Jean Newell, Associate Pastor

Traditionally, holidays are a time for celebrating – a time for gathering with family and friends, eating lots of food and sharing memories. Getting ready for holidays can be exciting, but it can also be stressful as calendars begin to fill up, shopping becomes busier and to-do lists grow longer. However, despite all the excitement the season brings, if one is grieving, whether it’s the passing of a loved one, an unexpected health diagnosis or the loss of independence, holidays may bring more sorrow than joy.

If you find yourself struggling to cope with the Christmas season and all it entails, consider attending a special Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 12, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. This unique worship service acknowledges through Scripture and song that in the midst of grief there is hope because of the birth of the Holy Christ Child born to be our Savior over 2,000 years ago in the little town of Bethlehem.