Manchester UMC offering Blue Christmas Service for anyone struggling with the holidays
Manchester United Methodist Church is offering a special service for community members struggling with the holidays.
submitted by Pastor Susan Hitts, Manchester United Methodist Church
The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially for those carrying grief, loneliness, or heavy memories. To provide a place of comfort and reflection, Manchester United Methodist Church will host a Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 17, at 11:30am. The service is open to anyone in the community who finds the holidays challenging.
A Blue Christmas Service offers a gentle and contemplative worship experience. Rather than leaning into the festive tone of the season, this gathering acknowledges that not everyone feels joy at Christmastime. Scripture readings, quiet reflection, and the lighting of candles create space to name our losses and to rest in the hope that God continues to meet us with compassion. It is a service designed to honor grief honestly while also pointing toward comfort and healing.
Following the Blue Christmas Service, the church’s regular grief group will meet. Manchester UMC’s grief group gathers on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 11:30am, offering ongoing support for those navigating the long journey of loss. The group provides a safe and caring environment where individuals can share their stories, listen to others, and find encouragement from companions who understand the many forms grief can take.
During a season that often emphasizes celebration, Manchester UMC hopes to offer a reminder that those who are hurting are not alone. Join us on December 17 as we make gentle room for sorrow, memory, and the quiet hope that accompanies us even in the darkest seasons. All are welcome to attend either the service, the group meeting, or both.
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