What to Expect at the 2017 Holiday Celebration Service

Our 2017 Holiday Celebration Service is almost here! Our theme this year is “The Spirit of Christmas.” This holiday season, we want everyone to experience the joy and peace of the Spirit of Christmas. We believe that the Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of God that resides in us to transform us and help us become more like him – compassionate, loving, inclusive and overflowing with gratitude.

“…You have already won a victory…because the Spirit that lives in you is greater than the spirit that lives in the world.”

1 John 4:4 NLT

The Spirit of Christmas is also expressed in our desire to give back to others by doing good and helping people find the greatest gift of a relationship with God. On December 10th we are celebrating this Spirit of Christmas through a special service that will include a great family experience, great memories to take home, and an opportunity to give back to the community around us.

Here is a location map and a few things you can look forward to at this year’s Holiday Celebration:

1. Easy parking and clear directions into the service

Every year we have people from all over the greater Bay Area coming to our event for the first time. We know how important it is to feel secure and have clear direction from the moment you enter the parking lot until you are in your seat. That’s why we have an expert parking team that will greet you at the driveway entrance to guide you to the closest available parking spot.

After you park, a visible and friendly team of ushers will greet you heading into the convention center and will guide you toward the service. You’ll also see clear direction signs and electronic interactive map kiosks through the foyer all the way to your seat.

2. Carolers and string quartet

Christmas music is an essential part of having the holiday spirit! This year as you walk to the service enjoy live performances by a group of carolers and a string quartet. Of course, this is in addition to the live performances during the service itself.

3. Complimentary refreshments

Stop by the Great America Lobby for complimentary first come, first-served hot chocolate, coffee or tea before the service begins.

4. Santa’s Playland

Bring the kids to meet Santa Claus, ride the Polar Express train, and play on bounce castles in Santa’s Playland. Your kids will have a great time burning up energy while you enjoy some complimentary coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Download our parent guide to get all the information you need to make sure you and your kids have a great experience this weekend.

5. Family portraits

Take advantage of our free family portraits with Santa Claus or in front of a Christmas-themed backdrop. It’s still early enough to make your Holiday Celebration family portrait your 2017 Christmas card. Photographs will be sent to an email address you provide.

6. Instant pictures

Get your picture taken at one of several Christmas themed spots along the hallway heading into the service with one of our Polaroid photographers. You can walk away with an instant Christmas classic in your hands.

7. Inspiration

Our Holiday Celebration Service will be full of inspiration. In addition to a sermon from the Bible, we will have the chance to watch a featured video presentation, “The Spirit of Christmas” and highlights of and opportunities for doing good this holiday season will be sprinkled throughout the service.

8. Entertainment

Be transported into a holiday mood through a number of exceptional performances of both classic and modern Christmas favorites … with a few surprises along the way!

9. Resources for sensory-friendly needs

We strive to be an inclusive church, sensitive to everyone’s needs. With that in mind, if you need a more a sensory-friendly experience, we will be live-streaming the service in Exhibit Hall B (adjacent to the main service) from 3-4:30 pm.

10. BACC Toy Drive

For the past nine years, one of the highlights of our Holiday Celebration Service has been our annual Toy Drive. This year 8 agencies representing underserved children as well as children in the foster/adoption system will be on hand to receive toys, gift cards and cash donations.

11. Doing Good Fund

This year our annual contribution will support the Doing Good Fund. The Doing Good Fund supports the following programs:

• Benevolence – providing emergency food, shelter and medical support for members of our church facing catastrophic life situations
• E-Sports – where we serve families with special needs and typical children in the community free of charge
• HTS – Hope Technology School (HTS) is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive education
• Doing Good Project – one-time grants to support those who have developed and sustained a “doing good project.”

12. Safety first

We take your safety seriously. That is why an event like this deserves a secure and safe venue. Our security team will be on hand to check bags and wand each entrant to make sure we have a safe and enjoyable program. Please limit bags as they slow the entrance process or bring a clear, see-through bag.