St. Mark's ‘Blue Christmas’ service on Dec. 21 is for anyone coping with grief

The holiday season can be a difficult time for people coping with loss, and to help with that St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is once again hosting its Blue Christmas service on the darkest night of the year: Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s, located at 601 Main St. in Anaconda. 

The service is open to anyone who has experienced loss or grief of any kind, not just loss involving a death, explained Rev. Mary Alice Jones, deacon of St. Mark’s, adding that “this is a time to gather, acknowledge that Christmas can be a difficult season and find hope and understanding community.”

“In our Blue Christmas, we acknowledge deaths, most definitely, but also any kind of loss – a geographical move, a change in relationships, financial situations, separation from significant others, histories and things, including future fears in this changing set of times,” Jones said. “There is a world of things to mourn. The Blue Christmas service gives folks a chance to acknowledge that in a rapidly turning world, a place to lay burdens down and refresh oneself before the immediately upcoming hubbub of Christmas.”

A particular faith background is not necessary either, as Jones said anyone is welcome to come, be involved and find a space of peace. 

“If someone would like to bring a Christmas tree ornament that signifies for them their loss, that ornament, or a note of remembrance, if they would prefer, will find a safe place on our dedicated Blue Christmas tree,” she said.