Photo courtesy of George Griswold
Morningstar United Methodist Church in Chelsea is hosting Blue Christmas on Friday, Dec. 21, from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
For those who may have suffered significant loss or a major life change, the holidays can be a hard time. Mark Puckett realized that and wanted to do something to help.
As the lead pastor of Morningstar United Methodist Church in Chelsea, Puckett decided in 2015 to organize an event at the church for those who needed help with the grieving process. The event, Blue Christmas, has brought people to the church each year as a sign of hope for those who are struggling.
This year’s Blue Christmas will be held on Friday, Dec. 21, which is “the longest night,” or the day of the winter solstice. People can come and go from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and take their time along the journey, Puckett said.
Last year was the introduction of the self-led service, and that relaxed, personal experience is what the church is going for again this year.
“You can't rush through this experience,” Puckett said. “People can take all the time they need. There’s no hustle and bustle about it.”
Puckett said there will be stations with reflection points, candles to light in memory or in honor, instrumental music and an in-depth reflection similar to a printed sermon. He also added that everything would be labeled and simple to navigate.
This event, Puckett said, is not just for those who have experienced a loss — “It’s for anyone who is in need of hope.”
Blue Christmas is free to attend. For more information, call the church at 678-2572.
