Media Releases Uniting Church says it is okay to “bah humbug” this Christmas
| Uniting Church says it is okay to “bah humbug” this Christmas |
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Monday, 20 December, 2010
The Uniting Church SA is calling on the community to recognise that Christmas can be a very sad and painful time for many.
The church is recognising the hidden pain of Christmas by offering “Feeling Blue Services.” “Sometimes feeling ‘festive’ is just not possible,” says Rev Rob Williams, Moderator of the Uniting Church SA. “The Christmas season often heightens feelings of loneliness, sadness, grief and stress, at a time when we feel like we should be festive and jolly. Rev Williams explains that, “People experiencing hardship shouldn’t be expected put on a happy face just because it’s Christmas – that’s not healthy. Nor should they be ignored. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking how best to support them at this time.” Feeling Blue Services are an alternative to traditional worship celebrations. (See below for full list) They are for people who may be finding the Christmas season difficult including those struggling to cope with grief, loss, trauma or separation from loved ones. Feeling Blue services offer a place for quiet reflection in a safe and supportive environment. They can include elements like lighting a candle for a close friend or relative who has died. Increasing numbers of Uniting Churches are holding Feeling Blue services in response to the needs of the community. The Uniting Church’s Christmas website includes an online list of Feeling Blue services and around 200 other Christmas events: unitingpeople.org.au Lifeline is another vital option for people doing it tough this Christmas (ph 13 11 14) Lifeline Adelaide is one of the many UnitingCare services caring for people in need this Christmas – but it is one of the few services that will operate on Christmas Day.
Feeling Blue Christmas Services
Westbourne Park Uniting Church Blue Christmas Service – ‘A gentle service for all who are grieving’ Phone: 8271 7066
Trinity Uniting Church Reflective Christmas Service
Tea Tree Gully Uniting Church Reflective Service – ‘A service for those who find Christmas a difficult time’ Phone: 8396 3252 Adelaide West Uniting Church A Service of Peace Phone: 8234 1199
Rosefield Uniting Church Service of Solace (the sadnesses of Christmas) Phone: 8271 9528 |
20101220 OK to feel blue at Christmas (
