Blue Christmas Service ~ Sunday, December 20 ~ 4:00 p.m.

Healing for the Heart: The Coming of Emmanuel

The concept of a Blue Christmas Service is to provide a quiet, contemplative service as an alternative to the more traditional gatherings. In the northern hemisphere, this type of service is also known as Longest Night Service as these services are often held near or on the date of the Winter Solstice.  This special service in the midst of the Advent season is a way to care for those who are sad, grieving, or struggling while those around them are caught up in celebrating the holiday season. Services like this provide an opportunity for individuals to hear not about the baby in the manger, who can be dismissed as irrelevant, but about the God of love who comes to us in the midst of the mess and pain we know in our own everyday lives and the lives of those around us.

Throughout this past year, we have all experienced a number of difficult circumstances: COVID 19, Derecho storm, deaths of family members or friends, challenges with disease or illness, and other types of pain and loss. It seemed that this year might be a time when this type of service is needed.

This service will be on-line only and can be viewed on our Hope UCC Facebook page on Sunday, December 20, at 4:00 p.m. Music will feature our guest organist, Marilyn Lodge.