What does the ADVENT WREATH represent?

The circle of the wreath reminds Chrisitans of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Chrisitans have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son, Jesus. The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolise hope, peace, and love.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Where do our Christmas traditions come from?

Why do we have ADVENT CALENDARS?

They were designed to help children focus on the coming of Jesus by having a "window" to open each day from December 1st to December 24th with a picture behind it of something related to the nativity. "Jesse Trees" were used in this way too - see Christmas Decorations and Christmas Tress. But modern day Advent Calendars are often a countdown to Christmas devoid of anything to do with Jesus, and instead have pictures of cartoon charaters and contain chocolates.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

He also plays harmony on his trombone in church worship. Outside of church life, Mike runs a special needs hostel. Mike lost his first wife to pancreatic cancer in 2006, but is now married again, the Lord having brought him a lovely Christian wife.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Deacon Mike Bryan became a Christian as a university student in 1965, giving his life to Jesus at a Billy Graham Preparation rally in Sheffield, and was baptised in the Spirit at a Full Gospel Business Men's dinner here in Bournemouth in 1981. Mike became a founder member of the house group that grew into Richmond Park Church, and is now a Deacon and Chairman of the Trustees.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

His vision and passion is for people to know Jesus and his prayer is simply to know and do God's will in his life. He also leads the Boscombe East Care Group with his wife, Jan, and co-ordinates, and often preaches at, the family services.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Deacon Geoff Pollard became a Christian in 1983 after arriving back from Australia. He went to church to meet people as he did not know anyone, and there met Jesus! He has been a part of Richmond Park Church since November 1986.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Roger and his wife Marilyn are also regular helpers at the International Student Meal Evenings. They have 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Read Roger's Story of how he became a Christian.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.