By Staff Reports (Photo from Fort Payne Presbyterian Church on Facebook)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The weather’s getting colder. The TV news and social media just seem to be getting sadder, more aggressive and harder to follow. And yet, during the holiday season, we’re expected to feel happy and joyful. Cries of “Merry Christmas!” and non-stop caroling contrast with the feelings of many people at this time of the year.

For those facing family crises like the impending or recent death of loved ones or other yearly reminders of how challenging your family or employment situation is, this can be a very isolated and challenging time. Sometimes those feelings can be pretty overwhelming.

Fort Payne First Presbyterian Church is here to remind you that you are not alone this holiday season. To fill this gap, they are offering “Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance & Hope.” They are welcoming everyone to this noon service on December 5 in order to offer a time to remember what has been and pray for what will be. It will be a mix of traditional music and scripture, as well as a time for reflection and prayer. The service is non-denominational and offers hope to all.

Located at 300 Grand Avenue NW in Fort Payne, First Presbyterian Church has been opening its door to the Fort Payne community for 130 years in a variety of services and events. The event is meant to mimic the annual Community Holy Week Services that they host every Lent/Easter with a brief service followed by a time of fellowship and refreshments in Haralson Fellowship Hall.

Psalm 121 says, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth!” Here in the hills of Northeast Alabama, there is help, refuge and care. If this time of year seems challenging, your church community does care about you and invites you to this special time together.

For more information, feel free to contact the church via Facebook or by phone at (256) 845-2915.