We Need Each Other: How Everybody Needs Community To Thrive
The Christmas season can bring about many different emotions for people. It can be a time of great celebration as distant relatives visit for the summer holidays to enjoy family fun and festivities. It can be a time of reflection as we ponder the year behind us, and slowly start looking at the things we want to achieve in the coming new year. It can also be an extremely lonely time for those who have lost loved ones, who cannot be close with loved ones or those who find themselves in a harsher reality due to many different factors. Homelessness, abuse, addictions and isolation to name a few.
Although we are all-for the wonderfully special celebrations this Christmas season, we want to highlight the absolute importance of finding community in some way, shape or form, no matter where you find yourself during this time - mentally, emotionally and physically.
At the CHS Life Centre, we believe that community is the cornerstone of personal and collective wellbeing. A strong community offers support, shared purpose, sensitivity to others, and a sense of belonging that enriches each member in many different ways. This December, we’re exploring the importance of community and how you can deepen your involvement for a more meaningful season.
Ideas For Getting Involved In Your Local Community This December
Whether you’re a seasoned community member who is involved and around often, or you’re someone who needs to find your community ‘home base,’ we have some fun ideas for you to consider.
Join In The Fun Of Local Events
We host a number of community events throughout the year, and the schedule is looking particularly exciting this Christmas season. If you haven’t yet, pop in to one of our church services on Sundays. You can learn more about the Church of the Holy Spirit on the website. We have a number of events for you to join in with. See some of them listed below:
Volunteer Your Time To Help Others
During the holiday season there are many opportunities for you to volunteer for local NPOs and other organisations that are really making a difference. People are often arranging gifts for neighbours and friends who might have less than we do. People cook and offer Christmas lunches to community members and people around. You can certainly find something to do that will make this time even more amazing for someone else. If you need more ideas, get in touch with Thobelani! He’s our Community Development Worker at the Life Centre.
2. Visit The Table Café And Support Local Businesses At The Life Centre
Nothing beats a community that also holds a space for local entrepreneurs and businesses to flourish. The Table Café is a hub where you can enjoy good food, friendly faces and a community vibe like no other. Every cup of coffee, meal, visit or story shared makes a difference in the lives of those who work there, but also those who are part of the centre as a whole.
3. Donate Resources To Those In Need
We have partnered with a few initiatives that support our unhoused neighbours. You can donate items, give gifts or find out what local charities there are within the community. We are super excited to share more of the developments around the Ubomi Charitable Trust in the new year - the arm of giving and nonprofit within the CHS family.
You can donate to Ubomi here if you feel it on your heart:
4. Make Community A Priority All Year-Round!
While December often brings in this amazing generosity and connection, the impact of a strong community lasts all year long, especially at the Life Centre! We are open Monday to Sunday so why not resolve to join in the fun and impact in the new year?
We're dedicated to nurturing a loving environment where people can grow, connect and thrive - and we are here for you too. We encourage you to take some intentional steps to strengthen your ties this December and then to carry the spirit of being part of an incredible community into the new year.
Visit Our Spacious Local Community Centre In Kirstenhof
If you’re searching for people who won’t judge, who appreciate the uniqueness of each individual - no matter their journey - and offer a space for everyone to feel welcome then you’ll find it with ease at the CHS Life Centre and Church of the Holy Spirit community. We aim to include, encourage and support those around us so that each person has the opportunities they need most in order to thrive.
At the Life Centre, we actively cultivate community and growth, to read more about that check out a recent blog: The Ground is Level: How The Life Centre Cultivates Community And Growth
