A snapshot of Christmas happenings

Diocesan Communications

on February 1, 2019

Topics: Christmas, Parish Events

Parish commissioned life size nativity set

This Christmas, St. George’s Georgetown had a life size nativity set on their church grounds to tell the story of Jesus’ birth.

The parish commissioned Ontario sculptor Robbin Wenzoski to hand carve the wooden figures of the nativity.

georgetown 1 — Ontario sculptor, Robbin Wenzoski, helps with the installation. Photo: Rob Park

The wood for these sculptures was re-purposed from damaged or old growth native provincial trees, otherwise left to decay. It provided nature’s original creations a second life.

The nativity scene included Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, and was illuminated during the Christmas season.

“These figures in an authentic setting communicate the Christmas story through their presence and streetscape profile,” wrote Rick Gorski. “It is our desire this will be an ongoing annual Christmas community celebration drawing from the congregation and our community at large, to understand, appreciate and enjoy the telling and representation of the Christmas story.”

St. George’s sponsored an official opening with a community celebration, which included telling the Christmas story, singing carols, ringing bells and enjoying refreshments.

In embracing the spirit of Christmas, St. George’s wanted to bring hope and joy to everyone through the nativity set, wrote Rick.

Since 2015, St. George’s has been a sustainability champion in the Town of Halton Hills and is recognized for its contributions to social well-being and cultural vibrancy in our community, concluded Rick.

(Based on Rick’s article which appeared on St. George’s website.)

Staff sorted stuff

One morning, as part of their Christmas gifting, twelve diocesan and cathedral staff members sorted toys and clothing for St. Matthew’s House in Hamilton.

staff 1 sarah mary anne — Sarah Bird and Mary Anne Grant sorted clothing which St. Matthew’s House distributed to families and seniors. Photo: Bill Mous

This year, 500 families and 200 seniors were registered to receive gifts at Christmas.

The staff was divided into early and late 90-minute shifts. However, Administrative Assistant Mary Anne Grant said the early shift enjoyed the experience so much they stayed for the whole morning.

staff 2 cp dy sh — Christyn Perkons, Debbie Young and Sharyn Hall enjoyed sorting the children’s toys. Photo: Bill Mous

You can learn more about the needs and work of St. Matthew’s House at
stmatthewshouse.ca.

A Chinese Christmas concert

chinese concert st cuthberts — The event, organized by the Chinese Anglican Mission in the Oakville area, was held at St. Cuthbert’s Oakville. Photo: Garfield Wu

Liturgical dance

dancers — Dancers, dressed in bright rainbow colours, heralded the coming of Christmas as they performed during the singing of O Come, O Come Emmanuel and other songs during the Advent Carol service at St. Christopher’s Burlington. Photo: Paula Ramsay

Lighting the way to Christmas

At Christ Church Woodburn, during Advent, the first season of the Church year, families with Rector Trevor Jones lit candles to begin worship on each of the four Sundays before Christmas.