This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 7 November 2018. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
The Church of England has launched its new #GodWithUs Christmas campaign.
Last year's Joytotheworld campaign was a huge success, reaching 1. 5 million people and, in November, won gold at Communicate Magazine's Digital Impact Awards. Archbishop Justin Welby has written the introduction to the reflective Godwithus - Your Christmas Journey guide. He wrote: "The constant refrain of Christmas, in carols and readings, is that God is with us.
In whatever situations you find yourself this Christmas, God is with you - you need only turn to him and ask to know his presence". The Godwithus campaign has three key elements:1.
Three videos that tell the story of the joy of going to your local church at Christmas.
These will be released throughout December on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 2.
The new A Church Near Yo u, a national church finder, launched in November.
This points people to a Christmas service or event taking place in one of the 16,500 Church of England churches. 3.
Your Christmas Journey, a series of short reflections throughout December and into early January, introduced by Archbishop Welby.
The reflections have been written for people who are new to faith and to help us all grow in our love of God.
People can receive the messages as texts, emails, on social media, and Church House Publishing have produced a booklet which would be ideal for churches to give to those attending Advent and Christmas services. A targeted social media campaign in addition will aim to drive attendance and engagement.
There are five simple ways in which churches and individuals are asked to get involved. 1.
Access church Christmas resources (including posters) by going to the new Church of England website. 2.
Share the content posted by the Church on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook throughout November and December. 3.
Order copies of the Your Christmas Journey reflections from Church House Publishing. 4.
Sign up and get your friends and family to join the Your Christmas Journey reflections by texting Godwithus to 88802. 5.
If you are an editor on A Church Near You please go in and update your Christmas service information. Campaign organisers are hoping to see a record number of people visit a Church of England church this Christmas, and our prayer is that the #GodWithUs campaign will help play its part in achieving this.
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