Coventry Stake celebrated ten years of collaboration with the Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix with a concert in aid of a local charity. The main focus of the event was not only to commence the festive season with songs of praise, but also members were asked to bring unwrapped gifts for specific age groups of children. These were then presented to the President of the Rotary Club of Coventry Phoenix, Mr Bill Bennett, to be gift wrapped and distributed to local children who are less fortunate than us.
The evening, in the presence of the Deputy Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry, Councillor and Mrs Tim Sawdon and other special guests, was presided over by Stake President Keith Penfold. The concert consisted of music from a Stake choir and individual choirs from units within the Stake. Also taking part was an orchestra made up of youth and young adults from around the stake who played prelude music and provided accompaniment for the congregational singing. There were also several solos, duets and Christmas readings.
Towards the end of the concert was the presentation of gifts, acceptance and closing remarks from guests. On receipt of the gifts, Bill Bennett paid tribute to the ten years of close cooperation between The Rotary Club and the Coventry Stake and thanked the members for their generosity on behalf of the recipient children. He said that in the present commercial situation Christmas seems to begin in retail outlets and on television advertising around August but attending a carol service "brings it back home". The Deputy Mayor said that he and the Mayoress had thoroughly enjoyed the evening and it was "a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season".
In his closing remarks President Penfold commented that Jesus went about doing good and asked, "What think ye of me and what manner of person are ye". He suggested that if we know Christ then the Gospel is all about going and doing. He went on to say, "(by working) with The Rotary Club we touch individual lives and make a difference" President Penfold concluded by saying, "˜Wise men still seek Christ".
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