Christmas is often celebrated with cheer, laughter, and family gatherings. However, for some, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, grief, or anxiety. To support those who find the holiday season challenging, Fruita United Methodist Church in Grand Junction, Colorado, is hosting a Blue Christmas Service this Saturday at 6 PM.
A Safe Space for Reflection and Healing
The event is designed to provide solace and hope for individuals experiencing emotional struggles during the holidays. Reverend Katie Lamoureux, Pastor of Fruita United Methodist Church, emphasized the inclusive nature of the service, saying, “This is available for everybody in the community. Anybody who feels like they’re having trouble experiencing the joy of Christmas. Anybody who’s feeling loss or grief, anxiety, maybe needs a little bit of hope, they are welcome to come in.”
The church aims to create a supportive environment where attendees can acknowledge their feelings and find peace.
Activities to Foster Connection and Hope
The service will include a variety of meaningful elements:
- Music: Gentle melodies to encourage personal reflection.
- Scripture Reading: Passages selected to bring comfort and inspiration.
- Candle Lighting: A symbolic act to honor loss, grief, or other emotions.
- Tangible Keepsakes: Attendees will receive a small memento to remind them of the support they experienced during the service.
“This tactile representation at the end is a way for people to hold onto something tangible,” explained Reverend Lamoureux.
Collaboration Among Local Churches
In a remarkable show of community spirit, other United Methodist churches in the Grand Valley are partnering with Fruita UMC to host this service. Reverend Paul Grossman of Redlands United Methodist Church highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive space during a season that often pressures people to feel joyous.
“Blue Christmas is just an important event, I think. In a holiday season that’s so awash with these messages of you need to be happy, you need to be joyful, you need to be merry, to realize that whatever it is you’re feeling, there is space. That there is sacred space for those feelings, especially in community,” said Reverend Grossman.
Details for Attendees
For those interested, the service will be held at Fruita United Methodist Church, located at 405 E. Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO, 81521.
This collaborative effort among local churches highlights the power of community and the importance of acknowledging all emotions, even in the most festive seasons.
