The Albury church yesterday launched its annual Christmas appeal with a visit from Bishop John Parkes, who issued a timely reminder to remember the true spirit of the event.

“A lot of people get all caught up in the consumerism of Christmas, of buying things we don’t necessarily want with money we don’t have, sometimes for people we don’t like,” he said.

“The first thing we need to do is think a little bit wider than the spiral of consumption.”

Bishop Parkes said that while Australia was a wealthy country, that wealth wasn’t always distributed equally.

He pointed to the problems in the North East of youth homelessness and homelessness among those with mental health concerns in particular as people who could use a helping hand.

Father Peter Macleod-Miller said the church had opportunities for the community to get involved, and urged for “a Christmas by everyone, for everyone”.

“People do think about helping out, but the real challenge is actually doing it,” he said.

“Christmas is for everyone and it’s not always what you’d expect ... it’s not just ‘bad people’ who do it tough, anyone can experience hard times.

“And the holidays are a time when it’s particularly difficult for people, it’s when the real need kicks in.”

The church will this week begin packing Christmas hampers for the needy but is still seeking donations of clothes, food and bedding.

This year, the church will also host a car-boot sale at Adamshurst on December 14.

Sites are $20 and can be booked by phoning (02) 6021 3022.