Blue Christmas Service: December 20 at 7pm @IB United Methodist Church

Blue Christmas Worship Service at the Imperial Beach United Methodist Church located at 455 Palm Avenue will be on Friday December 20 at 7pm. All are welcome.

While these days leading up to Christmas are filled with joy and excitement for many, there are individuals who have different feelings; they feel the weight of the season with sadness and loneliness.   Often grief re-enters our hearts and minds and overshadows the festive spirit of the holiday.  To the question of ‘what we want for Christmas’, we silently long for those holidays of the past when there was no pain or grief.   This can be a dark time for some.

Making it more painful, it is difficult to explain these feelings to family and friends.   Maybe we force a smile, sing a carol, wrap gifts and try to hide what is going on deep inside of us.  But the truth remains that Christmas hurts.  We know it is not supposed to, but it does.

But what can we do?

Mark Friday December 20th on your calendar is one thing you can do.

Providing a place where pain and hurt can be safely acknowledged, the IB United Methodist Church holds a longest night worship service called Blue Christmas on Friday December 20 at 7pm.  It is a quiet and simple service.  Scriptures and prayers are read.  Candles lit including an opportunity for individuals to light candles for those places in our lives where they suffer and grieve.  It is a sacred time.

Like all worship services, this is open to everyone in the community.   

My friends,

if the holidays are painful for you,

if you find yourself grieving at this time of year,

if your spirit is low

please come to the Blue Christmas Worship Service.

With Christmas, we remember God is with us.

Take this opportunity to step aside from the twinkling lights, the jolly seasonal music, the parties and the shopping to pause and feel the presence of God right there with you.

If you have any questions or want to talk about anything, please be in touch with me.

You can reach me by email at JonEdwin@aol.com.

Blessings,

Pastor John

Imperial Beach United Methodist Church

455 Palm Avenue, IB

www.IBMethodist.com

Sunday Worship:

9AM: 30 minute service with Holy Communion celebrated weekly

10:30AM: Holy Communion celebrated 1st Sunday of the month.

Sunday School:

For Elementary Children at 9:30AM

Christmas Eve Worship with Communion and Candlelight

December 24 at 7pm

At this Church

Our Hearts, Our Minds, Our Doors are always open.

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