Blue Christmas

A NEW OUTREACH MINISTRY OFFERED AT ZION DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

The best holiday gift a faith community can often give is a safe place to embrace God’s love without pretending to be full of joy or hope.

The holidays can be a challenging time for anyone who is feeling “blue” due to separation from or loss of loved ones, anxiety, financial insecurity, or other hardships.

Individuals and families from Zion and surrounding communities are invited to “come as you are” to a candlelight service at our church on Monday, December 16, at 7:00 PM.

Candles of hope and remembrance, readings, prayers, and special music will be offered. Zion’s Music Director, Mrs. Jane Yoo, and Clarinetist, Mr. Hana Kim, will provide instrumental music.  Zion vocalists will feature inspiring contemporary music by Lauren Daigle and other Christian artists and traditional hymns, O Holy Night, and Silent Night.

Jane Yoo received her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, Jazz Piano. A classically trained musician, she came to Zion in the Spring of 2024 and has brought new energy to our worship services. Mr. Hana Kim, a Christian friend and colleague of Jane’s, is the conductor of the New York Wind Orchestra and the leader of the innovative clarinet ensemble Quartet Piri. He performs extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, and his native Korea.

Blue Christmas services began in the 1990s as part of the hospice movement in the United States. They are also known as the “Longest Day Service” because many are held on the Winter Solstice.

The VanEmburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home in Ramsey and Body Positive Works: Saddle River Center (at Zion) for Mind-Body Balance are participating by providing a light supper following the service. Our thanks to Karin Topp, who contacted both businesses for their involvement.

PLEASE invite your friends, co-workers, and family to this service! Soon, we will provide printed flyers and a PDF file to share on social media or via email. Let’s ALL work to make this outreach ministry a success!