Press Release

Blue Christmas Service to Help People with Loss

 The United Methodist Church of Onawa and Burgess Hospice will offer a “Blue Christmas” service Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Onawa to help persons experiencing loss during the holiday season.

The service can address the needs of persons with feelings of loss caused by death, divorce, illness, unemployment or other issues, according to social worker Annette Linden, Burgess Hospice bereavement coordinator. Light refreshments will be served after the service.

The Rev. Angela Gafford Asmus will lead the service with scripture readings, Christmas hymns and reflections.

"This service is for anyone in our area," said Asmus. "I want to offer support and care for those who are feeling down or stressed so we can recognize that not everyone is in a happy, cheery place during the holidays."

The service can convey how the church can reach out to people and remind them of the presence of God at all times of our lives, she added.

"You don't have to be a church person to attend. It will be a calming and soothing service that is comfortable for those who haven't been in church for a while. If people want to just sit in the pew and not sing, that's okay," said Asmus.

For more information on the church service at 1103 13 th St., call 712- 423-1115.