Serving Others on Christmas Day

40 degree heat (Celsius) and mandatory masks could not stop members and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from serving their community on Christmas Day 2021.

Due to their joyful set up and pack down service over the last four years at the Joondalup Christmas Lunch —a Perth event which aims to ensure no-one spends Christmas Day alone — missionaries from the Australia Perth Mission were invited back this year.

But this time they were asked to be part of the entertainment program.

Under the guidance of Michael and Sharon Stone, mission leaders for the Church in Western Australia, a choir was formed and met regularly to fine-tune the carol arrangements.

According to one attendee, the choir "performed beautifully, and brought the spirit of Christ into the event."

Event chairperson, Anouck Van Dyck, was thrilled with their "presence, dedication and willingness to serve."

She recalls that "tears were brought to the eye of many guests during Silent Night, and by the finale of Feliz Navidad, guests were up out of their seats singing along and clapping in joy!"

Commencing in 2008, this event has provided fellowship and festivities for thousands of guests and a wonderful way for local volunteers to give back to their community.

"What a great delight to be involved in such a deserving community project during this special Christmas season," President Stone said.

"Our missionaries were thrilled to be of service and truly felt the spirit of Christmas as they worked and sang on Christmas day to those in the community who might otherwise have had a lonely Christmas."

He added, "We are grateful for the opportunity our missionaries have had to give to the community through work and song on Christmas day. In serving others their spirits were lifted towards the Saviour – a wonderful day and blessing for all."