Give this Christmas season
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Christmas can be a time of joy and togetherness — but for families in hospital, it can also be a season of worry and loneliness.
This Christmas, your church can help bring comfort, encouragement, and hope to people facing some of life’s hardest moments.
Together, we can ensure no one in hospital feels alone.
Molly's Story
Finding courage in the middle of hardship
When Molly* met hospital chaplain Rosemary, she was sitting quietly by her baby daughter’s side in the neonatal unit. Her baby had already been in hospital for several weeks, and every day was filled with uncertainty.
As trust grew, Molly shared more of her story. She spoke honestly about her struggle with drug addiction and her deep desire to change — not just for herself, but to be the mother her children needed.
“You’ve changed so much since I first met you.
You look ready to go home and begin a new chapter.”
— Chaplain Rosemary
Rosemary’s role was to simply be there — to listen, to encourage, to pray with her, and to remind her she wasn’t alone. They celebrated each small step forward together.
Over time, Molly began to believe that her past didn’t have to define her future. By the time her baby was ready to go home, she was more confident, hopeful, and ready for a new beginning.
This is what hospital chaplaincy looks like — being a calm, compassionate presence when life feels overwhelming.
* Name changed to protect identity
How your church can help
Your church can help ensure chaplains like Rosemary are there for families like Molly's — offering care, encouragement, and hope.
Financial support
Give a donation on behalf of your church.
Take up an Advent or Christmas offering.
Host a morning tea, carol service, or other event to raise funds and awareness.
Encourage church members to give individually.
Practical support
In some locations, churches can offer hands-on help this Christmas. You might:
Share Christmas carols in hospital spaces (where permitted).
Provide refreshments for staff or chaplaincy events.
Donate items for patient care packages.
Help decorate the hospital chapel or assist at services.
To enquire about possible opportunities in your area, email funding@hospitalchaplaincy.org.nz
Prayer and Awareness
Include hospital chaplains and the people they support in your Advent prayers and services.
Share Molly's story or chaplaincy updates in your church newsletter.
Use your church's social media to raise awareness of chaplaincy.
Thank You
Thank you for standing with us in this ministry of presence, compassion, and hope. Together, we can help make sure no one in hospital feels alone this Christmas.
Our mission is to provide hospitals with Christian chaplains who offer quality holistic spiritual and pastoral care for all.
P: 0800 246 7242
PO Box 11211, Manners Street,
Wellington 6142
© 2024 ICHC All Rights Reserved. Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa is registered as The Interchurch Council for Hospital Chaplaincy (ICHC).
Our Charity Commission Registration Number is CC21346.