Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor: Members of the Webster City Ministerial Association met this week to plan for the upcoming Blue Christmas service and address other community needs. From left to right are: Rev. Sarah Namukose of Asbury United Methodist Church, Pastor Joe Pierson of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rev. Dori Collogan of Faith United Methodist Church, Sarah Anderson, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Craig Blaufuss of First Congregational United Church of Christ and Rev. Jean Morse of Trinity Lutheran Church.

They may not look like saints or angels, but the Webster City Ministerial Association members are pretty close.

These very human church leaders in our community are working together to address both spiritual and financial needs in the Webster City community.

The annual Blue Christmas service being coordinated by the Ministerial Association, addresses the spiritual needs. This will be held on Sunday evening, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, located at 1000 Willson Ave.

The service, which is similar to an All Saints Service, addresses the continued grieving from the loss of loved ones who have passed away during the year. The organizers invite family members and other loved ones of all faiths, regardless of status to join together honor and remember.

“Grief makes Christmas difficult,” said Dori Cologan, pastor of the Faith United Methodist church, “If the holiday season is difficult for you, with any type of loss, this service may help.”

During the service, which is similar to an All Saints Service, family members and other loved ones are invited to come, bring a photo or an item to place on a memory table in honor of the loved one.

Those attending will be invited to come forward to light a candle and speak the name of their loved one. Those who are unable to come forward or uncomfortable can have the microphone brought to them, or fill out a card with the loved ones name, in will be read aloud and a candle will be lit in their honor.

Readings and music to comfort attendees have been chosen, and the ministers will each play a role.

Light refreshments will be provided at the close of the service, providing a time for fellowship and reflection.

“We hope this will help navigate your grief during the holiday and all the dimensions of healing,” Pastor Blaufuss said.

The service is jointly sponsored by the ministerial association, Fosters Funeral & Cremation Center and Boman Funeral Home. The Blue Christmas service was originally started by Fosters, but has grown over the years.

The concerns and needs of the community are high on the list of these community leaders even as they also work to prepare for Advent and the Christmas season.

They are the key coordinators for the Children’s Christmas Gift Tree program. They are pleased to report only a few angels were left to be claimed at the Kendall Young Library and First State Bank at their meeting this week.

They created and fund the Travelers’ Fund, which is used by the Webster City police department to help travelers who arrive in Webster City without money, food, gasoline or shelter. Their funds this year have become dangerously low, as the police encounter more individuals needing help.

The Ecumenical Human Needs program is also managed through the Ministerial Association. This program helps provide emergency assistance to local families who need financial help in the short term. This program requires an application and interviews which are handled by volunteers from the various churches.

Volunteers from the various churches will be bell ringing to raise money to support the Ecumenical Human Needs fund. They will be located at Bomgaars, Fareway and HyVee on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.

This fund needs replenishment each year, as costs have increased and more families are finding themselves in need. Applicants are limited to a total of $800 each year.

Donations are accepted year round for all the programs they support. Donations can be sent directly to the Ministerial Association to support any of the projects. To do this, mail or deliver funds to The Webster City Ministerial Association, in care of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 1000 Beach Street, and place in the memo line which project the funds are to support.