Dear NAMI-Yolo Friends,
The holiday season can be challenging for some, including those experiencing mental illness, their families and friends.  Two events, both at Davis churches, are opportunities to join with others in acknowledging these challenges and finding strength in music, reflection and community.  You are invited. Please bring friends.
 

Blue Christmas Service

Episcopal Church of St. Martin's
Sunday, Dec 15 at 4pm.
The Episcopal Church of St. Martin will hold a special worship service that recognizes the struggle so many people face at this time of year.  For some people, it is the first Christmas after a major life event, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job or home, or the onset of a life-limiting physical or mental illness.  For others, it is a time of year that has always been difficult.  As the days get shorter and the nights longer, the media's constant refrain that "it's the most wonderful time of the year" rings false for them.  Their Christmas is "blue"--a time of sadness rather than joy.
 
Readings, music, candle lighting and healing prayer will help acknowledge the paradox that there is indeed joy and hope to be found, even in the midst of pain and suffering.  Emmanuel--God with us--shines light into our darkness, standing with us in our sorrows as well as our joys, and reminding us that even the longest night does not last forever.
 
The Episcopal Church of St. Martin is located at 640 Hawthorn Lane in Davis.  Map  For more information, visit www.churchofstmartin.org or call (530) 756-0444.

The Longest Night:  A Worship of Warm Thoughtful Reflection
Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis
(Saturday) Dec 21, 7:30 to  8:30pm
Darkness invites us to reflection and turning inward. At this season of gift-giving and caroling, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis invites you to the Longest Night service offering time to remember what has been lost, and honor yearnings yet unfulfilled.  Rev. Elizabeth Banks will lead the service, along with associate Suzanne Kimmel.  Laura Sandage will bring her healing chants and the Threshold Singers will blend their music with readings, songs and candle light. The hour will end together with hope and light.
 
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis is located at 27074 Patwin Rd, Davis.  Map  For more information, visit www.uudavis.org or email  office@uudavis.org