Faith News: Christmas tree festivals branch out into the community

St Benedict’s Christmas Tree Festival

This was a a very well sponsored event with over 20 trees on display, this years theme was ‘Hobbies’ and it was amazing to see how many different hobbies people have and then to see their trees decorated with all sorts of materials, pictures and homemade crafts was truly wonderful.

On the Friday evening , mulled wine was served and this along with the wonderful aroma of the natural trees, the sparkling of the fairy lights made for a magical and moving time.

It was lovely to have the Lime Walk School Choir singing on Saturday and the Accapella Group bringing the festival to a close on Sunday.

All in all this festival brought the community together and enabled us all to share in the amazement of the festive season. A raffle was held and along with a small charge for entrance the sum of just over £700 was made for church funds.

So a big thank you to all of those who, sponsored, set up, decorated and indeed came along to view the beautiful trees.

Charities to benefit from All Saints’ own tree festival

People thronged All Saints Church Berkhamsted at the weekend to enjoy the Christmas TreeFestival.

A total of 44 brilliantly lit trees, sponsored by local businesses and decorated by community groups, filled the church and the occasion was enhanced by the musical contributions of school and church choirs as well as individual musicians. Refreshments and craft and cake stalls were also popular. “It was a joy to welcome so many members of the local community to this happy event celebrating the true meaning of Christmas,” said the church’s minister, the Revd Rachael Hawkins. “We are grateful to all those who helped to make it possible.”

Figures are still coming in but early indications are that there will be at least £5,000 to divide between DENS, the Hospice of St Francis and church community projects.

Where are you in the Christmas Story?

There has been the chance to find out at the Grovehill Crib Festival this weekend at the Church of the Resurrection behind the Henry Wells Shops.

The Anglican/Free Church and Catholic congregations has been hosting the event, which features nativity scenes displayed by schools and community groups, music, crafts, gifts for sale, refreshments, and a children’s clue hunt around Henry Wells Square and the Community Centre. The big attraction is the ‘Nativity Face Board’ – put your face into the Nativity Scene and be an angel, shepherd, wise man or even a sheep! Bring your camera, the photo will make a great Christmas gift! The board (pictured) has been designed and painted by Grovehill Church and paints generously donated by Astley Cooper School.

The festival started yesterday and is still running from 12.30pm to 4pm today (Sunday), after which time there will be a community carol service. Entry is free and all are welcome – call the Rev Austin on 01442 270585 or email on [email protected]