Wellington Central Baptist Church

The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas 

There once was an owl who lived in an empty old barn. He was a grumpy Owl. But when a man, woman and their donkey burst into his barn, making a lot of noise, the owl decides to fly further and further away to somewhere quiet where he can be grumpy. Can he find a lonely place? Or will he get back to his barn in time for a big, not-at-all grumpy surprise?

This fantastic book includes the nativity story alongside the story of a very Grumpy Owl who sets off on a mission to find some peace and quiet when his barn is filled with noise as a young couple and a donkey descend on his peaceful home.

Join us at Central Baptist to hear this story, then journey around different stations to think more about the story and what could be learnt from it. There are five stations, each focussing on a different part of the story, with a few questions to think about and a Christmas decoration to make. At the end you’ll come away with 5 decorations for your tree which will remind you of the story and how the Grumpy Owl lost his grump.

There will also be space to just sit, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a break from the busy-ness that getting ready for Christmas brings.

About Wellington Central Baptist

Wellington Central Baptist is a caring, loving, welcoming community that provides a safe place for everyone to experience the love of God and grow in their walk with Jesus. We are a compassionate whānau of faith learning to share the love of Jesus with the people and places around us under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We hold diverse views on a range of topics, yet we are committed to walk together in unity in Christ. We are a member of Te Hāhi Iriiri o Aotearoa (Baptist Churches of New Zealand). In fact, in October 1882 our church played host to the official formation of the Baptist Union of New Zealand.

Our community has four main areas of focus, four "guiding stars" to help us find our way. They are to gather for worship as a connected community, to care for students well, to be a centre for theological and spiritual engagement, and to be connected with the needs of inner-city Wellington. These four stars are a crucial part of our identity and shape most of our church activities.

Christmas Services 

Our Sunday services through Advent are colourful, with people invited to wear something green for hope (Dec 1), blue for peace (Dec 8), yellow for joy (Dec 15), and red for love (Dec 22).

Blue Christmas Service, Sunday 8 December, 7:30pm

A contemplative service offering refuge from holiday cheer for those who are carrying pain and loss during this season of celebration.

Children’s Christmas Play, Sunday 15 December, 10am

Young (and not so young) people act out the Christmas story impromptu-style as a narrator reads the story. Good family fun!

Stillwaters Christmas Breakfast, 8am Christmas Day

Enjoy a festive atmosphere with carol singing, the story of Christmas being read, festive music, gifts and delicious food.

Christmas Day Service, 9:30am

Come and celebrate the long-awaited birth of Jesus the Messiah.