Christmas is a time when many people live out their faith by quietly caring for those who need it in their communities.

In my last article for this column, I prayed that God would help me to take me outside my comfort zone. I was certainly taken outside my comfort zone in December.

In Burnley, co-ordinated by the Methodists, church folk worked together to provide a Night Church in Burnley Town Centre, supporting anyone who needed a quiet place, a chat, time out from the partying! Despite my concerns about who I might encounter, those who called in to church were mostly happy souls, who were glad we were there for a quick coffee. So, all my fears melted away.

Many others have taken themselves outside their own personal comfort zones too over the festive period.

I’ve become aware of so much kindness and care offered by Christians and Muslims – and those of no faith – during December.

Parishes, Churches, Mosques, local businesses and schools have generously supported foodbanks and families by donating food, hampers, toys and clothes. There have been Christmas lunches at the Salvation Army, churches and community centres across the region.

Blackburn Foodbank fed 638 people including 305 children – and also provided 100 emergency food boxes to the community. Christ Church Nelson also provided food parcels, and drop in services (food, comfort, advice) for over 30 people over Christmas. A foodbank has recently opened in Clitheroe, not normally viewed as a needy area, but food poverty is common in all communities.

Across East Lancashire, Community Solutions NW has a growing team volunteers who pack and deliver food parcels, provide help, advice and friendship - giving a hand up, not a hand out.

And Together Lancashire, a charity founded by the Church of England in Lancashire, The Lancashire Methodist District and the Church Urban Fund, works with churches across the Lancashire area to tackle the effects of local poverty, providing resources and support, bringing churches and community organisations together to work more effectively in the heart of their communities.

So in 2014, please do not stop your support, whatever it is, however large or however small!

By Gillian Beeley, Development Coordinator, Together Lancashire