Elgin Vineyard to offer 'Blue Christmas' service Dec. 10

Songs about Christmas as that "most wonderful time of the year" don't ring true for everyone; a "holly, jolly Christmas" can be hard to embrace when there's been a recent death or divorce, financial uncertainty or troubles of many kinds.

Vineyard Church of Elgin, 220 Division St., will host a Blue Christmas service on Sunday, Dec. 10, for people who are struggling to find holiday joy.

This one-hour service aims to acknowledge the struggle as real and valid and offer hope by allowing God to extend his comfort and strength.

"Blue Christmas" begins at 5 p.m. Everyone is warmly invited, and childcare will be provided.

This Sunday, Dec. 3, the Rev. Tom Severson continues his sermon series from the Book of I John. Titled "A Manifesto on Love," his message will look at one of the book's most powerful passages, on one of the most important topics: love. Rev. Severson will consider what John's statement "God is love" means and how God's love actually changes those who follow him.

Services are 9 and 11 a.m., with coffee offered a half-hour before each.

For information, call the church office at (847) 697-8001 or visit www.elginvineyard.com. Details also are available at www.facebook.com/ElginVineyard.