St Aidan’s Christmas Tree Service Marks Festive End to the Year

St Aidan's Anglican Community Church in Tokomaru hosted a joyful Christmas Tree Service drawing over 90 children and staff from Tokomaru School for a festive celebration.

The service, a collaboration with the school, featured handmade decorations crafted by the students.

“The children did an amazing job creating decorations that would rival any professional Christmas event,” said Tokomaru School principal Mel Ryan.

The church itself was transformed for the occasion, thanks to congregants Stephanie Crawford, Deirdre McGie, and Pam Moore, who decorated the space, while Barry Gledhill provided the grand pine tree, delivered by Terry McGhie. Musician Ian Bannister added to the festive atmosphere, playing the keyboard and taking “Jingle Bells” requests from the youngest attendees.

“It was a lovely morning filled with carols, Christmas lights, and laughter,” said Christine Moore, a member of St Aidan’s.

“The children were exceptional, and they seemed to truly enjoy their time here.”

The school’s Performing Arts group also entertained with a humorous Christmas play, featuring a wise man comically confused over his gift of myrrh. The performance culminated in a heartwarming visit to the nativity scene.

A Year of Growth for St Aidan’s

The Christmas Tree Service capped off a significant year for St Aidan’s, which saw several upgrades to its facilities. A new kitchen and toilet—the first since the church’s founding in 1902—have been installed, with final connections pending. Earlier in the year, a heat pump was fitted, and the Army completed a rewiring project. Plans to repaint the church’s interior are also in motion.

In addition to its own improvements, the Diocese Pensioner Housing project behind St Aidan’s is progressing, with a karakia held on December 8 to mark the start of construction.

The church also hosted a well-attended Sunday Christmas service later that same day.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout this year,” said Anton Moore, a church representative. “We look forward to the continued growth of our community in the year ahead.”

The team at St Aidan's extends their heartfelt Christmas blessings to all, wishing the Diocese and wider community a happy, safe, and healthy New Year.