St. Michael And All Angels Advent Anniversary

Celebrates tenth year since launch of inspiring Calendar

Following its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, on Sunday, December 16, St Michael & All Angels Church will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its inspiring and innovative Advent Calendar & Christmas Appeal.

More than 250 original pictures, created by local artists and by children, have helped to raise over £60,000 for charities since the launch of the Advent Calendar in 2002. The launch was reported by BBC News on December 2nd 2002:

“Children at a west London church have put a contemporary spin on a seasonal tradition by helping to create an online Advent calendar. Snowmen, angels, stockings and nativity scenes have been drawn by 24 children from St Michael and All Angels church in Bedford Park, Chiswick.

ChiswickW4.com reported: “ On the website, instead of opening a door to see the pictures, visitors are faced with 24 revolving stars. Each reveals a number as the cursor is passed over it, and a click on the mouse opens the picture. If someone clicks a number before the right date, a message pops up saying "You've peeked too early".

The artists’ works (which are featured in alternate years) are auctioned to raise money for the Appeal. Distinguished painters who regularly contribute include Alfred Daniels, Francis Bowyer a nd Liz Butler.

Every other year, the children’s pictures are used to publicise the charities and St Michaels’ Christmas services. It’s their turn this year and you can see their pictures displayed in the church and online, at www.smaaa.org.uk/advent, where there are also links to this year’s charities.

“We hope that everyone who’s contributed over the years - whether as artists or sponsors or simply by giving money to our Christmas collections - will come to our Nine Lessons & Carols service and then celebrate over mince pies and mulled wine” said Fr Kevin Morris, the vicar of St Michaels. “We’re very grateful to them."

You can see a selection of the 250 pictures and posters on the website and in the church, sponsored by Killik & Co, Chiswick. Regular sponsors of the Advent Calendar include ChiswickW4.com, Andrew Nunn & Associates, Egham Estates, and for the first time this year – Maggie and Rose.

December 17, 2012