Solstice & Solace- an alternative space during Christmastime

For anyone finding Christmas difficult—grief, illness, anxiety, loss, or worry about the world—a gentle space to be alone but together.

Solstice & Solace: A Quiet Space when Christmas is Complicated

A quiet gathering for the longest night

Saturday, December 21 · 7:00 pm
Belle Vue Methodist Church

For many people, Christmas is complicated.
Illness, bereavement, anxiety, family strain, financial worry, or concern for the world can make this season feel heavy — especially when there’s pressure to feel joyful.

Solstice and Solace is a gentle, invitational gathering on the Longest Night of the year in the comfort of sacred spiritual space here in Shrewsbury. Trauma and neurodivergent informed. Stewarded by a Sacred Gathering Guide and clergy with personal experience in bereavement, illness and trauma.

What to expect

• Candlelight and music , Quiet rituals, Story and silence, Litany of Remembrance
• Tree of Sorrows, Space to sit, reflect, or simply be

Participation is welcome but never required.

Who this is for

• Anyone carrying grief, weariness, or worry
• Those concerned for loved ones or the wider world
• Anyone unsure what they believe, agnostis, spiritual but not religious- anyone.
• Anyone who doesn’t want to be alone, but needs reflective space

All are welcome — whatever your beliefs, or none.

Accessibility & welcome

• Calm, unhurried pace
• No preaching, no pressure, no Christmas music
• Come as you are- stay as long or as little as you like.