Church’s festival of carols

Last year's CaroilFest can be found on Youtube.

With Christmas approaching, South Rockhampton Uniting Church (SRUC) in Campbell St is again gearing up for a CarolFest on 27 November at 3pm.

“We’ll be singing more than a dozen well loved carols,” Rev Andrew Gillies, Minister of SRUC, said.

“The main aim is participation, getting everyone to sing along and enjoy the positive message of Christmas.

“There’s good evidence that singing in a group is good for your mental and physical health as well as your soul.”

He said CarolFest was “sort of like an 18th or 19th century ‘pub choir’ only without the alcohol”.

SRUC is even following the singing with a cuppa in the hall.

“John Weir will accompany us with the wonderful sound of Rockhampton’s only regularly used pipe organ and local musical identity Chris Netherwood will help me MC the afternoon,” Rev Gillies said.

“As part of carol events, church services, and church and community choirs over the years I reckon there aren’t many things better than singing as part of a group; it always lifts your spirits.

“We’d love as many people as can fit in the church joining in the fun.”

Donations for the Christmas Bowl, which supports international church-based aid and development work, will be collected but there is no charge for the afternoon and no requirement to donate. Just turn up ready to sing.

For more information see SRUC’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/RouthRockyUC or ring the church office 07 4922 6414 from 9am to noon, Tuesday to Friday.