Sth Aus Waikerie’s 2nd year running Advent Pageant

Over 400 participated in Waikerie’s second year running Advent Pageant. There was a calmness in the air as the organising crew had already covered much of the ground last year and relaxed into their roles. Many more bystanders cheered the kids down the main street. I heard one mum tell the story of her neighbour excitedly encouraging her child that we should quickly run to see Santa, to which the 4 yr old responded even more excitedly, ‘No, I’m going to see baby Jesus’!!!.

It was especially good to see the year sixes and sevens who were too cool to dress up, get right into the celebrations at the end. There was a definite climax in the air as we lit the candles on the birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus.  The event was covered by the local paper as well as the regional TV station. Our Federal MP and Mayor acted as the Inn keepers and also addressed the audience by introducing our three wise men who bought gifts to place under the giving tree followed by many students. These unperishable gifts of food were to be distributed to families in Christmas hampers by our local Anglicare branch.

South Africa

East Oxford - 20 businesses did not have room!

In East Oxford we had 3 schools attend.  130 children walking the busy streets assisted voluntarily by a team of 8 professional events workers.  20 businesses came out their doors to let us know that unfortunately they didn't have room.  Barclays bank even offering every child a manderine.  The Oxford Mail newspaper journalist said, "It's really encouraging to see the schools coming together in the middle of the community.  I don't see that very often".  Teachers were very appreciative of the way the story was acted out - with the children as part of it.

Wheatley UK celebrate!

In Wheatley we had 120 people walking around the community.  All the Shepherds stood together as the Angels danced around them telling them of the saviour born.  The wise men met with Herrod (the secretary of our council) and the final inn keeper (the previous school head) sent his assistant (the local area vicar) to show us his stable.  

Morewell & Churchhill Victoria AUS celebrate!

Morwell Advent Pageant was a lovely day with St Vincent Rd Primary and Crinigan Rd Primary schools. We had the Latrobe Community Concert Band play us some carols, and lots of curious people up the street watching as we knocked on the door of shops looking for a place for Mary and Joseph to have their baby. Joseph was a real cute character hamming up his role as husband making sure Mary didn’t have her baby on the street! We had a great time at our festival together and had the most exciting game of water balloon volleyball I’ve ever seen! Thanks to Helping Hand for providing all the food for our BBQ and snacks.

Churchill Advent Pageant was another great day with Churchill Primary, Churchill North Primary and Lumen Christi Primary, as well as many enthusiastic helpers from Kurnai College Highschool. It rained a bit on the walk, but cleared up for some fun festival activities with one school.

A Christmas message from the United Kingdom

A special Christmas message

Another first pageant in Kapunda. South Australia

Fusion South Australia Mid –North’s new regional office is glad to celebrate it’s opening with the first Advent Pageant in Kapunda. Two local primary schools joined it to celebrate Jesus birthday and had a great time coming together with community and the staff of the new work of Fusion SA Mid-north.  We walked the length of the main street stopping at two of the local inns (hotels). Before being sent off out back to the stable where a great birthday party was had.

A first for Launceston City Tasmania

This year we had our first Advent Pageant in Launceston City centre for many years. Approximately two hundred and fifty primary school children from four schools dressed as shepherds, angels and in other colorful costumes and met in Prince’s Square to reenact and celebrate the traditional Christmas story. We were supported by 60 high school volunteers from 3 schools and volunteers from Worldview College, the community and local churches. Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten, carrying a star, led the parade along with ‘Mary’ and ‘Joseph’ from St Leonard’s primary school. After lunch and birthday cake, some of the children had the opportunity to interact with ‘Bethlehem Marketplace’ – a first century village on the grounds of St John’s church. Other afternoon activities included making Christmas hats and juggling balls, circus skills and large group games. Everyone had a great day and we are looking forward to next year. 

Very first pageant in Vancouver, Canada

It was a pretty exciting moment for Vancouver, as we held our very first Advent Pageant this year. 

We partnered with West Coast Christian School, Youth With a Mission, Kingsgate Mall, and The Vancouver Courier. There were around 80 of us parading around Kingsgate Mall, singing Christmas songs and looking for a place for Mary and Joseph to spend the night.  Kingsgate Mall is a small shopping centre that has the desire to have a community focused. So they welcomed us in with big arms – and are already wanting to book us in for another pageant next year. The students at West Coast Christian School had been anticipating the pageant, and arrived with pretty excited faces, and amazing costumes. 

A few more pics from Cressy Tasmania

Kids hold the homeless in their hearts in Sydney North

Kids prayers written at Fusion’s annual Advent Pageant in Berowra last Friday show a concern for the homeless and others who are likely to be struggling this Christmas.

Students from St Bernard’s Catholic School performed at the Pageant for the second time this year. Fusion Team Leader, Steve Wade, said, “many of these kids are still just learning to express themselves on paper, but their concern about social issues is inspiring.  I’m so proud that these kids live in our area” Many showed a concern for the homeless, with prayers such as, “I would like to ask God to keep homeless and marginalised happy and safe during this Christmas.”  Some prayers were harder to understand but the concern for others was clear, such as: “Dear God, please on Chistmas give the homeless gived”.  Lonely and isolated people received a number of prayers. “Dear lonle people I hop you get more frens. Amen”, wrote one child.  “Please help my uncle get well soon and come home for Christmas”, wrote another.  One student wrote, “Dear God, can you pray for the people that don’t have the thing we have.”  Many others were thankful for being so well off compared to others.  Another child wrote, “Dear God, This Christmas, my wish is to give hope and love to less fortunate children in the world.  And help them have a wonderful Christmas! Amen. (P.S. Happy Birthday!)” The Pageant was followed by three afternoons of free festival activities on Berowra’s Village Green.

This year’s Pageant was the eighth in the region, and part of a network of dozens of Pageants around the world.  Next year’s Pageant will be held on November 26, 2010.  Contact Fusion for more details on 9477 1110.

Advent in Tuggeranong Town Centre, Canberra

Our pageant went well after a few logistical hiccups early on with unexpected gusty winds and not having power in the end! But the kids and the community loved it, as we walked through local shopping mall into the streets!

Kids in festive spirit in Murwillumbah

At the Knox Park Christmas pageant, (left to right) Vivienne Smith, 8, Claudia Tasker, 8, Jo Rawson, 7, and the Uki Public School concert band.

Blainey Woodham

THE Murwillumbah community yesterday helped primary school children re-enact the story of Christmas. Store owners posing as inn-keepers told more than 300 children they had no room for them as the advent pageant made its way through the main street.  At Knox Park, Tweed Shire Councillor Barry Longland, dressed in his best inn-keeper costume, pointed them to his stable, aka a mobile stage.  “I was joining in the spirit of the advent story and I made a small speech of welcome also,” Cr Longland said.  The festivities were part of Murwillumbah’s first Christmas advent pageant.  “I thought it was a lovely idea getting the kids involved,” Cr Longland said.  “It was wonderful to see the performances by the various schools that took part.”  Cr Longland’s nativity-scene role was originally planned for Tweed mayor Warren Polglase.  “Warren Polglase was doing it but he was called away and asked me if I could fill in,” Cr Longland said.

Christmas advents pageants, initiated by Fusion Australia, are run annually throughout Australia and the world.  “I certainly would encourage it again next year and I would do the job again,” Cr Longland said.

However, he admitted his costume was “not totally flattering”.  The Australia-wide pageants were yesterday connected via a Heart FM national radio link up.

First pageant in Regina Canada

Fusion Regina had their first ever Advent Pageant and many children enjoyed the fun and excitement.  “Thanks again , We had and excellent time. Almost every parent commented on how their child enjoyed yesterday when they were meeting for the interviews today. Maybe we can do it again in the future!’ (A teacher)

In Edmonton Canada 130 students took to the streets!

"The sun was shining all over our pagaent as 130 kids, along with family and friends paraded through the streets of downtown St Albert and attracted the attention of cars and by standers, who waved and honked their support and enjoyment!"

Cressy Tasmania Pageant a wonderful day!

Today over 200 students from Cressy Primary school and Trinity College enjoyed a special day dressing up, performing Christmas songs and walking down the main street of Cressy. Local businesses also got dressed up and took the part as they told primary school students (dressed as Mary and Joseph) there was no room in their place for Mary to have her baby! Was a real special day! So many locals come out to watch the special day, ending with a festival and even a cake from JJ's to mark the occasion! photos to come.... when we finalise media permisions :)

Pageants happening world wide!

Over 60 pageants world wide are happening all over the world today! Many thousands of children and community people will enjoy a fun day of celebration as children, families, community members share the Christmas message of hope. Stay tuned here for more updates of pageants all over the world and the impact it has had!

This photo was taken in Alexandra South Africa, at a kids club preparing for advent tomorrow!

Thousands of school students all over Australia and now the world are experiencing the Christmas story in a new way, many for the first time.

Schools in Harmony have developed a community program that offers a creative edge to Christmas in schools.
A simple and effective way for schools to connect with the local community and other schools during the Christmas season.
Imagine a community celebration where the students are the stars! Advent pageants puts the school in the center of the community. A simple parade through the main street finishes with a celebration concert, where instead of watching someone else perform, the students are the focus of the day.
An Advent Pageant re-enacts the Christmas story with songs and drama. It starts with a parade, a kind of mobile Christmas story, and finishes at a location where the community can join in.
Contributions of various items from schools are central to each aspect of the program. There is also the option of incorporating an activity -based festival so children have other ways of active participation and enjoyment.

"One of my students, a 10 year old boy, said, "When the microphone came to me I should have said, "why aren't you here? This is the best party ever!"
Edith Zimmerman, Teacher, Gawler, SA

"I have been very pleased with my school's involvement in the Advent Pageant over the past two years. I think it's a great idea and a great opportunity for the community to get together and focus on what is most important about Christmas and engender a sense of sharing and celebration that centers on children and authentic values."
John Kirkwood, Principal, St Brigid's School, Wynyard, TAS.