Bishop Charlie Murry, the assistant Bishop for the Coastal Episcopate of the Anglican Diocese, will attend the launch of the Taree Anglican church’s Blue Cross Festival of Christmas Trees for his first official engagement at St John’s, opening and blessing the festival.
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The festival will be officially launched on Friday, December 14 at 6.30pm at St John’s.
The festival is a celebration of community as trees have been contributed by a range of organisations, businesses and individuals.
The money raised by the festival from tree entries and donations will go towards St John’s Emergency Relief, offering a helping hand to those in need.
Christmas Tree Festivals are organised in many churches across Australia and around the world, offering a great opportunity for groups, businesses and individuals to come together and create an amazing Christmas display.
Taree rector, Fr Peter Tinney said this idea was suggested by community members who had seen it in other countries and felt that St John’s Church would offer a wonderful setting.
The event will be open each day over the week from Saturday, December 15 to Friday, December 21, 10am – 5pm offering the opportunity for everyone to come and enjoy the display for only a gold coin donation.
“We still have some space left for trees so if you would like to enter a tree for a group, a business or an individual we would love to include your entry,” Fr Peter said.
“Trees may be decorated to highlight a particular theme or in a more traditional way, that is up to each individual exhibitor. There is a small entry fee of $10 for each tree and a people’s choice award will be given to the tree that gains the most votes from visitors.”
Further details or entry forms are available from www.tareeanglican.org.au, email officestjohnstaree@gmail.com, the church office at 294 Victoria Street, Taree between 10am and 3pm on Thursdays or the Blue Cross Shop at 43 Manning Street, Taree.
At 6.30pm on Sunday, December 16 the church will also present a ‘lessons and carols’ service amongst the trees.
“This beautiful, traditional service has a long history and always provides a wonderful lead into our Christmas journey,” Fr Tinney said.
Prior to that service the parish will hold a mini market from 4.30pm with an array of great gift ideas and festive treats and a sausage sizzle will also be available for anyone looking for an easy dinner.
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