Rathfriland Christmas Tree Festival opens tonight
St. John’s Parish in Rathfriland is holding a Christmas Tree Festival in the Parish Church from today, Thursday 5 December until Sunday 8 December.
A wonderful arrangement of trees has been put in place from Church organisations, local businesses and group from neighbouring congregations.
The small Parish Church has come alive with a marvellous collections from real trees to totally unique creations.
The festival opens tonight at 7.00 pm with a special service led by Revd Bill Press (Area Dean) and Bishop Harold will also attend. The church will remain open until 10.00 pm.t
he Opening Service tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.00 pm, with the service being conducted by the Revd. Bill Press (Area Dean). The Church remain open until 10.00 pm.
On Friday and Saturday the Church will be open from 10.00 am until 10.00 pm each day and again on Sunday from 2.00 pm until 6.00 pm.
St. John’s Coffee Shop will be in operation during the opening times so people are welcome for a warm cuppa along with mince pies and shortbread!
On Sunday we will be having our Festival Service at 12.00 noon when the visiting preacher will be the Revd. Ron Elsdon and then to conclude we will have a service of “Carols among the Trees” with Rathfriland Silver Band. The Carols will be the top 10 favourite as chosen by the congregation of St. John’s.
The proceeds from the festival will be going towards the Church Building Fund and the work of the Southern Area Hospice in Newry.
So a warm welcome awaits everyone and we will be looking forward to seeing you experience the wonderful spectacular!!