Young people join for festive cooking and crafts
Young people have already been benefiting from our upstairs theatre space, the Gaslight Theatre, with a series of creative sessions provoking merry-making and satisfied tummies.
Last school holidays, Teen Challenge Tasmania’s vision of holding regular youth engagement events was kicked off with a mosaic pot-making session, followed by pizzas for lunch and games. About 24 young people of all ages came along, with great feedback.
On Saturday December 4, we held our second event, the Youth Festive Christmas Decorations & Edible Delights day. There were four stations where participants could make hand-painted Christmas cards with artist Peg Smith, mini Christmas puddings, hanging twig Christmas trees and origami stars. While the numbers weren’t as high (12 young people), it was a good learning exercise for us about building networks and getting the timing right. We were so thankful for the amazing team of helpers that manned each table, not only giving practical direction, but engaging with the young people in meaningful ways.
Plans are underway for more creative events for young people during the January school holidays. Keep an eye on our social media channels for dates and more details.
The Simplest Nativity Play Ever
In the same heart as our craft programs, we are holding a free nativity play to encourage young people to engage, have fun, make connections and learn more about the Christmas story. And you’re invited!
The Simplest Nativity Play Ever, by playwright Angela Yardy (original story by God!) is a light-hearted production interspersed with all your favourite Christmas carols, so be sure to bring your singing voice. Our lovely theatrette can only seat 50 people, so please book your free place for either of the two performances:
Saturday December 18 at 11am
Monday December 20 at 6:30pm
Bookings to ifeoma@teenchallengetasmania.org or phone 0452 618 558.
Our Nativity window display
On the topic of the nativity, you should come and take a look at our window display!
This year, Launceston Central City is holding a window display competition in the CBD, with the theme ‘A Very Aussie Christmas’. We’ve dressed our Hope Thrift window with an Aussie take on the nativity. Mary is sitting on a camp chair, Joseph is decked out in tradie safety wear and blunnies (he was a carpenter afterall!), both are wearing wide-brimmed bush hats and Jesus’ cradle is a wooden potato crate, propped atop a milk crate — surrounded by Aussie foliage and furry critters.
We had a lot of fun putting it together, and loved sharing the real meaning of Christmas alongside our neighbours in the Launceston CBD. If you want to send us some love, you can vote for us in the people’s choice section. Just head to this link and tick the Hope Thrift box.
