Outreach and Welcome through Song in Advent and Christmastide

Ministry & Leadership

Thursday 25 September 2025

As clergy and musicians navigate the conflicting demands of liturgical Advent and secular Season’s Greetings, is it possible to welcome everybody and create space for them in the church community; and how can we take the music ministry of our churches into the marketplace?

Come along to sing, to think, to learn, to pray and to share on this half-day session exploring our options as we prepare (exactly three months to go!) for Christmas.

Chuckle at the honest mistakes and experiences of a regular musician who just doesn’t know how to turn down a good opportunity to sing, and also answer some of the pressing questions we get every year:

• Is Advent a buzzkill?
• Does anyone really need Carols for Choirs volume 6?
• Which side of the church does the mayor sit, and what on earth is "Bun and Shilling"?
• Must we learn a new school Christmas song every single year?
• Please can we learn a new school Christmas song every single year?
• How many tunes do you know to "While Shepherds Watched"?

Who is it for: Anyone who leads music and worship or enjoys singing. Everyone is welcome.

Course Hosts: Session run by Andrew Clayton Director of Music, St Matthew’s Church Walsall with a selection of guest speakers.

Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Venue: St Matthew's Church, St Matthew’s Close, Walsall, WS1 3DG

Cost: £10.00

Booking Link: 
https://www.cognitoforms.com/LichfieldDiocese/_20250925OutreachAndWelcomeThroughSongInAdventAndChristmastide