The Rev. Jack Lipphardt lights the advent candles during a Blue Christmas service on Dec. 21 at Christ Church United Methodist Church, 1222 Quarrier St. in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. The annual service, held just before Christmas, acknowledges personal losses during the happy holiday season.
The Rev. Jack Lipphardt lights the advent candles during a Blue Christmas service on Dec. 21 at Christ Church United Methodist Church, 1222 Quarrier St. in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä. The annual service, held just before Christmas, acknowledges personal losses during the happy holiday season.
Some have lost loved ones or had other difficult personal changes in their lives during the holiday season, said the Rev. Jay Parkins of Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier St. in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä.
Dealing with loss makes Christmas celebrations difficult. “As we move through the holiday season, said Parkins, “because of loss, some of us don’t feel the joy.â€
So, in addition to their regular Christmas services, Parkins and Christ Church developed the Blue Christmas service.
For at least the past seven years, Parkins and Christ Church has held the special service in the days before Christmas, “to acknowledge those feelings in the mindset of a happy season.â€
At the service, church leaders light advent candles, and share prayers and readings, “with the sense of knowing that some are feeling pain,†said Parkins.
“It’s someone of a mournful service, but it’s still very positive.â€
WANT to go?Upcoming Christ Church servicesWHERE: Christ Church United Methodist, 1221 Quarrier St., ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä WHEN: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. (regular services; 5 p.m. (Christmas Eve service); 11 p.m. (candles and Communion) INFO: 304-342-0192 or ccumwv.org
