The United Methodist Church (UMC) has begun its awareness for the Christmas season which focuses on spurring individuals to ‘’connect with joy’’ despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The Christmas campaign is nationwide but areas like Times Square, Washington, D.C, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville and Indianapolis will serve as a major show center.
The Methodist Church is the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. The Advent-Neighbors campaign started last Monday, the day after the beginning of the liturgical season of Advent. The campaign will involve the use of digital and traditional channels which includes social media and bill boards. Also, it will be shown in New York City’s Times Square, which is expected to be a central exposure area for the church.
The ads hope to motivate people to connect with the UMC and a local church. Chief communications officer for UMC, Jennifer Rodia told The Christian Post that the Christmas season has been “one of our peak advertising times since launching the Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors campaign in 2001. We’ve explored many different advertising channels and many themes over the years.
“This year’s approach highlights the ways we find community wherever we are, despite the ways the pandemic has kept us apart. We want to invite others to join us in seeking out the hope we find in God’s love as churches continue to reach out into their communities and offer meaningful ways to connect with others.”
She added that the pandemic made people to lose connections and this will be an avenue for them to ‘’find meaningful connections with others. In the bustle of the Christmas season, it’s not uncommon for people to experience stress, woes from unmet expectations and feelings of depression and isolation.”
She continued, “We want to invite people who are searching for meaning at this very significant time of year to find connection to Jesus Christ — the true source of joy, hope and love.”
‘’I hope that these messages will encourage them to connect with a local United Methodist Church and find community for the Christmas season and beyond.”
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