Highlights from the 2021 Blue Christmas Service
BLUE CHRISTMAS
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Sun., Dec. 19th
@ 5:00PM
Blue Christmas support from the United Methodist Denomination link
North Scottsdale United Methodist Church would like to invite the community to a Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 19th at 5:00PM. This is a service that supports loss that one has incurred. It could be a loss of a job, friend, “what was,” or death. Scripture and words of hope will be offered to help people acknowledge what they feel in their heart when they are told to “be happy.”
Blue Christmas (also called the Longest Night) is a day during the Advent season marking the longest night of the year. On this day, church services honor people who have lost loved ones and are experiencing grief. This worship service is traditionally held on or around the longest night of the year, which falls on or about December 21, the Winter Solstice. There is an interesting convergence for this day is also the traditional feast day for Saint Thomas the Apostle. This link invites making a connection between Saint Thomas’ struggle to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, the long nights just before Christmas, and the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those loving with loss.
The worship service will include opportunities for the recognition of grief and pain as well as an opportunity to focus on the promise of hope. Candles will be lit during the service; empty chairs will be reserved as a way of commemorating those who have died during the year. The service will include prayers, poems, words of hope and music.
Rev. Rennick shared, “The psalmist writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” During our season of loss, we find ourselves at times looking up and out seeking help to find comfort and hope, especially upon the loss of a loved one. My prayer is that people will experience the presence of God through the others along their journey. We invite the community to gather for this service that will be filled with compassion and hope.”
Rev. Leah Bergstrom and Rev. David Rennick will be leading the Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 19 at 5pm. All are welcomed to attend.
Blue Christmas (also called the Longest Night) is a day during the Advent season marking the longest night of the year. On this day, church services honor people who have lost loved ones and are experiencing grief. This worship service is traditionally held on or around the longest night of the year, which falls on or about December 21, the Winter Solstice. There is an interesting convergence for this day is also the traditional feast day for Saint Thomas the Apostle. This link invites making a connection between Saint Thomas’ struggle to believe in Jesus’ resurrection, the long nights just before Christmas, and the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those loving with loss.
The worship service will include opportunities for the recognition of grief and pain as well as an opportunity to focus on the promise of hope. Candles will be lit during the service; empty chairs will be reserved as a way of commemorating those who have died during the year. The service will include prayers, poems, words of hope and music.
Rev. Rennick shared, “The psalmist writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” During our season of loss, we find ourselves at times looking up and out seeking help to find comfort and hope, especially upon the loss of a loved one. My prayer is that people will experience the presence of God through the others along their journey. We invite the community to gather for this service that will be filled with compassion and hope.”
Rev. Leah Bergstrom and Rev. David Rennick will be leading the Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 19 at 5pm. All are welcomed to attend.
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