Jenny’s letter 23rd November
Dear Friends,
The countdown has begun!
Our wonderful Christmas Tree Festival opens on Wednesday 26th November, and excitement is rising across the parish. Soon our church will be filled with trees carefully decorated by schools, groups, organisations, and businesses. It is one of the most joyful and visually stunning moments of our year, and a treasured tradition for Bromborough and beyond.
However, before we welcome the thousands who will come through our doors, there is still a great deal to do — and this is where we need the help of our whole church family and your friends and contacts, too.
First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already been working away behind the scenes. Some have been preparing since summer, others have been doing the heavy lifting of moving furniture, sorting electrics, organising refreshments for the workers, publicity, decorations and all the details that make the festival come alive. Your dedication is what makes this event possible. It speaks of the commitment and love that live in this church. Unfortunately, as of this moment, we still need more hands on deck during the Festival itself.
To keep everything running smoothly and ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome, we are asking if everyone can offer around four hours of help. It doesn’t have to be all in one go, and there are roles to suit everyone — greeting at the door, selling raffle tickets, switching lights on and off, counting money, or simply being a friendly presence. Every job matters. Your help matters.
There will be rotas in church this Sunday, and also in The Centre throughout next week. If you’re able to take a slot, or even four, please add your name. And remember: volunteers don’t need to be church regulars. You can bring a family member or friend to sit along side you. Many people are delighted to help once they’re asked.
The Festival raises much-needed funds that support our mission, but the deeper purpose is even more valuable. The Christmas Tree Festival is one of our greatest opportunities to gather the community, welcome the curious and build connections.
For many people — especially families — it may be their first time inside a church in a long while. Yet stepping into that forest of light and creativity, surrounded by colour and music, often awakens a sense of peace, beauty and belonging. This is not accidental. It is the heart of Christian hospitality. At the first Christmas, shepherds and travellers were welcomed to the manger. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, people were continually invited in — especially those on the edges. The Church exists not to serve itself, but to pour out welcome in the name of Christ.
So when you greet at the door, or do something to help that feels a bit invisible, you are not just doing a shift. You are living out the Gospel. It is kindness, generosity and faith expressed through action. “Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4:10) If, we all help the workload will be light and the welcome strong. Please check the rotas, sign up if you can, and consider inviting others to join in. Let’s make this year’s Christmas Tree Festival a celebration of community, joy and the love of Christ shining brightly in Bromborough.
With gratitude and hope,
