Fifteen years ago, back in 2010, St John the Evangelist, Topsail, celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. During that year, in every month our ACW initiated a celebration to mark the special milestone.
We organized dinner shows and invited special guests who had been affiliated over the years. Even the then Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada joined the group on one special occasion in recognition of its significance.
At the end of the year, and as a grand finale, under our organizer Shirley Glynn we decided, as a part of the Christmas activities, to host a tea party “befitting a king.” After all, despite the commercialization of Christmas in the secular world, Advent is still all about the greatest king that ever lived.
As a gesture of good will and fellowship, we decided to extend invitations outside our own parish family.
Now we never aspired for it to continue for sixteen consecutive years, but because of the enthusiasm and positive response of that outreach, something was created that would last. As a result, the festivity known as the “Holly Tea” was born, and reborn each year ever since.
HOLLY TEA
H. is for Holly Tea, an event celebrated each year,
O. Is you good friends our entertainment to share,
L. Stands for laughter we’re so glad you all came,
L. Again for longevity, sixteen years to proclaim.
Y. Each year is special, with the tradition secure.
T. Is together as we greet you at the door.
E. As Each year approaches enquiries start coming through
A. It’s always an event we look forward to do—for a chat and a mug up, with fellowship too.
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
H. Is for Holly Tea, some like Earl Grey the best,
O. Canon Jotie says his Old English Breakfast outshines all the rest.
L. Is for lemon, an extra flavour to squeeze,
L. Again, strong or weak, whatever you please.
Y. You’re free to dunk a raisin bun in your tea. It’s bound to taste better, I’m sure you’ll agree.
T. Stands for Tetley, that’s been served here today.
E. Most everyone sticks to the old brands anyway,
A. As long as you stir some sugar and milk, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every mouthful you drink.
Happy are the people Whose God is the law. Psalm 144: 15
