FARMINGTON — Fairbanks Union Church will hold a special Service of Compassion and Hope in the Christmas Season at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18.

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The Rev. Douglas Dunlap provides a service of hope and compassion Tuesday at Fairbanks Union Church. Judy Ranco, right, with Dunlap at a previous service, will provide flute music.

The service also welcomes people who may be apart from a loved one serving in the military or who for other circumstances is unable to be home. There may also be people with financial, family or health problems who find Christmastime to be difficult.

The Rev. Douglas Dunlap, chaplain at Franklin Memorial Hospital, will lead the service.

Area churches are asking members who may feel they don't need the service to go for others, Dunlap said. Their presence may be supportive to those who are finding the season difficult.

Dunlap suggests people observe the holidays in simple ways that are comfortable for them. People also need to be as kind to themselves as they would be to others.

For those finding holiday parties difficult, Dunlap suggests inviting a couple of people over for a potluck meal or listening to some music.

Doing simple things like taking a walk can be comforting, he said.

Another way to feel better is to do something kind for someone else, he said, such as making a homemade soup or baking a loaf of bread for a neighbor or friend .

The Tuesday service will provide music, song and prayer in support of those experiencing loss.

A candle-lighting ceremony will be part of the service, and special music on the Native American flute will be provided by Jackie Ranco.

The Fairbanks Union Church is 3 miles north of downtown Farmington on Route 4, and is handicap accessible. All are welcome to attend.