AFTER a break in 2018, the Anglican Church will once again provide Christmas lunch in Kerang this year.
Around 15 people so far have put their name down for the meal at St John’s on Wednesday.
The first church Christmas lunch was held in 2012.
Organiser Gayle Teasdale said she put plans in place after realising that some members of the congregation needed company on Christmas day.
“My sense was that after church most of us disappeared into our homes with plenty of food and company, whereas there were some people who would go home alone,” she said.
From around 20 attendees that first year, the lunch grew to accommodate 80 or 90 people.
While the large lunches were celebratory events for the church community, they lost touch to a degree with the original intention of the event.
Reverend Sue Allen, who said she was glad to be involved in starting the lunch up again, described the approach as “back to the grassroots” this year.
“It’s for those who are on their own or find Christmas difficult,” Rev Allen said.
“People who are looking for a bit of a haven, a safe space from the expectations of the day.”
Those who attend will likely find solace in the menu as well as the setting.
The gourmet meal will consist of cold meats and various salads, with pudding and pavlova also served.
Despite a calm, caring attitude, the organisers aren’t shy about displays of Christmas cheer.
Reverend Sue already has a funny Christmas hat ready and Ms Teasdale has dug out a necklace made of fairy lights.
The lunch will be held from 12.30pm at St John’s Anglican Church in Kerang on Christmas Day.
Anyone interested in attending can contact Reverend Sue on 0417 365 386.
