Special Worship Service to Benefit Connecticut Shooting Victims

Every year, Novi United Methodist Church offers a special "Blue Christmas" service to help those who are feeling down or overwhelmed by the holidays. This year, as the entire country mourns the death of 27 people, including 20 children, who died in a shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut, the church is opening its doors to the public to help them heal.

The worship service is Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 7:30-8:15 p.m. at the church, which is located on 10 Mile Road near Meadowbrook Road in Novi. Everyone, including non-church-goers, are welcome.

The church usually does not collect an offering during this annual worship service, but an offering will be taken this year to benefit the families of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.

>>Found out how else to help the Newtown community.

The "Blue Christmas" service, also known as "The Longest Night," started off as a service for people who had someone pass away in their lives and were especially hurting during the holiday season. But over the past few years, it has grown to also help those who are feeling depressed or just need to slow down and find peace during this busy season.

>>Read more about the Blue Christmas service.