Come and get it

Christmas Day lunch at Colwood’s Anglican Church of the Advent

Reprinted from Victoria News

It all started in 2023 when Reverend Sr. Ingrid Andersen was “feeling a bit sad” because her son and daughter-in-law were unable to join her at Christmas. “I was thinking nobody should be alone at Christmas,” she said.

“And I went to my parish and I said, you know, I’ve got this crazy idea.” What if the church put on a potluck and invited anyone in the community who was alone on Christmas Day to join for lunch? Andersen asked.

It ended up happening and after a smashing success, the free Home Alone Christmas Lunch returns for the third time at Colwood’s Anglican Church of the Advent. This year, with more table settings than ever. Eighty are expected to attend, and RSVP’s can be made by phoning 250-474-3031.

“That hall is packed,” Andersen said. It’s grown substantially from the first year. Twenty-five community members and 25 parishioners first enjoyed a smorgasbord of roasts, chicken, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes and desserts supplied by the church. The next, 50 – including retirees, students, and those with family far away – showed up.

“We sang Christmas carols, had pulled crackers and played silly Christmas games and just the most fun I’ve had at a Christmas day since I was a kid,” she said.

The church ensures the event is secular so no one feels out of place, resulting in a cross-cultural, cross-demographic space. Subsequently, it’s reinvigorated the meaning of church for the reverend. “Often people say, ‘What’s the purpose of church in the 21st century?’ Particularly, we’re in a very, very secular part of Canada.

And the answer is this: people need to belong. I think we became very aware during the pandemic, of this pandemic of loneliness that we have and so many people who are constantly on their own.

“We have so many things that happen at the church that have nothing to do with religion, but the church is a place where people get together and they belong.” One of the best parts of the event, Andersen said, is it does not feel awkward, even for newcomers.

“I’m really good at diffusing that,” she said. “And this is a very welcoming church, so people come and say, ‘hey, have you had something to drink? Come sit down.’” “We all just mingle in and have a fantastic day together.”

The free lunch starts at noon on Dec. 25 at 510 Mount View Ave. RSVP is required and the church says all are welcome.

Coincidentally I was rector of the Church of the Advent from 2005 – 2016. Kathie and I return when we are in the area and find it to be a lively and welcoming parish to which we continue to direct spiritual seekers. Well done folks. Such a great idea.

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