Carol Service Full of ‘Joy’
Carol Service Full of ‘Joy’
November 26, 2019 at 4:06 PM
The Parnell Holy Trinity Cathedral was filled with joy last night as guests of the Girls’ School and Preschool gathered to celebrate the year that has been and the true meaning of Christmas. The annual Carol Service event brings together our community for an evening of service, carols, reflection and celebration. This year’s theme was ‘Joy’, and the importance of spreading joy and cherishing joyful moments.
The Girls’ School Kapa Haka Group opened with a beautiful Karanga led by students, Anamia Rangihaeata and Tiana Gray, followed by the Waiata Powiri – ‘Silent Night’.
Once seated, Principal, Ms Juliet Small thanked everyone for attending and made special mention of the Preschool who were excited to be taking part in the service for another year.
Reverend Reuben Hardie gave the call for worship and everyone joined together to sing the carol, ‘Joy to the World’. Year 5 and 6 students, Daliah Shin and Jeanna Ho gave the first readings, followed by Year 4 student, Olivia Hunter-Thodey and Year 7 student, Karenpreet Kaur, before the Performers Choir sang the well-known, ‘A Joyful Song’ by M Lightfoot.
Every year, it is a tradition that the Head Girl and her mother present a reading. This year, Jamie Chandler and her mother, Kara shared their words of encouragement before everyone stood to sing ‘Away in a Manger’ as the Preschool made their way to the stage to perform the ‘Joy Song’.
Following the Preschool, the girls had prepared gifts for the Dingwall Trust which they presented as the whole school performed ‘Midnight’, by M & H Johnson.
Reverend Hardie addressed the congregation while unwrapping a mound of strawberries! He invited three students up to demonstrate how we can share joy in even the littlest things, like indulging yourself in the taste of strawberries! Reverend Hardie spoke about the joy of Christmas and how important it is to cherish the ‘strawberry moments’ - the joyful moments with your family and friends.
This year, we had a special solo performance by Year 13 College student, Christina Middlebeek-Harrison. Christina performed ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ as the junior students made their way down the aisle to create a nativity scene at the front of the church.
The congregation stood again to sing ‘O Holy Night’ and the Performers Choir followed with the ‘Saint Kentigern Girls’ School Blessing’ as the Year 8 Leavers’ Candles were present to the Year 8 students by Ms Small and Deputy Principal, Mrs Jill Wahlstrom.
Reverend Hardie finished with a final blessing. This was a touching moment for the girls and their families as their time at the School has come to an end. To finish the evening, the congregation sang, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ as the girls processed out of the Cathedral ahead of our guests.
