Become a star church this Christmas

How can your church get involved in #FollowTheStar, our 2018 Advent and Christmas campaign?

To help us share the Christmas message through the #FollowTheStar campaign, we are encouraging as many churches as possible to be ‘star churches’ for a special ‘night of the stars’ on Friday, 21 December 2018. We may have a surprise or two up our sleeve that evening too, keep an eye on our social media channels!

How can you and your church get involved?
The first thing to do to be a ‘star church’ is to display a prominent star (ideally outdoor and illuminated at night, for maximum visibility) before 21 December. The aim of the star is to help us inspire people to visit A Church Near You and #FollowTheStar to find their local church Christmas service. By participating, you will help us share the Christmas message on a national scale – and locally. The star you will adorn your church with will serve as a visual invitation for the whole community.

Secondly, please ensure you have already added details of your Advent and Christmas services to A Church Near You. Don’t forget to also add the #FollowTheStar tag if you have put up a star outside your church.

When creating the star, remember that it doesn’t have to be an expensive art installation! Below, we have compiled a few of our favourite DIY ideas – and remember that these can all be increased in scale to maximise the effect. For help in creating these, there are tutorials online. 

1. The illuminated star: use wire, wood or other material, fashioned into the shape of a star and then wrap with Christmas lights. Ikea has some great star shaped paper lampshades which could be used with a pendant bulb or on a light stand
2. The metallic star: made from cardboard and paint sprayed in gold for a metallic finish.
3. The poster star: buy a hanging star from Church Print Hub. Available in three sizes and two finishes, the packs of stars can be used as a quick and easy option. It can be placed in a window or on a noticeboard.
4. The glowing star: a blackout curtain with a star-shaped cut-out, with a strong light behind, will present a bright star when hung in a prominent window.
5. The treetop star: made with lollipop sticks and glitter and place on top of the Christmas tree.
6. The origami star: made with gold or yellow paper.

If you want it to tie in with the #FollowTheStar campaign, why not try and create an eight-pointed star like the logo. 

Finally, don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag any images with #FollowTheStar on Friday, 21 December.

Find out more about the Church of England’s #FollowTheStar Christmas campaign