Blue Christmas Worship Service

This year, Zion's Lutheran Church will offer a Blue Christmas service for the entire Trinidad community at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13 in the Zion’s sanctuary. 

A Blue Christmas church service offers a quiet and contemplative worship experience that honors those who are walking through grief and struggling with loss. Blue Christmas worship services in the United States date to 1990. In recent years, the term Blue Christmas has taken on additional meaning for some in the country. In May 2016, Kevin Dunn, a South Carolina resident, initiated a movement that brought recognition and honor to law enforcement officers who protect their communities during the holiday seasons. It picked up the same name as “Blue Christmas".

The service draws a relatively small and intimate group of people who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one, a dear pet, or even an important relationship.  Usually held on Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, the service is created to represent the cultural context in which it is held. That means, this particular service will represent western Christianity, but participants need not have any particular religious affiliation to participate. The service is designed to create a sacred and holy setting for comfort. 

This year’s service at Zion’s includes, but is not limited to the law enforcement connection. The congregation wishes to invite all who desire to honor their losses and wish to do so in a safe and sacred space.  As with all worship services held at Zion’s Lutheran (ELCA) you do not have to be a member to participate nor is there any cost for the service provided.