Finding Solace from the Holiday Hoopla

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