Using outdoor spaces

Your churchyard and outside noticeboard are seen by many who pass by. Here are some ways you can use that space to make it known that the church is still celebrating Christmas, offering comfort and joy.

Similarly to individual private prayer space indoors, the outdoor churchyard space can be creatively used. Ideas for providing space for those who grieve to remember loved ones can continue in the same way.

  • Enabling people to bring small pebbles to leave in a remembering area of the church yard may be helpful.
  • See how a married ordained couple reached out to all those in the community who has suffered a baby loss, just like they had. This idea could be adapted for your church and context – perhaps any monument or space could be created for remembering loved ones at Christmas?
  • The church noticeboard can be used to give details about your online services, your private prayer opening times and a message that you are still there for people. You could include one of these posters which gives people a direct link to some simple prayers on their phone, especially if they are feeling sad. You can choose a free download to print at home, or buy full colour ready-printed ones.