A special holiday service, "A Blue Christmas," is being presented at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Christ United Methodist Church, Third and Wooster streets, Marietta.
The service, which is open to the public, will focus on what was real about the first Christmas and is still real today - that Christ's birth brings light in darkness. There will be helpful suggestions for those struggling with grief and personal problems and loss, past and present.
The loss of a loved one, poor health, broken relationships, job layoff, loneliness - even the loss of a beloved pet - can make it difficult for many people to join others in the "merry" of a merry Christmas.
"The constant refrain about the happiness of the Christmas season, about getting together with family and friends, remind many of what they have lost or have never had," said Doug Stockton, church pastor.
The community is invited to attend.
For more information: 373-1512.
Christmas cantata presented Dec. 6
The Christmas cantata, "The Love of God at Christmas," is being presented at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Twin Rivers Baptist Church, 110 DAV Road.
The cantata, under the direction of Diana Shuck, features music by the church choir, as well as a drama presentation featuring teens of the church.
The cantata celebrates the birth of the savior, Jesus Christ, who has come to give us all his love.
The church is on DAV Road (Muskingum Township 336), off Ohio 821, north of Exit 6 of Interstate 77.
For more information: 376-0440.
Send church news to Janet Gossett in care of The Marietta Times, P.O. Box 635, Marietta, Ohio 45750. Information can also be e-mailed to jgossett@mariettatimes.com, faxed to (740) 376-5475 or submitted through the Virtual Newsroom on the Times' Web site, www.MariettaTimes.com. Deadline for information for the Focus on Faith page is noon Tuesday each week for that Saturday's edition.
