Bauble scheme in remembrance
To celebrate the Christmas period, Horsham’s Holy Trinity Church has introduced a Sponsored Bauble Scheme which aims to represent their congregation in a unique, festive way. The Rushams Road church aims to decorate their Christmas tree with sponsored gold and silver baubles, in order to raise funds to cover lost income due to the effect of Covid-19. Spokesman Francesca Williams said: “The tree will stand at the front of church throughout the festive season, alongside complementing gold and silver window displays. Members of Trinity’s congregation kindly donated the baubles which will be used to decorate the tree. “Each bauble will show the names of the sponsor and will be a permanent feature of Holy Trinity’s future Christmas displays. “The scheme intends to represent members of the church and local community, both past and present. “This is particularly poignant with current circumstances, continuing to connect people with the church whilst they are unable to attend.” Church council member Jane O’Sullivan said: “Our previous Christmas trees were well past their best, so we were looking for ideas for a replacement. “I managed to buy a beautiful ten-inch artificial tree from a lovely lady from Costa Coffee in Teddington. “She even delivered it to my friend’s address so that my friend could bring it down to Horsham. “Holy Trinity has lost a lot of income during lockdown as we were unable to rent out our hall, and some hirers have been unable to return. “We were trying to think of a way to unite the congregation and to pay for the tree and its decorations” Jane added: “We are hoping that as well as our current congregation, others with a connection to Holy Trinity will sponsor baubles for themselves or in memory of loved ones. In that way we shall all be named on the tree in time for Christmas. “A list of names will also be displayed.” Currently 80 baubles have been sponsored including one in memory of a prewar teacher at Victory Road School. Each adult name costs £5 with under-18s added for free. Businesses can also sponsor a bauble for £20.”
Before lockdown lifts, whilst the church will be shut for services due to government restrictions, it will be open for private prayer on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10am4pm. If you would like to sponsor a bauble, email noticesheetht@ horshamholytrinity.org.uk or phone 01403 265649.