Submitted
December is filled with twinkling lights, decorated trees, and lots of eggnog and presents. But some folks experience the holiday season as difficult for many reasons.
Sometimes called a “blue Christmas” gathering, First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge will hold its annual “service of memory and hope” for the public on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The all-woman, ecumenical River of Grace Threshold Choir will provide special music designed to offer comfort through music to those at the threshold of life.
FPCOR member and social worker Elaine Wilson will speak on “memory.” Barbara McCord, a leader of the Baha’i community in Oak Ridge, will talk about “hope.”
“While this service is designed for folks whose holiday season is not so merry and bright, everyone who desires a quiet, reflective worship experience will find it in this simple candlelight service,” said Sharon Youngs, pastor at FPCOR. “It is an opportunity to be still in the midst of a bustling, frantic season, to remember loved ones who are no longer with us and to gather strength for present challenges.”
A gathering is planned after the service to provide an opportunity for attendees who have experienced loss in their lives to continue the conversation and share their insights.
The church’s Candlelight and Communion services on Christmas Eve (December 24) will be held at 4:30 and 10:30 p.m. The early service will feature a nativity play performed by the youth.
FPCOR is located at 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike at the intersection with Lafayette Drive.
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More information will be added as it becomes available.
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