Stories of Invitation Over the last two years, we’ve been encouraging you in different ways to think about how to share your faith. And as we approach Christmas, we’ve been thinking again about reaching out. For many non-Christians, attending a traditional Christian event during the Christmas season is a very natural and attractive way to celebrate the season. So, throughout November and December, we will provide suggestions on ways you can extend invitations. We realize this will be done differently for each of us, so we’ll try to offer a wide array of suggestions. If you have ideas from your own life or that you have seen (or heard of) feel free to let us know (email brie@sjvan.org). practical suggestions to consider:
• Invite friends to an afternoon service in December (Advent Carol Service or Lessons and Carols) and go for dinner together afterwards. • Invite someone over for lunch or dinner after the service today. • Invite someone to join in your everyday tasks (eg. going for a walk or bike ride). • Invite people to join your Christmas or Christmas Eve dinner, and think through how to make them feel welcome at dinner. As you are in conversation in the next few weeks think about if they have somewhere to go – perhaps they’re not going home for Christmas, or they’re an international student. • Invite people over for an afternoon of advent crafts, baking, or gingerbread house decorating. who should i invite?
• People sitting around you at church • Neighbours • Co-workers