Christmas in South Belfast: 100 Hampers, a Donkey and a Community Craic-er!
Guest Blog written by Nicola McCoosh from Partner Church Emmanuel Church Belfast (Emmanuel Belfast)
God’s Maths Isn’t Our Maths: Community Care at Christmas in South Belfast
Over the past year, we have been getting to know our neighbours in South Belfast. It started with two local community organisations who invited us into a few small conversations. Those early meetings helped us see both the needs and the strengths in the area. As relationships grew, the group widened into a Forum, which includes community organisations, local youth centres, Community Police Officers, the Chinese Welfare Association and the Roma Support Hub. It has genuinely been an incredible privilege to sit with people who care deeply for this neighbourhood.
After attending the Jubilee Plus conference earlier this year, we felt even more convinced that these relationships matter. Being present and consistent is part of how we want to serve. It has been humbling to learn from people who are giving so much of their time and energy for the good of local families.
While planning our Christmas Craic-er event, which includes a community parade with a donkey (!!), carols, our choir and local kids joining in, the Forum conversations made something very clear. Many families in our area are carrying significant financial pressure this winter, and each organisation had already identified households who would struggle with the extra costs of Christmas.
We knew we couldn’t celebrate with the community without also responding to this reality. Even though we are a small church plant, we set a goal of putting together 100 Christmas hampers. We wanted them to feel like real gifts rather than basic parcels, with dignity, thoughtfulness and a few things that might bring joy.
The generosity from local businesses has honestly been overwhelming. Independent shops who are stretched themselves have given so much. The local chemist donated beautiful toiletries. The local salon has provided nail vouchers. Coffee shops offered vouchers, coffee and donuts. People genuinely wanted families to feel cared for.
Then Tesco donated £2,000 so every hamper could include a £20 voucher. Their team also said they hope to partner with Emmanuel Belfast long-term. We later learned that this store is one of the wealthiest in Northern Ireland, which made a comment from someone in our group feel especially true: “God’s maths isn’t our maths.” We have also been given the opportunity to match the Tesco vouchers with brand-new toys.
One of the (many!) pain points of not having your own church building has been finding places to store all of the items - all of our houses are packed with boxes – It’s chaotic and wonderful in equal measure
Find out more about Emmanuel Church Belfast by visiting their website: Emmanuel Belfast
Interested in becoming a Jubilee+ Partner Church? You can find out more here: Jubilee+ Partner Church Scheme
*Opinions expressed in guest posts are those of the author, and do not represent any official position held by Jubilee+.*