This Christmas is full of firsts for us @ Southbrook! Two events especially will meet the needs of potentially thousands who, otherwise, may very well be forgotten this year.
I’m speaking of first, the fact that most churches will not meet this year on Sunday, December 25th and the ones who do are not likely to have many people show up. Nevertheless, the needs remain great—both the physical needs of the hurting on this day and the spiritual needs of the disconnected and seeking masses who may think they don’t need any of that “churchy stuff” of Christmas (I agree—none of us needs ‘churchy stuff’ but we do need church!). Our purpose for Christmas day is the same as the rest of the year—to impact people with the love of Christ by marking the body (the church), the community, the world, and the future. To this end, we’ve prayed long and hard about how to make an impact on a day where it seems so much as conspired against focusing on loving Christ and loving each other.
And we’re thrilled with the answer God gave us!
First, as most Brookies know by now—we are taking Christmas to the people rather than waiting for the people to come to church this Christmas. While most may not be planning to go to a physical building on Christmas Day—a majority of these same people still long to pause with friends and family, neighbors and even acquaintances to consider and connect with Christ—all that is lacking is a vehicle to make this happen. That’s where you all come in.
Sunday, December 25th, Southbrook Church will be having hundreds of mini Christmas worship services in homes mostly in the Charlotte area, but even some all across the United States—In addition, there may even be a few overseas this first year (hopefully that number will grow in the years to come). The services will air at 9:00 and 11:00 am EST and again at 5:00 and 7:00 pm EST. hundreds are hosting neighborhood gatherings and some are even planning on using the online service in a church setting (i.e. our Monroe Campus @ 11:00 am).
Each online showing will have a live pastor that you can chat with (click here for instructions) or direct any questions or comments to. In addition, each service will be viewable via iphones, androids, and ipads for those traveling (hopefully I don’t have to remind you not to view while driving.) or unable to make a home gathering. Our normal website will morph Christmas morning to the online friendly format and all instructions will be simple and available at that time. Until then I’ve included detailed links below.
The second way that we are planning to minister to people on Christmas day is by opening up our Monroe Campus to anyone and everyone who is hungry, lonely, needy, or just desirous of spending Christmas day with brothers and sisters in Christ at church. Starting at 9:00 am there will be a Christmas pancake breakfast served to the community and at 11:00 everyone will gather for the 11:00 showing of our online experience, “Christmas with Southbrook.” If you are planning on being a part of this—please get there early as seating is limited and will fill up fast.
You can be a part of one or both of these exciting opportunities and we’d love to see as many as possible partake. Simply follow the links below to learn more and I’ll see you all @ Monroe or online.
Or both!
- Christmas Outreach @ Southbrook Monroe
- How to host a Christmas gathering (Christmas online)