Blue Christmas Service at St Mary's East Bergholt. Saturday 7th December
On Saturday December 7th the choir stalls at St Mary's church East Bergholt filled with Mothers' Union members, members of the congregation and people from the parish and beyond. for the Mothers' Union Blue Christmas service
Canon Stephne van der Toorn led the service which included quiet carols, readings from the bible and prayers. Candles were lit to remember those who were anxious, experiencing loss, longing or regret. Those attending were given strips of cloth and invited to write the name of a person who was facing challenges this Christmas During one of the carols there was the opportunity to place these strips of cloth in the crib, as a symbol of giving all our concerns to God.
Placing a cloth in the crib
After the service one lady said she come at the last minute, brought by friends. She shed several tears during the service, but found the service most comforting. Another commented how she has always found Christmas difficult. The Blue Christmas service provided her with a quiet space at a challenging time.
All the pieces of cloth placed in the crib will remain by the altar.