Using the timeless scene of the Bethlehem stable as a visual backdrop, Blueprints for Advent and Christmas provides dynamic resources for creating a memorable and inspiring worship experience that will be remembered for years to come. There are detailed instructions for replicating the nativity setting, including blueprints showing exact specifications for constructing scenery -- enabling parish craftsmen and artists to use their gifts for a unique public witness. The scene is completed with a live tableau of actors. In addition to the stable backdrop, Blueprints for Advent and Christmas offers a smorgasbord of scenes, activities, and tools that promise to engage the visual and dramatic imaginations of youth and adults. One set of resources, titled Advent Songs for the Season, is comprised of Advent sketches and homilies that promise to attract and inspire worshipers. The four themes are: When Israel Sang the Blues When Maiden Mary Sang the Magnificat When Teddy Roosevelt Sang Bass When The Angels and All Creation Sang Gloria in Excelsis In addition, sets of Advent mini-dramas designed for use with lectionary cycles A and B are also included. Arley K. Fadness is a retired ELCA pastor who has served numerous Lutheran parishes in South Dakota and Minnesota. He is currently a member of Custer Lutheran Fellowship in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Pastor Fadness is a congregational consultant who coaches churches in visioning processes, and he also conducts leadership retreats and workshops on Finding Your True Flair. A graduate of Augustana College, Luther Theological Seminary, and McCormick Theological Seminary, Fadness is the author of several CSS titles, including Blueprints for Lent, Six Spiritual Needs in America Today, Holy Moses, Hey Joseph , and Where s Noah? He is also a contributing author to Sermons on the First Readings (Series I, Cycle A).
