Living Nativity [Advent Small Group Study & Worship Series]

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I expect you have one, a favourite creche. At the beginning of Advent we unpack the figures and place them in their traditional poses. There they stand and witness to the story of incarnation.

In this small group study and worship series, we take a closer look at the figures and how their presence in the story connects with the human spiritual journey. We explore incarnation in the bigger picture of Love and as a practice of cooperation. We see how each figure can infuse the ordinary, and we ask who is always in the story and never in the creche.

Our beloved figures take us deeply into the mystery of incarnation and the Divine Longing at the heart of “the hopes and fears of all the years.” Love is fully here, and isn’t yet.

We never get tired of the story.

With this Small Group Study, you also receive four complete Advent Worship Services to complement the themes of the Small Group Study.

First Sunday in Advent:              Approaching the Creche
Second Sunday in Advent:        Feet on the Ground
Third Sunday in Advent:            At the Edge of the Creche
Fourth Sunday in Advent:         Are we There Yet? (Includes a Communion Liturgy)

The Worship services include liturgy for Advent Candle lighting, an All-Ages story/activity, Scripture suggestions, Reflections, Prayers and Song Suggestions.

 What You Receive in this Small Group Study 

• Leader’s Guide (includes the process for each session: Gathering, Opening, Check-in, discussion questions, and a closing spiritual practice.)
• Four easily downloadable Audio Recordings with a teaching for each session.
• Four Scripts of the Audio Recordings to download and photocopy
• Downloadable image for the series for use in posters or social media
• Four complete Worship Services to use in Advent Worship or special Advent gatherings.

 How Do Prayer Bench Small Group Studies Work? 

When you register and pay, you receive an email with information to access to a private webpage. You will find the Leader’s Guide and all the resources you need. More questions? Visit: Frequently Asked Questions about Small Group Studies.

Please note: This resource is offered as a gift to leaders and communities of faith through a Regional license by the following Regional Councils. Each Council provides a link to access the resource.

Antler River Watershed Regional Council
Bermuda Nova Scotia
Canadian Shield Regional Council
Chinook Winds Regional Council
First Dawn Eastern Edge
Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters
Horseshoe Falls Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Pacific Mountain Regional Council
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Shining Waters Regional Council
Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

Nigel is an eager and enthusiastic grandfather. He misses Andrew and Malachi in PEI; laughs with Ryley in Burlington; hangs out with Mateo and Nico, and assembles with Aiden in Toronto; barely knows Maya and Caleb in the Netherlands;  wonders and worries about Corbin who’s who knows where. For each, to each, in each, Christmas and the Christ are coming, of that he’s sure.

Shawn is presently the Justice & Faith Formation Minister for the Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regions of The United Church of Canada. Her most recent pastoral ministry position was serving with Visions United Church in Moncton, NB.