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A Sacred Space for Grief and Struggle

The Christmas season is filled with expectations of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But for many, the holidays bring pain—grief over lost loved ones, broken relationships, financial stress, loneliness, illness, or simply the weight of carrying on when life feels heavy.

Join us for Blue Christmas worship on Monday, December 15 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. This quiet, contemplative service creates sacred space to acknowledge loss, pain, and struggle during a season that often demands happiness.

What to Expect:

Blue Christmas is different from our regular worship services. We gather in candlelight for a gentle service that includes:

  • Music that honors grief and longing
  • Prayers that name our pain
  • Time for silence and reflection
  • Opportunity to light candles in remembrance
  • Scripture that offers comfort without demanding joy

This service lasts about one hour and provides a safe, honest space where you don't have to pretend everything is okay.

Who Should Come:

This service is for anyone who is:

  • Grieving the death of a loved one
  • Facing their first holiday season after loss
  • Struggling with depression, anxiety, or loneliness
  • Experiencing broken or strained family relationships
  • Dealing with illness or chronic pain
  • Simply finding the holiday season difficult

You don't have to explain why you're hurting. You don't have to be joyful. Come as you are. You belong here.

All Are Welcome:

Whether you're part of McPherson First or have never walked through our doors, you are welcome at this service. Sometimes we need permission to acknowledge that the holidays are hard—this service offers that permission.

You are not alone in your pain. We will gather together in the darkness and find comfort in God's presence and in one another.

Questions? Contact Rev. Andrew Conard at andrew.conard@mcphersonfirst.org or 620-241-3626.

Ministries
Intergenerational