Hello again! As unbelievable as it is every year, now that our fall programs and events are (barely) underway, it's time to get Christmas together. Are you ready?

Thank you, Tarra, for sending in the following information about an easy-to-do bell choir for children. This is a very nice alternative to a traditional pageant; it is simple enough for children and yet sounds both beautiful and "Christmas-y". An extra bonus: it can be used any time of year, for other holidays, Sunday specials, outreach performances, etc. Here are Tarra's words:

"This year since we have decided to do a Christmas program with colored handbells. I hold up the note letter/color and those children holding that bell will ring until I flip the card. I have included a couple of websites for the product.

This year I will see how it is received by the kids and audience and have the option to add on additional bells. For this year I will alternate children between songs. These handbells look so simple that I am going to have our preschoolers join in.

I plan to purchase aditional music later and be able to have year around musical specials.

http://www.gph.org/handbells/
http://www.kidsplaymusic.org/id13.html
and of course be sure to seartch amazon.com

God bless you."

Again, thank you for the great idea! If there are other ideas/tips out there, big or small, please send them my way. As spread out as we all are geographically, it is still good for us to collaborate together in Christ.

May you all be blessed as you minister for our Lord.