Kentucky by Heart: Christmas can be a hard time for many, fellowship can help make the season easier
First Christian Church (FCC) in Versailles, Kentucky, recently held a special service for those finding the holidays difficult. Called Finding Comfort in the Season: A Blue Christmas, the event aimed to support people facing emotional struggles. Organised by church member Sharon Tankersley and minister Marcus Lynn, it offered a space for reflection and healing.
The service took place on a Friday evening in the church’s Fellowship Hall. A lectern and portable organ set a formal yet welcoming tone, allowing attendees to express their emotions openly. Among those present were Suzanne and Steve Flairty.
The evening centred on lighting five candles of remembrance, each representing different forms of loss—from loneliness and grief to family estrangement and financial hardship. The reasons for holiday pain were acknowledged as wide-ranging, including job loss, health concerns, socio-political stress, and a sense of a world in turmoil.
Marcus Lynn moderated the service, guiding participants through moments of personal introspection and empathy. The event also encouraged hope and healing, drawing inspiration from similar outreach efforts by other churches.
Tankersley, who initiated the service, shared her plans to continue supporting those in pain throughout the season. The gathering aimed to remind attendees that they were not alone in their struggles.
The Blue Christmas service provided a quiet space for those carrying emotional burdens during the holidays. By acknowledging loss and offering comfort, the church sought to help attendees move forward with hope. Further efforts to support the community are expected in the coming weeks.
