A big thank you to all who donated items for the jumble sale, baked delicious cakes sell to the hungry shoppers, helped before, during and after and also a big thanks to all those that came along to purchase items.

It was a huge success in many ways, with such a large number of people contributing to its success. It is really lovely how so many different people were able to help in different ways and everyone’s contribution, big or
small, was so gratefully received.

There was a big queue outside the building long before the Jumble Sale was open. Many people from outside our parish return each year to find lots of great bargains. The event also provided an opportunity for socialising. Visitors were able to enjoy a coffee and cake thanks to our volunteers in the kitchen.

We were also playing our part in recycling. At the end of the sale, the continuing great team spirit ensured everything was tidied away, with much of the remaining stock benefitting other charities including:

• Oxfam – books
• Lifeline Charity – household items.
• Asda Children’s Book Project – children’s books
• Children’s books for Ukraine – books
• Saint’s Community Library – books
• Baby Basics Charity – baby clothes, toys, equipment.
• Yorkshire Cancer Research – various items.
• Samaritan’s Purse for the Christmas Shoebox Appeal
• Harrogate Foodbank – many bags (shopping and plastic)
• Bilton Grange Primary School – dressing up clothes

These events are essential to our contribution towards the ongoing running costs of the Church, so thank you to everyone involved.

 

We made the podium!

In 2024 Christ Church was the Harrogate & District Foodbank’s 3rd biggest donor of food, only surpassed by collections from Waitrose customers and Morrisons customers!

Last year Christ Church donated 2,576 Kg of food to Harrogate & District Foodbank, that’s just over two and a half tons! We donated over 7% of Foodbank’s total food donations. That is a similar amount to the previous year (2023) when we donated 2,630 Kg of food to the Foodbank.

During 2024, the Harrogate and District Foodbank fed 4,059 people (2,750 adults and 1,309 children). Unfortunately, their costs have risen significantly, and their direct financial donations have dropped meaning that in 2024 they actually ran at a deficit financially.

The Foodbank is always grateful for donations of tinned goods and toiletries. Their website is regularly updated with items that they are in need of. We have collection points in both the Church and Parish Centre.

Thank you

 

We welcomed many people to our 2024 Christmas services, regular worshipers at Christ Church, a regular worshipers from elsewhere and those that enjoys attending the services during this special period.

We enjoyed an Advent Carols Service, a candlelit service of Advent Carols and Readings, a Family Christingle followed by a party, Nine Lessons with Carols, a Family Crib Service, Midnight Holy Communion and then our Christmas Day Services .

At our services the collections supported our 3 chosen charities for the period. The charities were nominated by members of our congregation and then 3 were chosen representing a local, national and international charity.

During the 2024 Christmas period we supported:

• Martin House Children’s Hospice
• The Motor Neurone Disease Association
• Water Aid

We want to thank everyone that played a part in the services and celebrations, those that sung and played music, wardened, provided food and drinks, prepared the church the decorations and flowers, provided technical support, drove the bus, served during the services, welcomed and so much more.

We also want to thank everyone that came along to the services.

 

A big thank you to all who donated, volunteered and came along to our 2024 Christmas Fair.

We raised over £1,800 so a big thank you to everyone involved.

As well as raising funds, it was a lovely event with stalls selling beautiful items, perfect for Christmas presents….Father Christmas even came to join the fun and give out some early Christmas gifts to the children that went to see him.

All this along with refreshments and festive live music from our Church musicians.

If you missed the event in 2024, hopefully you can join us in 2025.