Written by Garry Sanossian
For many, the festive season is a time of joy and celebration. But for others, it brings deep loneliness and a longing for connection. On December 15, Northside Church transformed their auditorium into a welcoming banquet hall for a Christmas dinner. The space came alive with laughter, heartfelt conversations and the warmth of community as love and hope overflowed.
Santa bringing treats to the crowd at Northside Christmas lunch. Picture: Toby Zerna
“The idea came when Sam, our senior pastor, met with North Sydney Council,” explained Jordan Westfield, services pastor at Northside Church. “In that meeting, we learned that many in our community struggle with loneliness and isolation, simply lacking opportunities to connect with others.”
This meeting planted a seed in their hearts to host a free Christmas dinner for anyone in need. “While Christmas is often a joyful and beautiful time for many, it can also be a season of sadness and loneliness for others,” Jordan said.
“We thought, how can we be a church that not only meets that need but also serves as a genuine gift to our community?”
This event was not about delivering a message from the pulpit. It was about living out Christ’s love and care, creating a testimony through action. “People need to know we care for them, with no expectations or conditions, just love. And through that love, they’ll see a reflection of Jesus,” he said.
Entertainment and encouragement on stage at Northside Christmas lunch. Picture: Toby Zerna
Planning the event was no small task. Jordan highlighted the generous support of a churches of Christ Kingdom Initiatives Grant, which provided $3,500 to help make the evening possible. Around 200 people attended, filling the room to capacity. “The room was packed with people from our community and almost none of them were from our church,” Jordan said.
The event was made possible by the dedication of over 30 church volunteers and seven from the local community. For some, it was their first time stepping into Northside Church, motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
“We had seven people who joined us early in the day, setting everything up, putting everything out, being with our church volunteers as well,” Jordan said.
Volunteers helping make Christmas joyous at Northside Christmas lunch. Picture: Toby Zerna
As the night concluded, guests were invited to write their wishes for the coming year. Many shared deeply personal hopes, while others remarked that their wish had already been granted.
Jordan recalled, “We had countless people who said, ‘I don’t know what to write as my Christmas wish because you’ve already met my Christmas wish by putting on this dinner for us.’”
Reflecting on the evening, Jordan highlighted how God’s presence was felt in every moment. He shared how the event challenged assumptions, breaking down the idea that the church expects anything in return from those who attend.
“We saw Him at work in the way people came together, in the seeds of trust planted and in how perceptions of the church shifted,” he said.
Santa visits the Northside Christmas lunch. Picture: Toby Zerna
With a heart to serve the community, Northside Church plans to make the Christmas dinner an annual tradition and is already exploring other ways to serve their community. “This is just the beginning,” Jordan said.
“We want to bring the Kingdom beyond the four walls of the church.”
To find out more about Northside Church, visit their website.
