Because the holidays can be a difficult time to grieve. . . When a loved one dies, our lives are changed forever. Life is more challenging, and even our everyday routines can be a struggle in the midst of grief. When special holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries come along, they often bring new waves of grief and sorrow. Traditions of the past may seem bittersweet or uncomfortable to us, making us unsure of what to do. The Christmas holiday may leave us feeling especially isolated, melancholy, and lonely. Gathering with others who understand this pain can be encouraging. If you have suffered a loss this year, or in years past, you are invited to joins us for a time of fellowship and conversation based on God’s promises of love and peace. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend this 5 week, free Support Group. Weekly Topics: Nov 20th – How do I Give Thanks? How can we honestly be thankful in the midst of great loss? Is that even possible?  Where is God when we are hurting? Nov 27th – Grieving into the Holidays Jesus wept at the death of his friend, and he weeps with us, too. How can we give new meaning to traditions of the past? Dec 4th – When Friends Don’t Understand Sometimes even well-meaning friends don’t understand. How can we love them and still honor our own time of grieving? Dec 11th – It Came Upon the Midnight Clear The angels brought a song of peace and joy to the shepherds. How can we hear that song in our hearts today? Dec 18th – Beyond the Noise of Jingle Bells Jesus was born into a hurting world, and knows our pain and suffering. How can we rest more fully in his comfort and peace?     Everyone in the community is welcome to attend. The meetings are free.  Please call the church office or email the pastor to reserve your seat in the Grief Support Group. Church Office:  810-686-515 Email Pastor Cathi   Also, if you can’t make the support groups, you are also invited to a very special time of Worship. The Blue Christmas Service Sunday, December 3rd at 3:00pm The Christmas season can be difficult for many reasons. The social pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas with family gatherings, bright decorations, cheerful singing, and stacks of expensive gifts, may be in stark contrast to the sadness and loss we are facing. We may feel like the only ones coping with financial stress, a recent death, loneliness, illness, painful childhood memories, depression, strained family relationships or other challenges. The “Blue Christmas Service” is a way of honoring those struggles, and finding our peace and hope in the birth of Jesus. We invite you to gather with us for a quiet time of worship, prayer, and gentle music, to open your heart and spirit to the true gifts of Christmas.