Carols by Glow Sticks

The Uniting Church Broken Bay parish will hold an outdoor Carols by Glow Sticks event on Christmas Eve at its church grounds in Neptune St, Umina.

In the event of wet weather, the carols will be held inside the church.

"There is a lovely family atmosphere, so folk are indeed warmly welcomed," said parish secretary Ms Annette Strong.

"Visitors are always welcome to our churches," said Ms Strong.

Christmas Day services will be held at both Umina and Ettalong churches are 8am.

Ms Strong said that, during the school holidays, there will be only one morning service at Umina, at 9am.

"Service at Ettalong continues at 9.30am.

"Cafe church also continues at Umina at 6pm."

Ms Strong said the church was currently concentrating on the Advent season.

"Our youth and family workers will have had a special family evening service on Sunday, December 9, and our youth worker David Miller has been acknowledged for his contribution to the youth of the area, as he retires on December 16."

Ms Strong said the church had been generously supported by the community throughout the year.

The church's fundraising activities were supported and its facilities were used for community outreach.

The facilities were used for AA meetings, Red Cross monthly meetings, Koala Playgroup, and Kincumber/Tuggerah Lakes Community College classes, and for an over-50s exercise group.

Ms Strong said the new Minister, the Reverend Narelle Penman, was settling in well and she along with the Reverend Penny Jones, from the Anglican church, performed the Blessing of the Waters at the recent Oyster Festival at Ettalong.

Press release, 3 Dec 2007 Annette Strong, Uniting Church Broken Bay Parish