It’s so encouraging to hear how churches around the movement are pointing people to Jesus through the gospel by bringing the biblical story to life at Christmas.
Events like these, whether large or small, involve everyone using their gifts and abilities to point people to Christ.
A huge thank you to all of you who are involved.
Christmas Around the World
Kingston Community Church invited their local neighbourhood to the Christmas Around the World community event. Pastor Kerry Rickard writes:
“We celebrated the gospel story with Christmas carols and a play sharing the Christmas narrative. It was lovely to see families join us from across different ministries and from our community. This space provided an opportunity to connect and build deeper relationships.
“This event was organised and run by our church family who came together and worked hard to share God's love in a practical and tangible way. We praise God for all he has done this year and continues to do through his Church.”
Christmas in Lights
One of the highlights on the Northcross Church calendar is the Christmas Drive Through, now known as Christmas in Lights.
Ministry Director Debbie Bosse comments:
“Over the past 20 years, many have made it part of their annual Christmas tradition coming from near and far to see the lights and engage in the Biblical story brought to life by live characters decked out in traditional garb. Angels, shepherds, villagers and even Roman Soldiers, interact with those driving through.
“This event, though scaled down slightly post a three-year Covid break, was once again hugely enjoyed by over 5000 people.”
They received encouraging feedback, such as:
“I cannot possibly express how much we enjoyed this evening. The love and dedication shown by all was too beautiful!! I was honestly moved by the experience.”
Debbie said the Evangelism Team was ‘on fire’ and at least three people came to faith and others have indicated they’d like to attend the next Alpha course.
Christmas in the Park
Last Saturday, LifeChurch Manurewa ran a face-painting tent at the Manurewa Christmas in the Park event. This was a great opportunity to connect with the community, share the gospel, pray, and invite them to church. Pastor Ane Ponifasio says this is an annual event where they attend with families and connect with their local community.
Additionally, LifeChurch participated in the Manurewa Christmas Parade the week before, where they presented the nativity scene on the back of a truck, and families from the church walked alongside singing along to the Christmas carols.
Christmas Rally celebration at Feilding Bible Chapel
It was a delight to have our Rally Service at Feilding Bible Chapel on Sunday. A huge thank you to Uncle Ray Cooper (pictured below right) from Forest Lakes Camp and York Street Chapel for a wonderfully creative and powerful presentation of the gospel to our Rally children and their families.
It was a joy being pointed to Jesus through the gospel from the Bible through puppets, videos, stories, and games. Again, a huge thank you to all the 200+ Rally leaders across the country who show 1000 children in 50 groups how good, beautiful and true our Saviour Jesus is.
So good thanking Sam Walsh (pictured above left) from Marton Bible Chapel for her significant contribution to the Girls Rally. Excited to hear that Sam and Howard Walsh along with an awesome group of volunteers are starting the Marton Bible Chapel Rally up again next year.
By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador
