Christmas Season Playing Opportunities

We are quickly approaching the Christmas season. This is one of the best times of the year to go beyond the walls of the church building and spread the seeds of the Gospel throughout your community. In every opportunity to play there is an opportunity for ministry. Here are a few suggestions:

· Seasonal Community Events - Most towns or cities have holiday events where they ask groups in the community to participate (annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, outdoor concerts and/or banquets for homeless, county fairs, Fall Festivals, community Christmas concerts, etc.). You can find out about these events by calling your Chamber of Commerce. The sponsors must pull a permit, so the Chamber should be knowledgeable about these events. They will then put you in contact with the person(s) in charge of the event. Be ready to play! The need will come in an assortment of looks: Solo instrument; String, brass, woodwind or rhythm ensemble; Handbell choir or ensemble (quartet, quintet); Big band (there's a lot of Christian big band music available); Mixed instrumental ensemble or full wind ensemble or orchestra. Sometimes the need is for individuals to join a community group for a one-time event. Consider joining for this year. Get around those musicians and let them know about the instrumental opportunities at your church! It could lead to an opportunity for you to share Christ with them!

· Ongoing Opportunities - The same groups requested for community events can be used for everyday opportunities (nursing homes, prisons, shopping malls, etc). They are always so appreciative! You will be blessed far more than you could imagine! How do you make the contact with these people? Nursing homes and prisons are easy to contact. Just call them on the phone! Very few will turn down an opportunity to have a volunteer group come to spread a little hope through music. Many will allow you to openly share the Gospel. Shopping malls are open to groups, but are hesitant to have you share your faith either verbally or musically. Still, it is an opportunity for exposure of your church to the community. You can call the mall office or property Management Company. Their offices are normally located in the business offices on site.

God bless you as you move outside the walls during the upcoming "Holyday" season!