David wrote me an email highlighting some of the things that the Saunders clan does over Christmas to help live into meaning of the year a little differently than many of our traditions.

You can bring this up at youth, but something that my extended family has been doing lately is instead of getting a huge gift for each other, they each donate what they want/can to their favorite charity and then talk about that on Christmas day, as well as still exchanging small gifts like books/cds.

You could encourage the kids to have a donation made in their name (even if it’s not the only “gift” they receive). I am donating money to pay for 2 biosand filters for Bloodwater Mission (as well as asking for another one on to be donated on top of that instead of receiving a gift) to send to Africa and provide clean water for two families for up to 20 years. You can find little ways to cut back on consumerism in your Christmas, even if it doesn’t eliminate it.

-David

• Advent Conspiracy: What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All
• Last Minute Toy Store: We are looking for friends to minister this Friday through the Last Minute Toy Store at 61st Avenue United Methodist Church. It’s a tradition we’ve had for a number of years. If you cannot give time, we are also collecting “teen” gifts, which are generally in short supply. More Details Here
• Leave a Message for West Africa this Christmas!
• Warmth in Winter 2010: This year is unlike any other. Get ready to Go the Distance with 2k+ fellow youth from all over middle TN and even Georgia. I need everyone who is planning on going to fill out a registration form ASAP. If you can’t get your money in by then, no worries, I just need to know you are going this early in the game. Sorry for the slam, but I’d like to make some of the early registration deadlines. visit website for more details
• Eikon: On Hiatus till Next Year, Jan 2010
• NWG Choir: Rehearsal this week at 4pm, Singing at 7pm Christmas Eve Service
• Drive Group: Training Tip for this edition
• Christmas Party Scavenger Hunt: our Annual Scavenger Hunt Christmas party is Dec. 20th. Usual start time applies, but plan to be later in the evening pick up. We are still in need of Drivers, Lots of Drivers to meet our Safe Sanct Requirements
  
• This month’s Youth Leader Spotlight
• What Is Your Spiritual Type?
• More Fun Links!
• Have you downloaded & filled out our yearly Health & Permission release form? Please do that.

Get Involved into something that celebrates Christ this Advent, not something that replicates your or my birthdays. Things to do this Advent to subvert Christmas:

• 61st Avenue UMC & the Last Minute Toy Store: little ole’ 61st Ave UMC is putting together its annual “Last Minute” toy store to help families in hardship provide some toys, food, and sometimes a Christmas tree for over 3,500 children. Toy Store starts at Noon on Friday and goes thru Monday. I am hoping to get a showing of people to help on Friday. Its a long day, so if you can drive yourself that is great (then you can leave as you need to). If you want a ride, we would leave the church around 11am (but let me know by early Thursday you are thinking of that option). Volunteer orientation starts at 11:30. The Toy Store will stay open till around 6:30pm when the last shoppers go thru.
• Send a message of Hope to our growing church in Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa. There is a lot of need, and when there is need a little hope goes a long way. Send some encouragement.
• Check out Advent Conspiracy, get yourself aware of the conditions people live in outside your world. Spend Less, Give More, Love All!
• Maybe you are just a Cool Person who Cares
• Volunteer at the Community Care’s Fellowship or Nashville Rescue Mission
• Become aware of local and global issues.. maybe the world AIDS or water problem
• Will add some Stuff As I generate more ideas.