MARS — Area churches are offering a refuge for people who don't feel like celebrating this Christmas.

St. John Lutheran Church, 420 Beaver St., will have a Blue Christmas community worship service beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday for those struggling with grief and loss this holiday season.

Pastor Bob Zimmerman said of the service, “This is the first time we've done it, although I've wanted to do it for years.”

“While Christmas is a season of joy,” said Zimmerman. “Not everyone feels hopeful or wants to celebrate.

“We recognize that the holidays are a test for some. Grieving over the loss of a loved one, or a divorce or becoming empty nesters is magnified at this time of year. The holidays aren't joyful and bright for some people,” he said.

“Everyone else is all excited; there are carols on the radio,” he said. “Even those not struggling with loss or an illness may feel stressed by the preparations and expectations of Christmas time.”

For people who have lost loved ones, the holidays can serve as a painful reminder of someone who is not with you anymore. Others may suffer from family problems that make going home especially difficult, he said.

For people suffering from seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression heightened by the changing seasons, the sudden cold temperatures and decreased sun exposure can make the winter months extremely difficult.

Whatever the reason, Zimmerman hopes sufferers will find relief at St. John on Saturday.

Saturday's Blue Christmas service will be a regular worship service with prayer, hymns and Holy Communion.

“It will be a time of remembering people who died and others,” said Zimmerman. “It will be a lot different from a regular service.”

The church director of musical ministry, Maizy Fisher, will play during the service.

“I want to emphasize this is for everyone in the community. You don't have to be Lutheran to attend,” he said.

Zimmerman decided to launch the Blue Christmas service this year because, he said, “I've noticed a lot of people out there that are in need of this at this time of year.

“There has been a lot of loss over the year in this community in general,” he said. “It's something that I've wanted to do for years.”

He added that after the service people may be able to get referrals to grief counselors for help in the new year.

“We're hoping to make this an annual part of Christmas,” said Zimmerman.

He stressed St. John will still have its regular Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and its Christmas Day service at 10 a.m. Dec. 25.

Hope Lutheran Church, 8070 Rowan Road in Cranberry Township, is again teaming with Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church to host the churches' second Blue Christmas service beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Rev. Amy Mickelson, associate pastor at Hope, said, “We recognize that the holidays are a time of mixed emotions, especially for those feeling grief and loss.”

“Sometimes it can be hard to get in the joyful spirit of Christmas.

“We hope to help by focusing on the hope and promise of the season, even in the midst of sadness,” said Mickelson.

Many churches across the nation have similar services.

Some churches call their events “The Longest Night” and choose to schedule them for the longest night of the year, Dec. 21.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, has slated a Longest Night service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22.

Zimmerman at St. John said he sees his church's inaugural Blue Christmas service as an acknowledgment of God's presence for those who are mourning and struggling.

WHAT: Blue Christmas Community WorshipWHEN: 3 p.m. SaturdayWHERE: St. John Lutheran Church, 420 Beaver St., MarsINFO: Open to everyone. For more information, call 724-625-1830