At St. John the Evangelist Church in Highbridge, sustainability has become a central focus as they strive to reduce waste wherever possible. This year, they took a fresh approach to their Christingle celebration by cutting down on the waste traditionally left behind, such as cocktail sticks, empty oranges, foil, and plastic tape often scattered on the pews after the service. Instead, they introduced an innovative “almost fully edible” Christingle. Even the candle was crafted from chocolate! The only inedible part was the wick, which burned down to nearly nothing, leaving just a tiny remnant that could easily be disposed of in food waste.
Adding to their creative efforts, the team at St. John’s also hosted an angel-themed family service, focusing on angels as God’s messengers. To ensure the whole congregation could participate, they extended this initiative to the following Sunday morning service. During these services, attendees wrote prayers on small scrolls, tied with colorful ribbons, and placed them inside milk bottles. These bottles were then used to create a stunning large pair of angel wings, symbolizing a “message in a bottle” to God. To enhance the display, each bottle was designed to light up, making the wings both meaningful and visually striking.
The magnificent angel wings are now proudly displayed inside the church, which is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Visitors are warmly invited to “grab a halo and strike a pose,” taking the opportunity to snap a photo with the wings and enjoy the creative spirit of the season.