Blue Christmas Service Ideas

O come o come emmanuel o come o come emmanuel and ransom captive israel that mourns in lonely exile here.
Blue christmas service ideas. When christmas hurts the service begins in silence so all may participate in a time of reflection. Some come because they are mourning the death of a loved one. Some suffer from illness addiction or estrangement. We conduct many funerals during the year so decided to hold an anglicised version to meet the needs of those who felt on the edge of seasonal merriment because of bereavement.
See more ideas about christmas service blue christmas christmas. Three years ago my church came across blue christmas an american service specifically designed for those whose mood is blue in this season. The religion ethics newsletter from from pbs december 10 2009 explores blue christmas in an interview with kate o dwyer randall associate university chaplain university of richmond as well as offers many links articles and resources. Guest writer melanie recently reflected on the process of putting together a blue christmas service at frenchs forest baptist church where she is a pastor.
The concept of a blue christmas service was new for me this year. Ideas for using the service this liturgy was originally prepared for a service at wisdom centre romsey. See more ideas about blue christmas worship service christmas service. It is very simple but was moving and powerful and expressed some of the negative feelings people have facing the festive season but offering christian hope.
Some are lonely struggling financially or in conflict. A blue christmas service is offered especially for those hurting during the holidays. Sep 17 2017 explore beth demme s board blue christmas service ideas followed by 230 people on pinterest. Fidelia magazine has an excellent liturgy for a blue christmas service when christmas hurts.
It s often offered december 21 the longest night of the year. Re worship always has great resources and i think has the best list for blue christmas ideas of any site i have visited. Death of a loved one divorce illness or job loss. These may be people who have suffered a personal loss.
May god help each of us to participate tonight and throughout the season as we are able. Some are far from home. Blue christmas this is a service for those who feel at odds with or estranged from the general feeling of joy and happiness typically associated with this time of year. Outline for a service of comfort the service starts in silence.