The work of 24 local artists can be seen at St Michael & All Angels or online

Twenty-four local artists have once again helped to create the popular Advent Calendar at St Michael & All Angels, as part of its Christmas Charity Appeal. Their artworks can be seen in the church and on its website from Advent Sunday, December 1 st, until Epiphany.

St Michael’s Angel by Liz Butler

Chiswick Churches by Deirdre Greenwood.

The originals are displayed in the church on a beautiful Advent Calendar frame, created by local artists Jim Cox and Glynis Porter. Every day until Christmas Eve, another door will be opened.

People can open the doors themselves online at www.smaaa.org.uk/advent, where they will see 24 revolving stars. Everyone is invited to look for the numbers under the stars and click on today’s date to reveal the picture. But they’re warned not to try clicking too soon! Each page is sponsored by a local business, including ChiswickW4.com.

The works will be sold by silent auction, culminating at a party in the Parish Hall from 11.30am on Sunday January 5th 2014. The artists have generously agreed to donate at least a third of the sale price to the Appeal charities.

This year, the Appeal proceeds will go in their entirety to St Michaels’ three charities for 2013:

• The Upper Room, feeding the community in need in West London
• Hamlin Fistula UK, a medical charity helping women in Ethiopia, and
• The Mulberry Centre in Isleworth, offering support to anyone affected by cancer.

“We’re very grateful to the artists and to the sponsors of the online Advent Calendar – and we hope people will give generously to this year’s Christmas Charity Appeal” says Fr Kevin Morris, the vicar of St Michael’s. “There are some wonderful paintings and we hope they’ll attract lots of bids.”

The collections from two of the Christmas services at St Michael’s – the Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30pm on Sunday December 15 th and the Children’s Crib Service at 4pm on Christmas Eve - will go to the charities. So will money raised by carol singers at Turnham Green tube station, from 5.30pm on Wednesday December 18 th, and other events.

People wanting to contribute can also send a cheque (made out to St Michael & All Angels Church) to: St Michael's Christmas Appeal, Parish Office, Priory Avenue, W4 1TX.

December 1, 2013