If you share a Christmas event link from AChurchNearYou.com, the link preview will carry a “You’re invited” link preview graphic. AN AUTUMN heatwave may be spreading across the UK, but the Church of England is already preparing for the long winter nights of Advent and Christmas.

An invitation to all choirs and singing groups to sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ – listen to a preview.One of my friends in North Carolina tells of her brother’s family driving into Thomasville [NC], where their cousins and aunts and uncles were, for a Christmas season get-together. As they passed by the Episcopal church where a manger scene was in the yard, her 5-year-old nephew asked about the meaning. “That is Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, there in the manger,” Jean’s sister-in-law explained. It could be that you’re hoping to see an increase in the attendance of children and young people at your services and events. Or perhaps that more people in your local community will engage with your Christmas content this year. Whatever your goal is, make sure you are clear on what you’d like to achieve, and then ask yourself how the Join the Song resources can help you to meet this goal. How can you use digital platforms to help you get the word out? Lesson 3: Scripture is a wonderful resource if you want to know God’s direction for your life; get good directions, then follow the star;

Is it too early to talk about Christmas in September? We don’t think so … and with new resources announced from the Church of England, there’s plenty of ideas to help you get ahead and ready to ‘Join the Song’. Explore the digital promo planner, blogs and bitesize videos from Digital Labs to support churches in using the digital resources availableUsing Join the Song with under-18s: engaging under-18s through singing the new setting of The First Nowell. Learn about the resources available for under 18s and get practical ideas for using them at your church. Sign up to join this webinar, held on Wednesday, 27 September.