Oxford Church plans 'Blue Christmas' service
OXFORD – The Oxford United Methodist Church will hold its first ‘Blue Christmas’ service at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. The service is a chance for individuals who are having difficulty during the holiday season due to grief, loss, loneliness or stress to support each other.
“Often when you’re grieving, you feel like you’re the only one in the world that doesn’t seem to be happy about the coming of Christmas,” said Allyson Ellis, the church’s new pastor.
Ellis went on to explain that there are many people begin to feel “blue” around the holidays, so she began the program as a way to help circumvent depression and grief.
“Many churches hold these types of masses,” she said. “I originally started going when I lost my mother ... seven years ago. It’s a way to deal with those feelings of loss and grief that come up.”
Ellis stated that the service would involve readings, from books, the Bible and poetry, and would give attendees a chance to share their feelings. She stated that during the difficult times, especially with the severe flooding throughout the year, many people are having a difficult time expressing their loss out loud.
“I’ve noticed that this community has experienced many losses over the last year, and even the last 10-20 years,” she stated before sharing her advice for grieving individuals and families.
“You’re not alone ... for many people this time of year is different and this is an opportunity to honor those feelings and not have to feel joyful when you’re not,” she said.
“Often when you’re grieving, you feel like you’re the only one in the world that doesn’t seem to be happy about the coming of Christmas,” said Allyson Ellis, the church’s new pastor.
Ellis went on to explain that there are many people begin to feel “blue” around the holidays, so she began the program as a way to help circumvent depression and grief.
“Many churches hold these types of masses,” she said. “I originally started going when I lost my mother ... seven years ago. It’s a way to deal with those feelings of loss and grief that come up.”
Ellis stated that the service would involve readings, from books, the Bible and poetry, and would give attendees a chance to share their feelings. She stated that during the difficult times, especially with the severe flooding throughout the year, many people are having a difficult time expressing their loss out loud.
“I’ve noticed that this community has experienced many losses over the last year, and even the last 10-20 years,” she stated before sharing her advice for grieving individuals and families.
“You’re not alone ... for many people this time of year is different and this is an opportunity to honor those feelings and not have to feel joyful when you’re not,” she said.
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