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Recent Events
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Epiphany Drinks
January 6th 2012
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The evening was quite balmy, perfect for our parish gathering on the vicarage lawns.
This was a time to catch up with friends and to make new ones.
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We were entertained royally by three talented musicians playing lively jazz pieces. Our debonair drink hosts were kept busy as were those who tempted us with delectable spreads.
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Then in true Epiphany style, our hosts Bishop Peter and his wife Caroline offered plums from their heavily laden fruit tree. We came away feeling truly blessed.
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Children’s Service, Christmas Eve 2011
Children, parents, grandparents and helpers all gathered in the Sanctuary for a celebratory Christmas service. Four candles were lit around the Advent wreath - the middle candle still awaits Christmas morning. After singing a carol Bishop Peter read us a delightful story about the Nativity.
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Eager hands shot up to help with the unwrapping of the nativity figurines, which were displayed before being gently placed on the blue cloth in front of the altar.
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Finally it was time for more carols with the help of drums, symbols and other instruments as accompaniments. The Service over, little ones stayed on to explore and rearrange the nativity scene. Others dreamed about the following morning and the joys ahead.
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Play Group Christmas Party Dec 21st 2011
Children, parents, grandparents and helpers all gathered in the Sanctuary for a celebratory Christmas service. Four candles were lit around the Advent wreath - the middle candle still awaits Christmas morning. After singing a carol Bishop Peter read us a delightful story about the Nativity.
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A tree made by the playgroup stood ready to receive lots of excited attention, as it was decorated with beautiful creations made by the youngsters. How sparkly and grand it looked, covered with gifts of joy, in readiness for a very special event. We sang another carol; but before leaving, one more thing was necessary. Each child received a peg containing a picture – the beginning of the treasure hunt!
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So off to the Vicarage we all went, seeking treasure, followed by a party. Jesus’ birthday cake contained two angels and many candles, which needed many hands to help with the lighting. A team effort was required to blow them all out. All kinds of tempting sandwiches and cakes soon disappeared. However, before we left an important task had to be preformed. Each of the helpers was given a gift in appreciation for their considerable dedication to the playgroup throughout the year. These were created by the children and expressed everyone’s heartfelt thanks.
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The Feast of All Souls and All Saints’ November 6th 2011
It is always a wonderful time when the congregations from our three Sunday services join together in worship, followed by fellowship over a communal meal. Such an event happened at our Patronal Festival. We gathered outside the Church to remember those who have gone before us. Moving into the Church we reflected on all who died in war. Outside once more to the Memorial Garden, where we prayed for departed loved ones. Finally returning inside, we took up our worship of songs and praise.
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After the service we gathered in our hall to celebrate. Long tables were laden with enticing platters of food. Conversation buzzed; interspersed with exclamation and laugher. Chatting to one another the meal was a happy affair. These occasions of coming together are worth marking, as they so enrich the life of our Parish.
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Easter greetings - Christ is risen, Alleluia! Alleluia!
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Eager parishioners gathered outside the Church ready to celebrate Easter at the 6.00am. service.
Our Church lay in darkness.
The solid wooden cross now decorated with flowers, stood in readiness.
Silence – everywhere.
The earth waited in expectation for the rising light – the new dawn. |
This early service was followed by a scrumptious Parish breakfast over in the hall. We are blessed having such dedicated people who willingly cater so splendidly on such occasions – taking special care of those with particular dietary needs. We could all relax and enjoy our time together. Thank you.
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Those hungry early worshippers mingled with those attending the later Easter service.
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The 10.00am. Eucharist was especially memorable due to an infant baptism. The congregation delighted in welcoming our newest member into God’s family. It was a very happy congregation that lifted up their voices in thanks and praise on this Easter morning.
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He is risen indeed. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Shrove Tuesday 8th March
Over sixty parishioners enjoyed a sumptuous pancake meal together in our hall. The place buzzed with chatter as friends caught up with each other. It was a night filled with fellowship, feasting and fun. We are blessed with such times as these.
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Epiphany Drinks - January 6th 2011
How grateful the parish was to Bishop Peter Danaher and his wife Caroline that they continued the tradition of Epiphany Day Drinks on the Vicarage lawns.
Bishop Peter expressed his delight, admiration and thanks to those dedicated parishioners who work so hard in the Vicarage garden. They created such a perfect setting for this occasion.
Other members of the parish helped Caroline provide tempting morsels to feed us all. It was estimated that one hundred and thirty gathered together on this balmy evening for fun and fellowship. Well done everyone that gardened, catered, set up and cleared away.
Celebrations like this enable the congregation that go to the three different Sunday services to mix and strengthen ties.
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Christmas Eve Children’s Service
This year’s theme was “Are We Ready Yet? Children cleared and set up, while clergy and helpers donned their gowns. Every child thought hard about what was needed next to be prepared for this Christmas Eve Service and for Christmas Day itself.
There were candles to be lit. The Nativity Set figurines had to be brought to their rightful place. Eager hands carefully lifted these images high for all to see. The wonder and joy of Christmas filled the church.Christmas carols were sung, praising God with thankful hearts for His precious gift to us all.
The glorious smell of real pine brought back childhood memories for many. Our reverse Christmas tree enabled parishioners to share the spirit of Christmas. Their gifts were placed with the desire to delight other children in God’s wider community.
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Parish Confirmation, Sunday November 28th
What a wonderful way to celebrate the start of Advent. Bishop Peter welcomed Bishop Philip Huggins who joined us to confirm two of our young people. Our Deacon the Reverend Ryan Bennett prepared a beautiful service.
Come as you are, that’s how I want you.
Come as you are, feel quite at home,
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven.
Come as you are, why stand alone?
This opening hymn set the scene for the whole evening. Both girls were presented with bibles marking their coming to adulthood in their Christian faith.
After the evening service, we all gathered in our hall for a time of socializing while enjoying the large selection of sweet and savory delights.
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