CauseWay carols usher in Christmas spirit

SINGALONG: CauseWay Church again hosted capacity crowds for carol singing.

Christmas Eve saw the Mangawhai community once again gather together at the Mangawhai Recreation Centre to sing Christmas Carols, an annual event hosted by CauseWay Church. 

The rain held off while over 500 people attended the 6pm session, however those who turned out for the 8pm and 10pm sessions did so in spite of the rain. 

A total of over 1100 people attended the carols with a team of over a hundred volunteers helping to make the night a success.

It took several days to transform the gym to the point of it being unrecognisable as a sports centre. 

A canopy of fairy lights, intricate decorations and stage lighting created an atmosphere that felt like Christmas.

People took the opportunity to sing their favourite carols led by a well-rehearsed contemporary band.  

Santa and Snoopy wooed the crowed as they engaged with adults and children while dancing around the gym. 

The vocally challenged group No Direction, who made their debut performing The 12 Days of Christmas last year, entertained once again singing I wish it was Christmas Today Gangnam style. 

Pastors Colin and Anne Chitty spoke about their experience of being in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus in Israel, earlier this year.  

As people left, they received a small gift from CauseWay Church and many commented that it now felt like Christmas and they were ready to spend Christmas Day celebrating with family and friends. For some, the rain was the gift they had wanted!