Room at the Inn?
You will need:
Mary and Joseph figures
Candles
Prayer sheet (keep it simple to include children – see
www.dioceseofleeds.org.uk/comeandsee/year2_downloads/year2_primary_resources for an example)
Sign up rota for days of advent, or whatever period of time you are planning to keep this going.
The aim of this idea is to symbolise Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem; to help people to get to know each other better and to encourage worship outside of church walls.
Basic idea: Mary and Joseph need accommodation – so a household in the church community offers to house them over night. The whole household take Mary and Joseph to their new hosts the following night where they will welcomed and together light a candle, sing a carol and say a prayer – followed by sharing wine/ mince pies/ coffee/chocolates . This is repeated each evening through advent (or the period of time that you choose) until the last family bring Mary and Joseph to church on Christmas Eve where they are welcomed as part of a service.
Ruth studied Theology, Music and Worship at London School of Theology and enjoys developing creative worship ideas for use in the local church, as well as regional and national Baptist events. She joined the team at Thornhill Baptist Church as Senior Minister in January 2009.