Advent resources available through the Grace Presbytery Resource Center include Advent studies and devotions, and worship and intergenerational event planning resources.
Some new and recent favorite Advent resources include:
- 7 Days of Christmas: A Season of Generosity, by Jen Hatmaker (Abingdon, 2019). Jen Hatmaker shares stories and ideas for replacing excess at Christmas and encourages readers toward less hustle and busyness in exchange for more family, laughter, and generosity.
- Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes, by Cynthia Campbell (Wesminster John Knox, 2019) A four-session study exploring the distinctive perspectives of the birth of Jesus and the incarnation offered by each Gospel. Each Gospel is reimagined as a house which the church visits at Christmas that offers something unique to our understanding of the incarnation. Includes prayers and questions for discussion.
- Hope Was Heard Singing: Resources for Advent, by Sally Foster-Fulton (Wild Goose, 2013) Prayers, meditations, poems, and short plays on Advent themes. For both corporate worship and individual reading.
- Keep Watch with Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers, by Claire Brown and Michael T. McRay (Abingdon, 2019). Daily scripture, stories, reflections, prayers, and spiritual practices for use during Advent to sustain and challenge the faith of those who work for justice and peace. Features daily devotionals by a distinctively diverse collection of writers.
- Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, by Amy-Jill Levine (Abingdon, 2019). DVD, leader guide and book. Four-session video-based Advent study with A.J. Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the story of Jesus’ birth, tracing the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi.
- Messy Christmas, by Lucy Moore and Jane Leadbetter (2017). Book. Three sessions for congregations that include Christmas prayers, global action suggestions, games and competitions, Christmas food crafts, and many other ideas to experience joy during this time of the year.
- Portable Labyrinth. The canvas labyrinth (27 feet x 27 feet) can be borrowed for up to four days and used for Advent season prayer walks. The labyrinth is Roman/Chartres, 7-circuit, circular design with four quadrants. Pickup is required, as it travels in a three foot long plastic tub on wheels.
The Grace Presbytery Resource Center is open during presbytery office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday during the summer months. (Friday hours will resume August 23, 2019.)
Open off-hours by appointment.
Resource Center Director: Leah Wyckoff