Fee and Alli are two minstrels who have been visiting Russell recently.They have contributed a lot to the music at Christ Church over this past three weeks and we have been very privileged that they have become involved in the life of the church.
During the singing of ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ the bell tolled 29 times and candles were lit. 
A tribute was paid to the miners who lost their lives by David Scoffham, a director of NZ Oil and Gas, who has been directly involved with Pike River Coal mine. He brought the events of the disaster even closer.
This was Christ Church, Russell’s tribute to the Pike River Coal mine disaster held in conjunction with our Ecumenical Service for Advent. This was a service of sadness and hope.
The address given by Revd Chris Swannell focused on the lone miner’s hat found in the mine with its light still shining…….
This was a very moving service which we were pleased to share with our Catholic brothers and sisters .
At Christ Church this year we have in place of the traditional Advent wreath an Advent cross. This represents the four central stars of the Southern Cross which shine permanently above us.
May Christ’s light shine on you this festive season and on the families and friends of the Pike River Coal miners who lost their lives on Friday 19 December 2010.
Prayers and flowers were placed around the Cross after the tragic Pike River Mine disaster.
This year our church is 174 years old. We will be celebrating her birthday at a special service to be led by the Bishop of Auckland, the Rt Rev’d Ross Bay.
This will be held on Sunday, 5 December at 10.30am.
All are welcome to attend this joyous occasion.
This will also be the first official visit of the newly appointed Bishop of Auckland to our church.
Rt Rev'd Ross Bay, Bishop of AUckland
Jacqui here – have just finished putting together the latest newsletter from Christ Church and have attached a copy in a pdf format.
We’re trying to trim the printing costs so hope that you’ll enjoy this pdf attached.
We would always love your feedback – why not leave your comments below.
Hope that you enjoy reading the latest news, and you’re keeping WARM and WELL.
God bless!
Jacqui