Advent Devotional
We believe there is a story in YOU that can faithfully encourage others this Advent season! Our Discipleship Team invites you to compose a self-created Advent Devotional. We are accepting written devotionals and 2-D artwork now through October 16, 2023. We will distribute this devotional through our church and on social media, so be mindful that your work will both encourage the faithful and connect with the spiritually curious.
To use our online form you will need a Google account. If you do not have one, feel free to contact us through the church office at advent@fountaincitumc.org, print out the physical submission form here or pick up a packet from the church office.
Before you submit written work or art, please be sure you agree with our Permission of Use Agreement below.
Permission of Use Agreement
By submitting your written work, 2-D art, or photo you understand and agree that you are giving permission to Fountain City United Methodist Church (FCUMC) to distribute your original work in part or in whole, for free, including by example but not necessarily limited to, in print, on social media, in video, in a podcast, and in self-developed newsletter and bulletin publications. Additionally, you are giving permission to FCUMC to use your material in promoting future Advent Devotional efforts.
The final devotional will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 26 in the Welcome Center and distributed digitally starting the first Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023.
Written Devotional Instructions
1-Due Date: October, 2023
For your submission, use this online form. Space will fill up quickly, so submit early! Once you make your submission, our editing team may help trim down your submission according to the size limit and format of our devotional page, as well as offer suggestions for clarity. We want to help you! Again, due to space limitations, it’s possible not all submissions will be used.
2-Theme
Advent is the four-week season that preceeds Christmas. Each week has a specific theme. Possible passages can be found at this link. Please designate which theme your submission represents best.
• HOPE (The Prophecy Candle), December 3-December 9
• PEACE (The Bethlehem Candle) December 10-December 16
• JOY (The Shepherd’s Candle) December 17-December 23
• LOVE (The Angel’s Candle) December 24-December 30
3-Length and Style Guide:
Written submissions should be between 250-300 words. Please include your name, a title, brief summary statement, and a short closing prayer or mediation with your submission.
See an example of what your devotional will look like in print here.
4-Final Product
We will self-produce this booklet on folded 8.5 x 11 inch paper. Your devotional will be used through our social media channels and may be read by a volunteer for a video or podcast for the season of Advent.
Some suggestions when writing your devotional:
• Speak from your own experience or feelings. Pick a scripture passage to anchor your thoughts and direction.
• Allow a title to emerge from your writing.
• Provide a brief summary of the devotional. If possible, keep this to 30 words or less.
• Provide a short prayer for your reader to use with your devotional. Keep this to 20 words or less.
See an example of what your devotional will look like in print here.
Digital Art and Photo Submission Instructions
1-Due Date: October 1, 2023
Your submission must be received by October 1 to us via this online form.
A high-quality file is necessary to properly reproduce your art. Contact Stan Kelly through the church office at 865-689-5175 for assistance taking a picture or scanning your art. Please be sure to read and understand our permission of use policy before submitting.
2-Size
We will self-produce this full-color booklet in a 8.5 x 5.5 format. Your art will be used through our social media channels. Original art must include a title and your name, and should be no more than 4.5 inches by 10 inches and in color. It may be in landscape or portrait format.
See an example of what your devotional will look like in print here.
2-Theme
Advent is the four-week season that precedes Christmas. Each week has a specific theme. Your art will be used in addition to written devotionals. Please designate which theme your submission represents best.
• HOPE (The Prophecy Candle), December 3-December 9
• PEACE (The Bethlehem Candle) December 10-December 16
• JOY (The Shepherd’s Candle) December 17-December 23
• LOVE (The Angel’s Candle) December 24-December 30
Note: Feel free to designate a scripture passage which guided your artwork. Follow this link if you are looking for passages that traditionally align well with each day.
4-Final Product
We will self-produce this booklet in a 8.5 x 5.5 format. Your art will also be used on our social media outlets. The devotional will be available for pickup on Sunday, November 26 in the Welcome Center and distributed digitally starting the first Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023.
FAQ’s
If you have questions, check out the FAQ’s below, contact our Advent Devotional Team by emailing us at advent@fountaincityumc.org, or give us a call through the church office at 865-689-5175.
Q: May I bring my devotional or art to the church office on a sheet of paper?
A: Yes! Office hours are M-F, 8-3:30 p.m.
Q: What digital format can you receive my written work?
A: Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or PDF.
Q: What is the best way to send a picture?
A: Email it to us at advent@fountaincityumc.org in whatever format your camera uses. We will contact you if we need it in a different format.
Thank you for your participation by submitting an Advent devotional!