Since this is our first senior pastorate, what are supposed to do about chirstmas cards? Are we supposed to send them out to the whole directory? How do you ladies do it?
Our church is small. So we take the time to send out personalized cards to each family or individual. Its not expected and we have been told so but this will be the 3rd Christmas here and many of them have been grateful that we have taken the time to encourage them in their walk. Its not easy to do. Last year we write a special Christmas letter explaining our prayers, hopes and vision for this year for the church. We haven't even discussed it this year as of yet what we will do. I would say it depends on the size of your church. In other churches we have been on staff at the staff would get together and have a picture taken with our families and send out a single staff card.
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"How can I keep from Praising Your Name, How can I ever say enough, How amazing is Your Love!"
We have done personal cards to everyone in the past at times, and other times not. We don't always do the same thing every year. Sometimes we've just slipped a letter into the monthly newsletter with a pic of our family or staff, other times not. Just do what you feel led to do at the time.
Is there a code of conduct regarding this? ("supposed to" :) All that we do is:
We take a family shot with a regular camera at the parsonage, church, or outside. We go to Sam's Club photo department (which is one of the most economical) and they make them into Christmas cards. We buy for the entire mailing list and use it as an outreach (over 1,500) though our church averages 500. They provide the gold-foiled envelopes. Sometimes, we put in a poem or letter depending on how busy it is. This year, we are thinking about using our convertible and putting an oversized snowman in the car with us for fun :) We've had our dog dressed up for Christmas one year. We've been dressed up and we've been casual. We didn't send out cards last year because we were going to Ohio (1st in ministry in 20 years, we went home for Christmas). If your budget permits, I'd include every address you have. It's a great way to PR and the pics can go in their family album or on their refrigerator. One year, we put our new bldg on it and in the sky read: Happy Birthday Jesus! One year, we just did dh and I no kiddo's.
I know a great Christmas game that's been a big hit!
You can do many things, a christmas letter, with a pictue of you and the family at the top. Maybe a picture of the family online, then hand out the site to others or e-mail it. You can do the traditonal christmas card and send one to everyone, it is more just what you feel comfy doing. You set the tradition in your own church body.
ok. I am trying to work ahead and have some christmas stuff done before NOv ember is out. I really want (need) a less stressful christmas this year. so...are there any pointers, hints, etcthat help make life as a ministry wife easier? Between all the events to attend and school and all...its feeling crazy. No suggestion is too simple either. throw anything and everything that works for you my way. :)
also...who do I buy gifts for? elders? deacons? some one please pass on a few helpful suggestions or traditions...no one told us what was kind of the unspoken rules of gift giving in this pastoral setting?
We usually have a dinner for the staff and deacons as our Christmas to them. This year our entire staff is doing this for our deacons since the church gets the staff gifts. We are on a tighter budget right now.
