Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas (Sent Advent)

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them . . . —John 17:18 God sent Christ into the world as our Savior. That’s what Christmas is all about. In turn, Christ sends us into the world. But do we really understand how, where, and why we are sent? This five-week, churchwide Advent study challenges us through story, art, and Bible study to discover what it means to be Christ’s hands, feet, head, and heart. Centered around a DVD with 8-10 minute videos created by a group of dynamic young pastors, Sent is appropriate for adults and youth. The study includes a Participant Book, a Leader Guide for adult small groups, a Youth Study Guide for students ages 13-18, and The Children’s Leader Guide for use with kids 12 and under. A companion book, Devotions for the Season, offers four weeks of personal daily reflections.

Jorge Acevedo is the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site United Methodist congregation in Southwest Florida. Jorge led a group of young clergy in the creation of the book and Bible study Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas and is author of Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World. He is a contributor to Circuit Rider magazine, Good News magazine, and Our Faith Today.

Jacob Armstrong is the founding pastor of Providence Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Providence's vision is to see those who are disconnected from God and the church to find hope, healing, and wholeness in Jesus Christ. Jacob is the author of Renovate, A New Playlist, Treasure, The God Story, Upside Down, Loving Large, Interruptions, and The New Adapters.

Justin LaRosa is a United Methodist Deacon and a licensed clinical social worker. He has served Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa since 2005, first as the Minister of Discipleship and now as the Director/Minister of The Portico, a community gathering space where people come together for conversation, connection, and community change. Justin has co-authored three studies for Abingdon Press: A Disciple's Path: A Guide for United Methodists; A Disciple's Heart: Growing in Love and Grace; and Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas. He and his wife Caroline have a daughter, Isabella, and a son, Russell.

Rachel Billups is a visionary, leader, speaker and author. Currently she serves as Senior Pastor at Ginghamsburg Church multi-campus ministry in Tipp City/Dayton Ohio. Rachel draws on her love of people and passion to explore new venues for ministry and mission. Rachel is an ordained Elder within the United Methodist Church and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Bible/Religion and History from Anderson University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School. Most days you can find Rachel reaching out - praying online, hosting Open Table gatherings in her home or enjoying moments with husband Jon and their four loves: Adeline, Christopher, David and Sarah. She also might be cheering for those Duke Blue Devils and The OSU Buckeyes. Rachel is a popular speaker for national gatherings and has recently authored BE BOLD: finding your fierce as well as co-authoring Down to Earth: Hopes and Fears of all the Year Are Met in Thee Tonight and Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas - all published by Abingdon Press. You can find her on social media at: @rlbillups.

Lanecia Rouse is the author of numerous articles on Christian formation for Upper Room Ministries and Abingdon Press. She has held pastoral roles in the United Methodist and British Methodist Church, most recently as Project Manager of the Art Project, Houston, a therapeutic art ministry with those experiencing homelessness. Lanecia earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School and currently lives in Houston, where she continues her ministry as a writer, artist, photographer, and workshop leader.