Sermon Series

The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

As part of our celebration we're asking our members to purchase one less gift this year and in its place present a special family Christmas Offering instead that will gift a local and international mission for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ on December 19.

Welcome to "The Advent Conspiracy: Four Phrases Sure to Change Your Christmas," a movement calling us to proclaim Christ in how we celebrate Christmas! Partner with us each Sunday in Advent and worship with us on Christmas Eve!

Advent Conspiracy was started in 2006 by five pastors who decided to make Christmas a revolutionary event by encouraging their faith communities to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All.  The response was overwhelming and the Conspiracy was born.  The vision for this project is a collaboration between Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Community in Portland, OR; Greg Holder from Windsor Crossing in St. Louis, MO; and Chris Seay of Ecclesia in Houston, TX.

For more information, including some videos, be sure to visit: http://www.AdventConspiracy.org.

Enter the Story

Advent Conspiracy is a resource for churches to engage in authentic Worship and Giving at Christmas more fully - a simple idea for you to take and run with.  Be as creative and bless those in need by giving relationally as God gave His Son to us at Christmas.  No money comes to or through Advent Conspiracy.  You decide where and how you would like to Give More to those in need.  The concept behind Advent Conspiracy is simple...

Worship Fully (November 28)

It starts with Jesus.  It ends with Jesus.  The is the holistic approach God had in mind for Christmas.  It's a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God.  It's a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath.  It's the party of the year.  Entering the story of Advent means entering the season with an overwhelming passion to worship Jesus to the fullest.

Spend Less (December 5)

Before you think we're getting all Scrooge on you, let us explain what we mean.  We like gifts.  Our kids really like gifts.  But consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas.  How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation?  How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation?  Thanks, but no thanks, right?  We're asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas.  Just one.  Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle.  They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.  Looking for a few gifts that don't cost a lot of money?  Need some more ideas for relational giving?  Head to http://www.RethinkingChristmas.com today.

Give More (December 12)

God's gift to us was a relationship built on love.  So it's no wonder why we're drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible.  Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can't be found at the mall.  Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom.  Time to write mom a letter.  Time to take the kids sledding.  Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols.  Time to make love visible through relational giving.  Sounds a lot better than getting a sweater two sizes too big, right?

Love All (December 19)

When Jesus loved, he loved in ways never imagined.  Through rich, he became poor to love the poor, the forgotten, the overlooked and the sick.  He played to the margins.  By spending less at Christmas we have the opportunity to join him in giving resources to those who need help the most.  When Advent Conspiracy first began four churches challenged this simple concept to its congregations.  The result raised more than a half million dollars to aid those in need.  One less gift.  One unbelievable present in the name of Christ.