For All Saints Parish Singleton Warden Michael Turner, Christmas is an opportunity to invite those in need into a space that is close to his heart.
Since 2006, All Saints Parish has been home to the annual Samaritans Christmas Lunch, an event that brings more than 100 disadvantaged members of the local community together to enjoy a delicious meal and receive a gift.
While Michael is in charge of parish operations, he teamed up with Samaritans last year to add the Christmas event to his ever-growing list of community outreach programs.
“We have several community services here at the parish, including a weekly playgroup that has grown to around 100 children, but the Christmas lunch is extra special,” he said.
“You never really know what you’re doing for people when you make them feel included. Sometimes, when you provide outreach services, people question you. They ask why you’re doing this, and the answer is because you never know what spark you might ignite in somebody’s mind.
“In five or 10 years’ time they might come back and say they remember how it helped, how it provided support, or made them feel less alone. One moment can change someone’s life and you never know what that moment is going to be.”
Michael should know.
In 1971, his role in the Australian Defence Force saw him relocated to the Singleton Army Base. It was a move that would ultimately change the course of his life and forever connect him to the parish that now means so much to him.
“I came to Singleton as a soldier, and this is where I met my wife. Her mother worked on base, and, in 1976, we were married at this very church.”
Michael went on to be an active member of the congregation and is now one of three parish wardens, helping to run the parish council and oversee day-to-day operations of the church.
“The church is not about a building over there that you go and see every now and then,” he said.
“It’s about living in the community, looking after your neighbours, and engaging with the people you run into within the community.”
And, come Christmas Eve, engaging with his community will look a little different for Michael as he dons the red suit and becomes none other than Santa himself.
“The smiles and excitement on children's and, I might add, grown-up faces are what I enjoy most about playing Santa, but overall being involved in the church makes me try to be a better person,” he said.
“It allows me to look at people in a different light, and to try to provide hope for those who need it.”