Ideas: Set out designated spaces for small groups of people. Booking is often important to know numbers but also allows you to set out the tables specifically for each group. Elements of the service are led from the front, e.g. the welcome and the talk. Other parts of the service are done on the table using the resources. This might be objects and a simple script to 'act' out the story together, craft resources to respond to the talk or questions to discuss as a table. You might include a paper bag for them to take the things they have made and perhaps include some treats too.
Venue:
- In church or a church hall
Making it missional:
- Publicise it widely on social media, through schools, community centre windows etc as your Christmas service.
- If you have a particular service that traditionally families attend, use that. The Cafe Crib service or Christingle.
- Consider how accessible the language is and what activities will help people to leave with the Christmas message.
Different ages:
- If you are aiming this at households with children make sure the language and questions are accesible. You might want to have objects on the table so they can act out the story using the characters.
- If it is primarily for adults then consider how the you can do the prayers and reflections in different ways for them, remembering that there will probably be smaller groups. Your questions can be simple for any age but you may include some more complex ones too.
- If you have a range of ages, choose activities that can be adapted on the table. You could have a few options for people to choose from that are aimed at different levels.