A mother remembers

On July 29, synod convention delegates were given a sneak peek of the trailer for WELS’ newest outreach movie, My Son, My Savior. The movie portrays Mary experiencing the miracle of Jesus’ coming. The film is scheduled to be released in October so that it can be used for outreach during Advent.

Congregations can expect a number of resources to be available that will complement the movie, including a four-session Bible study, a guide for those who want to use the movie during a worship service, a small group study resource, and an Advent by candlelight program. The Advent by candlelight program is titled A mother remembers. It is a first-person narrative told from Mary’s perspective.

As Kristi Meyer, the author of the program, explains, “Advent by candlelight programs often focus on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. This program will look back at Jesus’ whole life through the eyes of his mother, and attendees can hear Mary’s reflections on her memories of her special child.”

In addition to the program, Advent by candlelight events often include music, fellowship, and dessert. Naomi Schmidt, a member of the WELS Women’s Ministry Committee, believes that Advent by candlelight can offer important ministry opportunities.

“Advent by candlelight serves so many important purposes,” says Schmidt. “Women often find themselves under tremendous pressure during the holidays. We want things to be meaningful, beautiful, and memorable. . . . The blessing of Advent by candlelight is the opportunity to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus and listen to his Word. Being reminded of the true message of Christ brings hope, calmness, and clarity as we face frenzy in the world around us.”

Schmidt also adds that Advent by candlelight programs offer a great opportunity for outreach. “Inviting friends, neighbors, or co-workers to an Advent by candlelight has many blessings. Participants hear the message of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior. They meet other women who struggle with sin and life’s hardships but who also dwell in the richness of grace and forgiveness. They become familiar with the church and hopefully will return to hear more about our blessed Redeemer. It’s a great step in encouraging unchurched women—and one that might seem less intimidating because of the more casual setting.”

To find out more about My Son, My Savior and A mother remembers, visit wels.net/evangelism. If your congregation would like resources on how to plan an Advent by candlelight event, visit wels.net/women. The WELS Women’s Ministry site offers resources, guides, and examples.

More about My Son, My Savior

My Son, My Savior is the third in a series of four outreach movies that are planned as a collaboration between WELS Commissions on Evangelism and Adult Discipleship, Northwestern Publishing House, WELS Multi-Language Publications, and Boettcher+Trinklein Television, Inc. The first two movies, Road to Emmaus and Come Follow Me, have been distributed worldwide and received critical acclaim from a number of Christian film groups.

Author:
Volume 102, Number 10
Issue: October 2015

Copyrighted by WELS Forward in Christ © 2021
Forward in Christ grants permission for any original article (not a reprint) to be printed for use in a WELS church, school, or organization, provided that it is distributed free and indicate Forward in Christ as the source. Images may not be reproduced except in the context of its article. Contact us