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Continuing a tradition of nine years for the Mayerthorpe area, a Blue Christmas service is planned for Sunday, Dec. 8 at Crossroads Community Church.
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The service provides an opportunity for attendees to receive support, acknowledge lost loved ones and sing carols, with a candle lighting ceremony and video tribute included.
“The feedback we receive is that this is offering attendees hope and healing during the Christmas season,” said Fran Marion, co-organizer with Rev. Ruth Lotholz.
“They are acknowledging their losses, and they are remembering someone through the Christmas holiday and embracing that.
“Then, in some way that person is still included in the Christmas season.”
While RSVPs to the service have closed, Marion told the Mayerthorpe Freelancer that anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one can still attend.
Loved ones are the focus; Marion said the service isn’t about other types of losses, such as job loss or the death of a pet.
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The death of a loved one also doesn’t have to be from this year. Marion said the organizers have invited back attendees from the past two years.
As well, other attendees who’ve lost someone from more than 10 years ago have found comfort in the ceremony, Marion said.
Marion told the Freelancer the annual service attracts an average attendance of 40 people, including some new people every year.
The service is non-denominational and free to attend, she noted. The event is supported by Park Memorial Funeral Home.
Mayerthorpe’s Blue Christmas service begins at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8.
bquarin@postmedia.com
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Source: 2024 Blue Christmas service to provide comfort to Mayerthorpe locals
