Your Church in Action: Summerfest provides happy start to new year

Summerfest takes place at West Tamworth Public School each morning from 9am until 11.30am in the first week of January and the Tamworth community loves it.

For some, it’s the daily kid program of music and games, Bible story and fun with caring leaders who have been training and preparing for these Summerfest sessions for months before.

Older ones have a teen program with probing discussions, relationships and challenges.

Many of the current Summerfest leaders have come up through the ranks and are well placed to give back something of what others have given them.

After registration, the parents head for the aptly named Getaway Café. Here is a chance for family members to chill out with an excellent cup of coffee and even some home cooking.

There’s a carefree atmosphere as parents, grandparents and even a few great-grandparents relax and chat with like-minded people in the cool of the specially-prepared shade section.  

A particular treat this year was pediatrician, Brigette Scott, who each morning shared some valuable tips on caring for children.

Local mum Millie King has been dropping in to the Summerfest program for a few years.

“It’s school holidays and it’s so good to have something like this for the kids,” she says.

“We know they’re being well looked after.

“Many of the parents are Christians and are glad that their children are being taught about Jesus.”

In fact, that is a large part of the purpose of the annual event.

Summerfest director Ross Fotheringham explains: “We want to talk honestly to kids and adults about Jesus, that He’s the King of everything.”

When they’re not running the Summerfest program, the happy crowd from Trinity Church can be found at 9.30am on a Sunday at Carinya School in Boronia Drive.