Guests enjoy Christmas Day lunch at Townsville Faithworks Salvation Army

Townsville families have come together in good company to celebrate Christmas with an impressive festive feast.

TOWNSVILLE families have come together in good company to celebrate Christmas with an impressive festive feast.

More than 120 people indulged in Christmas lunch at Townsville Faithworks Salvation Army campus at Aitkenvale.

Guests enjoyed ham, pork, beef, lamb, prawns, turkey, chicken, salads, cheesecake, pavlova and Christmas cake. The guests were also treated to live music, board games and Christmas bonbons.

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Townsville Faithworks Salvation Army corps officer Bronwyn Lithgow said the lunch was about bringing the community together.

“Christmas is one of those days where there is a lot of pressure for people to be with loved ones and the reality of it is, not everyone has someone,” she said.

“I don’t think anyone should be alone at Christmas.”

Ms Lithgow said the day would not be possible without the volunteers.

“It is about others and what better way to celebrate Christmas than to bless others and we see that with all our volunteers who give up their time on Christmas Day to help others,” she said.

Erica Schmidt and her daughter Brianna Schmidt were celebrating their second Christmas at the lunch and said they loved the atmosphere.

“I love just being with friends and not having to cook or clean and being with my daughter,” she said.

Many Townsville residents celebrated the day in various ways, however it was clear the true meaning of Christmas was not lost.

Church services held around Townsville drew big crowds, from midnight services on Christmas Eve through to family services on Christmas Day.

Father Vic from the Anglican Church of Australia Diocese of North Queensland ran the 10am service at St James Cathedral in the city, which followed an earlier family service.

He said many people came to the church to celebrate joy and peace as well as the birth of Jesus.

With many still reeling from the flood disaster earlier in the year, Father Vic welcomed the crowds.

“Most people turn to Christianity when they’re in difficulty, people come back to Christ,” he said.

“When there’s catastrophe or some disaster around you see the church is full because they turn to somebody and it’s a greater being.

“It’s important to greet one another with faith and love.”

Originally published as Guests enjoy Christmas Day lunch at Townsville Faithworks Salvation Army