the pastor.

Gift from Youth

Create huge poster board hearts and a giant love note for everyone to read. Place them on stakes in your pastor’s front yard during pastor appreciation day. You could add balloons, but not toilet paper.

More Ideas for a Gift from the Church

Restaurant certificates, magazine subscription, tires, Bible software, a trip, a book, theatre or sports tickets, flowers for his wife, babysitting coupons, a new car, a grandfather clock, a suit for pastor and a dress for his wife, a new car, a new desk, home landscaping. 

Your church demonstrates appreciation, but how can you, as an individual church member, honor and encourage your ministers? A few fresh ideas:

Say It

Write your minister an encouraging note the first day of every month this year. Tell him how last Sunday’s sermon impacted your week. Take him to lunch and tell him how much you appreciate him as your pastor.

Stay Awake In Church

Sit near the front during worship every Sunday during Pastor Appreciation Month. Actively listen during the sermon. Make eye contact. Nod your head. Take notes. Say “amen” at an appropriate time.

May I Borrow Your Car?

As a special surprise during Minister Appreciation Week, borrow your pastor’s car and have it detailed, oiled and lubed, washed and gassed.

Brag about Him

Brag about your pastor every chance you get - and not just at church. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper during Minister Appreciation Month to compliment your minister. Introduce him to your friends and work associates.

“Pastor”

Show respect by calling him “pastor.”

Personalized T

During Minister Appreciation Week, present him a “Best Pastor in Madison” t-shirt, substituting your town’s name.

Me First

Be the first church member to volunteer for something. Accompany your pastor on ministry visits. Show up early for church and help. Stay late and help. Faithfully and joyfully use your spiritual gifts within the church body.

Take Care

During Minister Appreciation Week, anonymously mow and edge your pastor’s lawn. Provide a generous book allowance for him in your church budget. Be sure that he’s paid an appropriate salary. If he has houseguests coming again, deliver a great casserole. Exempt clergy from bringing dishes to pitch-in dinners.

Love His Family

Do something special for your pastor’s wife. Help pay for his teens to attend the church’s youth retreat. Babysit his kids for free during a wedding or funeral. Include his family in your holiday celebration. Help his children apply for college scholarships. Deliver a Thanksgiving turkey to his house.

Quit Complaining.

Quit complaining. Quit complaining. Quit complaining. 

———-

Excerpts from Fresh Ideas–1000 Ways to Grow a Thriving & Energetic Church, B&H Publishing, 2007.

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!

Diana,

I would like to start back a secret sister program but change it more to a prayer partner.

Am I mixing polar ideas? or how can we get prayer partners going.

Keep on shining!

Diana

——-

NEW ARTICLE:   Check out our newest “He Said/She Said” article in this month’s Deacon Magazine (Winter 08 issue). Steve and I write this regular column of ideas for deacons and deacon wives. You’ll like this one!

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.

Just returned from a women’s retreat with Southside Baptist Church, and thought you might enjoy a couple of ideas I observed there. 

1)  Permeated theme.  My theme, “SHINE!”, was used everywhere! They prepared mini-skits for promotion in the church. For example, one lady arrives onstage laden with floodlights and Christmas lights and lanterns, etc. She states, “I heard they’re going to SHINE at the retreat, and I wanted to get a head start!”  There were stars and lights and candles everywhere–nametags, ceilings, notebooks, gift bags, entryway, etc. 

2)  Smile Prayer.  The team invited Sarah Bohrer and Heidi Hackney to lead worship–can’t beat that team!  Sarah also led a sun-up devotional time outside on the patio. Her conclusion was a time of encouragement and prayer like I’ve never seen before. She asked everyone to stand silently in a large circle. As they prayed for others in the circle, they were to make eye contact and smile as they prayed silently.  It was a very special time of silent (and personal) prayer for one another.

3) Photo Finish.  I’ve used this idea for staff parties, but it was absolutely perfect for a ladies retreat.  On the first evening of the retreat, the entire group was posed for a group photo. The next day, as ladies departed for home, they were presented with a small shine-themed gift, and a copy of the group photo. What a lovely surprise!  One team member’s husband took the photos and had copies made. If budget allows, you could even pick up cute frames at the dollar store for the photos. 

4) A visual promo idea. This church uses their group photos for its annual retreat promotion. They post a few group photos from previous years, labeled “Class of ‘02″ or “Class of ‘07″ and a caption, “Will you be in the ‘Class of ‘08′ Photo?”

Ladies’ retreats can be a great time of spiritual refreshment and growth, and can offer a fabulous opportunity for Christian fellowship.  Southside’s planning team did a wonderful job. It’s worth the effort!