Blue Christmas Service

For those who find Christmas anything but merry, two area churches, St. James Lutheran of Western Springs and St. Helena's Episcopal of Burr Ridge, are joining for a special Blue Christmas service.

The service, at St. James Lutheran Church, includes prayers and carols for those experiencing pain, loneliness, anger, grief, confusion, and anxiety. Chaplains will be available afterward for those seeking individual counsel.

"This service is for the many blue people who struggle during this season filled with tinsel and jollity," said the Rev. Erin Clausen, pastor of St. James. "People in pain often have a heightened sense of loss at Christmas when those all around them are celebrating as if nothing is amiss in the world."

"On the outside, many of us may look OK but are inwardly hurting when we remember what is amiss in their lives at Christmas, "said the Rev. Robert Wyatt, rector of St. Helena's in Burr Ridge.  "This service designed especially for those people."

The Spirituality Network of Chicago is a joint sponsor of Blue Christmas, which is funded by a grant from Wheat Ridge ministries in Itasca. All are welcome regardless of religious affiliation.