For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards.

They may be facing a holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce. Perhaps they have been unable to have a child or have suffered through an emotional trauma. Or perhaps they feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations.

This year we will again attempt to reach out to people who feel such burdens by offering an ecumenical Blue Christmas service. For people who are grieving or who are in pain there is so much of this forced joyfulness at Christmas, and there is no sort of sacred place for grieving.

Perhaps your loss is recent and extremely difficult to bear. It may be years old, resurfacing every year as the Christmas season approaches. At a time when so many are rushing to shop, wrap, mail, cook, celebrate, we invite you to join us for a Blue Christmas service, This will be a time set aside to gather with friends, neighbors, and strangers to acknowledge our loss and share our grief; a time to work through our pain and loss. Together, let us look to God to hold us, comfort us, heal us.  Please join us.