BLUE CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 17 AT 6:30PM
A worship service for those who are going through a season of loss and those walking alongside them.
Your loss is worthy of recognition and not comparison.
Blue Christmas is a time for your grief and the grief of those you love to be witnessed. We see you where you're at whether your loss is...
Death
Divorce
Loss of home
Pregnancy Loss
Loss of job
Breakup
Inability to support your family
Cancer
ANY GRIEF you are experiencing.
We want you to leave Blue Christmas knowing,
Someone has witnessed your grief
You are not alone
Other people are experiencing similar things along with you
Your unique story is heard and seen by others
Your loss is recognized by name
This year's holidays are different, but there is new meaning and Hope at this time.
This service will be unique, revolving around the lighting of four candles recognizing how our grief is experienced. We will share together in a time of prayer, scripture reading, testimony sharing, and worship. We also want to make space for you to connect and receive prayer and encouragement from others as you would like. After the service, you are welcome to linger, connect with grief professionals, and enjoy a cup of coffee in silence or with those grieving alongside you. Ongoing resources will also be available to you.
We recognize that things have changed. We hope you join us for the evening to witness, remember, reflect, and move toward the holidays with renewed hope.
HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR GRIEVING FRIEND
Many people have good intentions to care for those who are grieving, but end up saying or doing things that are not helpful in the long run.
Check out this informative video about "What Grieving People Wish You Knew About What Really Helps and What Really Hurts" by Nancy Guthrie to get an idea of how you can help.
LOCAL GRIEF RESOURCES
We'd love to support you any way we can, as well as assist in finding you the resources most helpful in your situation. We're praying for you!
AT MAPLE CITY CHAPEL
CARE & VISITATION
We have a small group of trained and compassionate team members who are available to come alongside you via phone, card, or visit for prayer and encouragement if you or someone you know is hospitalized, in a nursing home or house bound. To request someone to reach out or visit, please contact us.
CARE GROUPS
Maple City Chapel is a place where hurting and hopeless people can find help and healing. We offer Care Groups and Events throughout the year. These environments are places of healing and restoration in a community that cares and supports one another as they grow in Christ.
PRAYER
Prayer connects us to God and others for healing and restoration. We want to come alongside you in prayer! Our Prayer Team is available to pray in person and online during all of our services.
If you would like to stay up-to-date with prayer requests in our church community, you can sign up for weekly text updates by texting "ALERT" to 574-500-2506.
Any time you would like prayer, you can fill out the form at the link below and our pastoral care team will reach out to you to pray.
IN ELKHART COUNTY
GOSHEN HOME CARE & HOSPICE
1147 Professional Dr., Goshen, IN 46526 | (574) 364-2700
"Center for Hospice Care’s licensed counselors have helped, guided, and educated thousands of grieving individuals over the years. Please reach out to learn more about the many programs available to you and your family. In addition to individual, family, and group counseling, we offer an annual grief camp for youth, an annual family workshop, and art counseling." - cfhcare.org
RYAN'S PLACE
Children, Teens, & Families | 118 S. Main St. Goshen, IN 46528 | (574) 535-1000
"...Dedicated to help everyone deal with the often unknown terrain that comes along with all kinds of grief. Through education, information and other helpful resources we hope to make the challenging road of grief a little easier." - grief.com
REITH-ROHRER-ELVERT FUNERAL HOME
311 S Main St, Goshen, IN 46526 | (574) 533-9547
"It doesn’t matter what time of day, or what day of the week you need support, we're here for you. You can access online counseling services, join in group grief support, or watch our interactive videos, anytime: 24/7. No matter how you feel at this moment, you have our commitment - you're never alone." - rrefh.com
THOMPSON, LENGACHER, & YODER FUNERAL HOME
950 N. Main St., Nappanee, IN 46550 | (574) 773-3173
Access a library of resources for helping others with grief, helping yourself grieve, and helping children and teens grieve.
MILLER-STEWART FUNERAL HOME
1033 S Main St., Middlebury, IN 46560 | (574) 825-2930
Get supportive and compassionate guidance on the stages of grief and how to find healing after the loss of a loved one.
YODER-CULP FUNERAL HOME
1911 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526 | (574) 533-3153
Access a library of resources for helping others with grief, helping yourself grieve, and helping children and teens grieve.
SHETLER PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES & COACHING FOR PURPOSEFUL LIVING
1930 W. Lincoln Ave, Goshen, IN 46526 | 574-534-2161
High-quality counseling services including individual counseling, marriage counseling, family counseling, and play therapy. Services are available for children and adults of any age.
ONLINE RESOURCES
HOPE FOR THE HEART
"...In our grief, God is near. He sees our pain, understands it, and walks with us each day. God’s Word shows that we don’t grieve without purpose or without His presence." - hopefortheheart.org/grief
STILLBIRTHDAY
"...birth plans for birth in any trimester, certified Birth & Bereavement Doulas®, and support for the places where birth and bereavement meet." - stillbirthday.com
WAITING FOR BABY BIRD MINISTRIES
Resources and support for infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
"GRIEF OUT LOUD" PODCAST AND RESOURCES
"We bring you a mix of personal stories, tips for supporting children, teens, and yourself, and interviews with professionals. Platitude and cliché-free, we promise!" - dougy.org
A SOUNDTRACK FOR GRIEF
A COLLECTION OF SONGS OUR COMMUNITY HAS FOUND MEANINGFUL WHILE WALKING THROUGH GRIEF
YOU'RE INVITED TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY!