Submitted
St. John Lutheran Church is offering a Blue Christmas worship service this year.
Not everyone is upbeat and cheery during the Christmas season. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future - these are just some of the situations that make parties and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities. There is a growing awareness of the needs of people who are blue at Christmas.
The Blue Christmas Service will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. The service will be reflective and hold out healing and hope. The date is near the traditional feast day for Saint Thomas the Apostle, connecting Thomas’ struggle to believe the tale of Jesus’ resurrection, the long nights just before Christmas, and the struggle with darkness and grief faced by many.
During Advent, members of St. John and the Russell community are invited to place names of persons they miss or those they would like to lift up in prayer on the altar. Pencils, pens and note cards will be available in the usher’s room and in the church office.
Everyone is invited to attend this worship opportunity celebrating God’s light breaking into the darkness.