By Vanessa Ybarra

Extra church services added to heal Christmas blues

Dec 6, 2016 | 9:06 AM

KAMLOOPS — While Christmas is a happy time for many of us, for others it can be one of the loneliest and most depressing times of the year.

Starting Wednesday, Kamloops United Church is one of three churches in the city holding special ‘Blue Christmas’ services to help people who are struggling during the holiday season.

“It’s basically a time when people can come together who are having a difficult time,” said Bruce Comrie, Lead Minister with Kamloops United Church. “Maybe they’re feeling a little blue this Christmas, maybe it’s the first Christmas they’ve gone through after losing a loved one. Or maybe it’s a health issue, unemployment, relationship breakdown, death of a pet, there’s a multiple of reasons”

Each of the services will include carol singing and a candle lighting ceremony to remember loved ones.

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: The NDP's mishandling of drug use in B.C. hospitals

14h ago

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: Who would survive if we had a recall law for City councils?

Apr 18, 2024

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Strengthening our wildfire training

Apr 17, 2024

Comrie says the Blue Christmas service has been taking place for more than 20 years  and this year’s services are more accessible than ever.

“This is the first time we’ve tried to cover the whole city with different services. It will be great for people to come out and enjoy a meditative time.”

Along with Kamloops United Church’s Wednesday night service, services will also be held at the Hills of Place Lutheran Church on December 19 and the North Shore Community Centre on Dec. 22. 

All services begin at 7 p.m.