Finding Solace from the Holiday Hoopla Posted on November 7, 2018August 27, 2019 When dealing with grief, illness, depression, loneliness, unemployment, and other forms of loss, finding that “holiday cheer” can be especially challenging. That is why many congregations offer special church services, called Blue Christmas services, for people in the congregation and the surrounding areas. Sometimes this service is symbolically held on December 21st, the longest night of the year, and referred to as a Longest Night service. Whatever their name, the purpose of these services is to bring comfort and signs of peace to people experiencing distress. Many of these services feature candlelight, quiet and reflective music (think “Silent Night, Holy Night” and Hillary Scott’s “Thy Will Be Done”) and the opportunity for personal prayer. While these services are typically a more solemn affair, the themes of hope and peace are reiterated throughout. Many people who attend these services do not belong to the church where the service is being provided. Below is a list of Blue Christmas and Longest Night services available that we have compiled as part of our Health & Wellness Ministry. Be sure to check back often, as this list will continue to be updated throughout the season. If you have any questions about these services, or to make us aware of an upcoming service not included in this listing, please contact Patty Davidson, Health & Wellness Ministry Coordinator, at (412) 367-8222 or patricia.davidson@lutheranseniorlife.org. Sunday, December 2, 2018 – 7:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE St. John’s Lutheran Church 2601 Highland Avenue New Castle, PA 16105 (724) 654-2642 http://stjohnsncpa.org/ Thursday, December 6, 2018 – 7:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE St. John Lutheran Church 601 Washington Avenue Carnegie, PA 15106 (412) 279-2952 http://www.saintjohncarnegie.com/ Click here for a flyer on this service. Saturday, December 8, 2018 – 10:00am BLUE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – “Embracing the Season in the Shadow of Loss” BridgePoint Church 400 E. 9th Avenue Tarentum, PA 15084 (724) 671-7580 www.bridgepointpgh.com A 1-hour program featuring Lutheran SeniorLife/VNA, Western Pa.’s Bereavement Coordinator Kelli Connolly, Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Lutheran SeniorLife/VNA, Western Pa.’s Hospice Spiritual Counselor Rev. Valerie G. Schubert will be on hand for a time of prayer. Refreshments provided. Sunday, December 9, 2018 – Service at 4:00pm / Dinner following the service BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Ingomar Church 1501 W. Ingomar Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 364-3613 ingomarchurch.org Dinner RSVPs are required by December 7th. Saturday, December 15, 2018 – 3:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE St. John Lutheran Church 420 Beaver Street Mars, PA 16046 (724) 625-1830 www.stjohnchurchmars.org Parking is available behind the church, off of Pine Avenue. Click here for a flyer on this service. Sunday, December 16, 2018 – 6:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Hope Lutheran Church & Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church 8070 Rowan Road Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 (724) 776-3141 (Hope Office Phone) http://www.hlc.church Childcare will be provided, and a cookie reception will follow the service. Monday, December 17, 2018 – 7:30pm LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church 384 Fox Chapel Road Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (412) 963-8243 https://www.fcpc.us/events/the-longest-night-worship-service Friday, December 21, 2018 – 7:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS / LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Harrold Zion Lutheran Church 671 Baltzer Meyer Pike Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 837-7327 http://www.harroldzion.net/ At the conclusion of the service, you are welcome to come to a designated room for additional prayers. You also can stay in the pew for as long as you like just to pray, think, etc. Friday, December 21, 2018 – 6:30pm BLUE CHRISTMAS / LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE St. Paul’s Highfield Lutheran Church 1595 Dime Road Vandergrift, PA 15690 (724) 567-7462 http://stpaulshighfield.org/ Friday, December 21, 2018 – 7:30pm LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 822 West Main Street Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 (724) 547-5941 http://goodshepherdlutheranmp.weebly.com/ A time of light refreshment and fellowship will follow the service, and clergy will be available for conversation. Click here for a flyer on this service. Saturday, December 22, 2018 – 5:30pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 105 Gateshead Drive McMurray, PA 15317 (724) 941-7467 ourredeemer-peters.org Saturday, December 22, 2018 – 5:30pm LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Trinity Lutheran Church 120 Sunset Drive Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-1977 www.trinityalive.com Sunday, December 23, 2018 – 6:00pm BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE House of Prayer Lutheran Church 2100 Irwin Street Aliquippa, PA 15001 (724) 375-2033 www.hoplutheran.org