On Wednesday, Dec.  21st at 6:30 p.m, Crossroads United Methodist Church, 16 Grammar Road, in Sanford will offer a Blue Christmas service.   

Feeling blue?  An ever increasing number of churches are offering a Service of Hope / Longest Night (the Winter Solstice) / Blue Christmas service offering hope through the sharing of the Christmas story, carols and communion. 

 Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas holidays, organizers say. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with illness, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people.  The service’s focus is on the joy and hope Christ offers and provides a sense of calm and peace during the busy and sometimes difficult Christmas season.  

The church extends an invitation to join in a time of prayer, readings, reflection, and choral music and carols reminding us that God’s presence is for all. God’s light can shine in the darkness, even and especially near the longest night of the year.  All persons of any (or no) church affiliation are welcome.  For questions or directions, contact Crossroads UMC at (207) 324-4750 or (207) 351-5410.