Oh, Christmas Tree
Whether it's helping to decorate a single tree or a festival of them, it seems Christmas trees are a great mission and outreach opportunity. All over the Diocese, churches are holding Christmas Tree Festivals, or spending time with their communities decorating their churches and their trees.
Big tree at Shaftesbury
The hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas's Salisbury is well underway.
Over 100 trees are on display, decorated by local charities, schools and community organisations. Refreshments are served and there is a full and varied programme of musical entertainment.
Organiser John Cox said:
"For the thousands who come, the festival is a highlight of the season. We spread a lot of joy and all in a good cause. Donations are shared between Family Counselling Trust Wiltshire, Care Home Volunteers, and St Thomas's."
Meanwhile, over in Shaftesbury they have invited the community to make decorations for their tree.
The Revd Dr Helen Dawes, Team Rector explains:
"The Shoppers’ Carol Service is something we’ve built up since 2015, and is now a regular part of the run-up to Christmas at St Peter’s.
"This year, for the first time we invited the community to make decorations for our Christmas tree.
"The church is in the middle of the High Street, and was open for people to come in for refreshments and somewhere to sit down.
"Our band was playing carols all evening."
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