Avondale United Church is inviting community members to a different sort of holiday season service.
Temporary Minister Marg Smith said Blue Christmas, on Dec. 22, is for anyone who struggles during the Christmas season.
“It’s an idea for a worship service for people who find Christmas a very difficult time of the year.”
Smith said everyone handles the holidays differently.
“It might be difficult for various reasons, could be grieving the loss of a loved one, also could be the loss of a job, financial stress, ending of a relationship, or just plain loneliness.”
Smith said one of the benefits of attending is realizing you are not in it alone and not everyone is joyous at this time of year.
There is social time afterwards to sit and talk and share thoughts. The service is low-key, with an intimate, smaller group. There will still be some familiar Christmas carols.
“Doesn’t need to be a lot of people there, whoever comes, you know they needed to be there.”
There is no cost and all religious denominations are welcome.
The service begins at 7 p.m.
