BY BONNIE LEE STRUNK

Special to The Press

Not everybody is feeling festive this holiday season.

Some folks are grieving the loss of a loved one or a job or a friendship, for example.

Other people may be feeling sad about their health problems or the divisiveness in our country or the unsettling state of our world.

To help make the Christmas season more bearable and meaningful for people who are mourning, Asbury United Methodist Church is offering a special Quiet Christmas service, open to the public. The church is located at the corner of Walbert Avenue and Springhouse Road in South Whitehall Township.

The Rev. Evelyn Stupp, Asbury’s pastor of bereavement and care ministries, will lead the service 7 p.m. Dec. 18. The calming service will include special music, hymns, candle lighting, scripture, reflection and prayers and will last about one hour.

Quiet Christmas is designed as a gathering to experience hope and healing during life transitions and events that can weigh people down. The service offers a source of strength and support.

All are welcome to attend.