Annual Services & Events
We have a wide range of special annual events within the parish, to celebrate significant dates in the Christian calendar and to connect with our wider community.
Annual services
Christmas
‘Lessons and Carols’ Services | St Stephen’s & St Andrew’s
A special service, with Bible readings and a mixture of traditional and contemporary Advent and Christmas carols
Christmas Eve All-Age Service 7pm | St Stephen’s
An informal service where the Children typically perform a drama and we sing popular Christmas carols
Christmas Eve Service 9pm | St Andrew’s
Carols and communion service 1 hr
Christmas Eve ‘Midnight’ service 11:15pm | St Stephen’s
Carols and communion service 1 hr
Christmas Day Service 10am | St Stephen’s
Carols and communion service 1hr
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Nativity Exhibition - St Stephen’s Chapel
Nativity displays, sharing the Christian Christmas story with the community
Easter
Daily services during Holy Week
Good Friday service
Easter Eve new light service | St Andrew’s
Easter dawn service | St Stephen’s
Easter Day morning services
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Good Friday walk with the Cross
Lent
Palm Sunday Service
Ash Wednesday Service
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Pre-Lent Pancake Party with games
Lent studies
Annual Pet service
Early October
St Stephen’s Church
Held to celebrate St Francis Day (patron saint of animals) and recognise the blessing of animals in our lives. Bring your dog, cat, lamb, goldfish, whoever your animal friend may be for this special service.
Leads are required for dogs and other large animals.
Annual Events
Costume Party
31 October
St Stephen’s Hall
A fun all-age family activity held once a year on the eve of All Saints Day, with a different theme each year. Everyone is invited to dress up and enjoy some games and food together.
Quiz night
St Stephen’s Hall
A classic pub-style quiz night covering popular topics such as general knowledge, geography, sport, current events. There are prizes for the winning teams and all team registration fees go towards fundraising for the running of the parish.
Keep an eye on the notices to be ready to register your team of 4
Mahjong Tournament
Mid Year Annually
St Stephen’s Hall
The annual Mahjong tournament is a day-long fundraising event, typically held mid-year, with good support from players locally, and guests welcome from across Canterbury. There is an entry fee which covers food (morning/afternoon teas and lunch) during the day, and raffle tickets will also be available to purchase. Participants are welcome to register on the day.