You've already planned for Advent. You're excited about Christmas and can't believe how quickly it will be 2011! Don't fret . . . we're here to help! Below are helpful tips for how to best use some of our studies and work with your groups as you begin the new year. And, as always, all of these materials are free to our
subscribers!
Winter Holiday Studies
There are a number of holidays throughout winter. New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Valentine's Day, and St. Patrick's Day. While these holidays can often make lighter study topics, some amazing learning and self-discovery can take place. Let these studies take your group somewhere they never expected.
Lent Study Packs
Just as Advent ends it's time to begin planning for Lent. We have a new Adult Lenten study again this year, but all of the ones listed below can also be used. For those who cannot be a part of a multi-week study, be sure to print copies of the handouts for the members of the church and place them in the back of the church. The new Adult study pack will be available for download at the beginning of January.
Movies Make Great Winter Studies
Whether serious or light in focus, our movie studies are great additions to any curriculum, especially as the days get shorter and shorter. Movie studies are also a great way to get families together through discussions of movies everyone loves. We've broken out some ideas for a class study series focused on movies while also adding in some of our other studies. Don't forget: we have a free guide for showing movies in the group, found on our Free Studies and Tools page. If your church doesn't have a subscription, save money with our Movie Study Pack.
A Month of Self-Discovery For Youth
Beginning with movies and moving into our regular studies, this collection of studies will help youth reflect on who they are in the world and in the church.
Some Down Time for Adults
While these movies delve into some deep themes, they are ultimately enjoyable and can provide some much-needed downtime following the busy holiday season.
Serious Documentaries for Adults
Some groups might prefer documentaries to fiction. We have a number of studies on documentaries that have been widely seen and that allow for thought-provoking discussions.
Family Twilight Night
Mix-and-match activities from the various studies below to have a family movie night. If you have enough interest, consider holding an intergenerational retreat using these studies.