Church holds Blue Christmas

Umina Uniting Church will hold a "Blue Christmas" service on Monday, December 22, from 5.30pm to 6pm

The service is open to all as a time of quiet and peaceful reflection at the beginning of Christmas week.

"The season of Christmas is an emotionally-charged time," said church representative Helen Edgell.

"There is a great deal of pressure placed on people not only to spend a lot of money, but also to feel a certain way and experience a particularly joyous mood.

"All of this is coupled with an emphasis on remembering, togetherness and family.

"So for those who are hurting in any way, the party atmosphere of this time of year will only amplify feelings of pain, grief, loneliness or despair," she said.

"Blue Christmas" started in Canada about 10 years ago, and has now spread to a number of other countries.

The church is on the corner of Neptune St and Ocean Beach Rd.

With inquiries, phone 4341 1024.

Email, December 10