Sharing the Hush

Across the Connexion, in the real world and online, this year’s Hush the Noise resources have been enabling churches to reach into their communities and share their welcome.

Churches have been given resources to help them make the most of the opportunity that Christmas offers, with services, films, songs, prayers, craft ideas and Christmas postcards all to help share the Good News.

The Hush the Noise campaign is inspired by the carol “It came upon the midnight clear”, encouraging people to cut out the distracting noise and pressures that surround us so we can hear the voice of God at this time of year.

Here are thoughts from two churches who have used the resources in their communities.

The Mint Church, Exeter
The Mint Church and Community Centre is in the heart of Exeter. Open most days, the Mint Church is home to a large and vibrant community.

The Revd Brenda Mosdale is a supernumerary minister at Mint Church where they have been working with the Hush the Noise resources. “We've used the Hush the Noise posters and shared the posts on our social media. We've also used the cards and have put details of our Christmas services on them, handing them out while we were singing carols in the street. Though it seems a little counterintuitive to be saying “hush the noise” and then belting out songs, I think this is the right sort of noise!”

Standing outside the church and handing out the cards helps build relationships says Brenda. “I was a minister for more than 30 years and, while Christmas is a gateway to people coming to church, I know it can all take longer than we would hope. People may or may not come to the service on the cards, but they have seen them, taken them and then they might do something about it down the road.

"We have made a connection.”

Victoria Stafford Road Methodist, Sheffield

Bridget Kellet, is a local preacher and steward at Victoria Stafford Road Methodist, a diverse, welcoming and friendly church in the city of Sheffield. Victoria Stafford Road have been making good use of the Hush the Noise resources.

“We have put our service times on the postcards and delivered them to the nearby homes as well as handing them to those who use the building. The postcards and posters draw your attention really well and make you want to find out more”, says Brenda.

“The craft ideas have been useful in saving us the time it would take to create our own. We are using some of the ideas around art and craft for our services, making paper plate angels to be decorations for the tree. Having some new ideas was so helpful. Previously we would have to come up with them ourselves!”

Bridget also believes the Hush the Noise theme is helping people take time out at Christmas to discern what it is all about. “The resources are reminding people of the real meaning of Christmas, that God is still relevant and part of the seasonal celebrations.

“Even the people at church can be too busy to remember God, so having less to create ourselves allows us more time to ask for God's help in how we can serve him better in this season.”