Post Earthquake it seemed the celebrations were no longer in order. Since then the World Cup has come and gone and this gave us reason to celebrate. It felt that in the midst of major world financial insecurity there was still some hope and joy. With the coming elections I guess we can celebrate and be glad that we live in a democracy however grim life seems. Thank God the that Christmas is coming. This is a reason to celebrate and at the Mission we are certainly going to do so.
We will have our annual Christmas dinner. Last year over 650 people attended and we had a great time. It is a real thrill to see everyone coming together and enjoying themselves. I hope that people who wish to attend this year will do so.
We will be trying to help people who are finding it difficult to cope financially this year by providing food parcels. Last year we gave out 1800 food parcels to those in need.

Our annual Carol Service will still take place, but of course not in the Cathedral. It will be held on Wednesday 21st December at 7.30pm at St Michael and All Angels in Oxford Tce.
Our various social services will be holding functions for clients to celebrate Christmas and we will be trying to ensure that no one feels left out.

Christmas has become increasingly commercial and expensive and so we are trying to bring it back into line by suggesting inexpensive gift ideas and by encouraging people to realise that the time spent with their children and other family members may be the greatest gift they can give.
We will decorate our reception area and also our chapel and so if you would like to come and see them in December you would be welcome to visit.
Christmas is well worth celebrating. We celebrate the birth of Jesus and the great hope for the world that this event has brought.
At last I am catching the Christmas spirit. I feel like celebrating.