TRAVERSE CITY -- For some the holiday's can be a dark time, especially for those who are grieving the loss of loved one or dealing with an illness. That's why the Traverse Bay United Methodist Church will have a "Blue Christmas" service this Sunday to help bring light to those struggling this holiday season.
7&4'S Kate Fox spoke to the founder of the service and a woman who says the service has brought her immense healing and joy.
"Blue Christmas" service supporter Wendy Helmka says, "I lost my mom two weeks ago and I think that this service will allow me to not only acknowledge that not only publicly but before God and to lay that down and celebrate her life."
This Sunday Helmka will focus on the recent loss of her mother but it was her diagnosis of her own chronic illness six years ago that turned her to "Blue Christmas."
It was brought to the church by Nancy LeValley who lost both her sons and was in search of support. LeValley says, "I went to a conference that people who do my work go to which is in Nashville and I heard about this format it is was something that I knew I very much needed."
"Blue Christmas" includes healing music, scripture, mediation and the lighting of candles in memory of those who have passed on.
LeValley says it's not just for those dealing with loss but also for "those who are ill, and have serious illness in their family or they're away from home and lonely or they have lost their job...anyone who has a hard time."
Both Helmka and LeValley say all are welcome and encouraged to come.
Helmka says, "It's an opportunity for anyone to come who is hurting during the holiday season. I would like everyone to know that this is an open and comfortable place to be when your sad."
LeValley says, "There's nothing to lose only some peace...hopefully to be gained."
If you would like more information on the "Blue Christmas" service CLICK HERE.
