Grieving during the holidays is very difficult regardless of how long it has been since the loss. Memories of previous holidays can bring on emotional pain and a feeling of not fitting in with others who are enjoying parades, festive lights and fun filled gatherings. Asbury United Methodist Church will provide a quiet place to remember without judging in its Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of County Seat Hwy. and Asbury Rd., 26146 Asbury Rd., Seaford, near Sussex Tech school.

The service will feature a time to reflect, a time to understand why grieving hurts so much during the holidays even more than other times of the year. Family and friends will be remembered with ornaments tagged with the names of each loved one being placed on the Blue Christmas tree joining the church’s loved ones from previous years. The service will be led by Pastor David Fontanez, Pastor of Portsville, Blades and Asbury United Methodist churches. Charline Baker, a retired social worker who worked most of her 40 year career with infirmed elderly, will assist in the service.

All are welcome to the candlelight service. Light refreshments will be available following the service, attendees will have the option to remain in the sanctuary for further prayers and meditation.