Discover what Christmas is about

Mackenzie Pitman-Brewer, 4, is performing at Hope Christmas. Photo / Stephen Parker

What do 200 years of history and musical television show Glee have in common? Both will feature in Living Well Church's Christmas production this Sunday.

Hope Christmas is a 90-minute show for people of all ages and denominations and celebrates all that is Christmas.

Music co-ordinator Liz Fowler said the production had been a feature on the church's calendar for the past 10 years. It changes each year but always has the same over-riding theme of "what Christmas is about".

"This year we're tying it into the fact it is 200 years since the gospel came to New Zealand," Mrs Fowler said.

"We've modelled it on that. We've got items by members of the church, including the adult choir performing a Glee number - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. There are six soloists and they have been practising so hard to pull it off." There is also a children's choir and 4-year-old Mackenzie Pitman-Brewer will perform Te Harinui.

"We have a lot of fun, we sing carols and after the evening show we have coffee and cake for sale. The team at Living Well do so well at pulling it all together and making it a fun event for everyone. We just want to celebrate what Christmas is about."

Mrs Fowler said she enjoyed singing, her favourite was O Holy Night, which was on the schedule.

Entry is by cash donation or an item of non-perishable food. The church is supporting the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal, with its donations going to the Salvation Army foodbank.

Details

What: Hope Christmas
Where: Living Well Church, Biak St
When: Sunday, shows at 10am and 6.30pm
How much: Entry by donation of non-perishable food or donation to Salvation Arm.