While the holidays are meant to be a time of joyous celebration, for many, it’s a time of grief.
This is why United Methodist Churches across the state offer services for those dealing with the loss of a loved one, marital problems, financial insecurities, or any other issue to feel comfort and reassurance. These services, often referred to as “Blue Christmas” or “The Longest Night”, are provided in addition to the church’s traditional Christmas and Advent celebrations.
Arkansas United Methodist Churches that are hosting a Blue Christmas or Longest Night service can be found below, along with service times and locations.
Farmington UMC
355 Southwinds Rd, Farmington, AR
Friday, December 1, 6 p.m.
Pinnacle View UMC
20100 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR
Sunday, December 3, 10 a.m.
Certified therapy dogs will be available after the service to provide comfort.
Sylvan Hills UMC
9921 Highway 107, Sherwood, AR
Monday, December 4, 11 a.m.
This is a “Surviving Grief and the Holidays” workshop that will includes lunch and guest speaker Simone Brock, bereavement specialist from Arkansas Hospice.
Pulaski Heights UMC
4823 Woodlawn Dr, Little Rock, AR
Sunday, December 10, 5 p.m. in the sanctuary
Lakeside UMC – Pine Bluff
1500 S Olive St, Pine Bluff, AR
Sunday, December 10, 3 p.m.
Oakley Chapel UMC
203 South Promenade, Rogers, AR
Sunday, December 10, 6 p.m.
Beebe First UMC
302 N Main St, Beebe, AR
Thursday, December 14, 6 p.m.
First UMC Fort Smith
200 N. 15th Street, Fort Smith, AR
Sunday, December 17, 5 p.m.
Bay UMC
300 Central Ave, Bay, AR
Sunday, December 17, 6 p.m.
Central UMC Fayetteville
6 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR
Sunday, December 17, 6 p.m. in the sanctuary
St. Paul UMC – Little Rock
2223 Durwood Rd, Little Rock, AR
Wednesday, December 20, 6 p.m.
First UMC – North Little Rock
6701 John F Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, AR
Wednesday, December 20, 6-7 p.m.
Hazen First UMC
This Blue Christmas service will be available virtually on Facebook and YouTube
Thursday, December 21 at 6 a.m.
Asbury UMC – Little Rock
1700 Napa Valley Dr, Little Rock, AR
Thursday, December 21 at 6 p.m., childcare provided
Conway First UMC
1610 Prince St, Conway, AR
Thursday, December 21, noon and 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Trinity Building
Faith UMC – Little Rock
9820 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR
Thursday, December 21 at 4 p.m.
Concord UMC
150 Concord Church Road, Lonoke, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. in the sanctuary
Lakewood UMC – North Little Rock
1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m.
First UMC Hot Springs
1100 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6 p.m. in the Christian Life Center
First UMC Bella Vista
20 Boyce Dr, Bella Vista, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6:30 p.m. in the chapel
Jacksonville First UMC
308 W Main St, Jacksonville, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.
Cornerstone UMC
1910 Disciple Drive, Jonesboro, AR
Thursday, December 21, 6:30 p.m.
Rogers First UMC
307 W Elm St, Rogers, AR
Thursday, December 21, 7 p.m. in the chapel