BRIGHT LIGHTS: The Christmas tree in the heart of Rotorua last December. PHOTO/ALTITUDE PHOTOGRAPHY
A special Christmas service is being held for community members who may be struggling to feel the festive cheer.
A 'Blue Christmas' Service is being held at Rotorua (Bainbridge) Methodist Church at 7pm tonight.
Worship committee member Mary Lee Wright said it was the church's first time holding a service of this kind.
She said the service was open to everyone in the community.
Anyone who had gone through trials such as losing someone, job issues or family issues was welcome to attend, she said.
"It's our calling to open doors and hearts to people who need some extra encouragement or support right now."
She said there were a lot of people who do not have the ability to feel cheerful at Christmas for many different reasons.
The service will include gentle readings - both scriptural and poetic - gentle background music to give people time to reflect, a special candle-lighting ceremony, three short periods of words of encouragement, and food and tea.
Wright said the church wanted to help people understand they were not alone and not forgotten.
"Sometimes all someone needs is for someone to say I understand and support you."
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