Good Shepherd Episcopal Church invites you to enter with us into the holy space of Christmas through a variety of events, beginning with a Blue Christmas Service on Friday December 21st. We chose that darkest day of the year to acknowledge that Christmas is not always a joyful occasion for everyone. The service starts at 11a.m. on the 21st in a quiet liturgy that recognizes that in this season we grieve the absence of loved ones. We sorrow over failing health. We weep for what has been and for what might have been. And so we gather to hear and remember God’s message of hope and to be fed by the Lord’s supper that the love and light of God may scatter the darkness before us. Following the service we will be fed by a simple lunch to which all are welcome.

On Saturday December 22 at 6:30 p.m. the community is invited to a Christmas Concert and Carol Sing with the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Keith Christensen. Bring a can of food or dry goods for Matt’s Ministry as your price of admission. Cookies and hot beverages will be shared at intermission followed by carol singing accompanied by pianist Carol Smucker. Leave for home with carols dancing in your head and a bag of cookies in your hand!

Continue the celebration of Christmas with us through three Christmas worship services. On Christmas Eve, join us for the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve family-friendly service of Holy Eucharist, or come at 11 p.m. for the beautiful midnight Eucharist with candles, music and choir. On Christmas morning, celebrate Jesus’ birth with Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m.

All are welcome. Good Shepherd is located at 495 Herbert Hills Drive east of Hayesville, NC. For more information visit www.goodshepherdhayesville.org or call 828-389-3397.