‘Blue Christmas’ offers service of remembrance and hope

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Josh Mitchell, a funeral director with Mitchell Family Funeral Homes, lights one of the advent candles during a “Blue Christmas” service on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Albion.

Four candles were lighted to symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.

“Everyone left a legacy,” Mitchell said. “Everyone was loved.”

The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, welcomes people to the service, which is an annual event during the holidays for people who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

The service is organized by the Albion Area Ministerium, Mitchell Family Funeral Homes, Supportive Care of Orleans and the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Orleans Coalition.

About 50 people attended the service and were invited to light a candle in rememabrance of a loved one.

The Rev. Randy LeBaron, leader of Go Scatter Ministers, also serves as bereavement coordinator at Supportive Care and pastoral counselor at Care Net Center of Greater Orleans. He shared a Scripture from Jeremiah 31:13: “I will turn your mourning into gladness, I will give you comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

Erin Moody sings “Christmas in Heaven” during the service.

The Rev. Susan Boring, pastor of Eagle Harbor United Methodist Church, welcomes people to the annual service.