special services For those who are hurting

Many celebrate the Christmas season with joy and festivities. For others, who may have suffered a loss, it is a difficult time. Various services address those feelings.

First Presbyterian Church of Mineral Ridge, 3654 N. Main St., Mineral Ridge: A Blue Christmas service will take place at 5 p.m. Dec. 21. The service is designed to reach out to those who may have lost a loved one or experienced another kind of loss such as a broken relationship, health, job insecurity and the pain of isolation. The service will include sharing prayers, Scripture and music.

Heritage Presbyterian Church, 1951 Mathews Road, Poland: Blue Christmas service is planned for 3 p.m. Dec. 21. It’s a service of remembrance, hope and healing during the Christmas season for those who are dealing with death, major life changes, illness and loneliness. The Blue Christmas service is timed on the shortest day of the year, the winter equinox. There will be quiet reflection, prayer, music and Scripture. The service is open to the public.

Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown: A nondenominational service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday for those who have lost a loved one. The program is sponsored by Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes. Sister Pat Fesler is bereavement coordinator.