4 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE December 16, 2011 www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com

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Healing, hope at 'Blue Christmas' service

by Rev. Maureen Webber

Akron-Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a beloved family member who has recently died. It may be that the loved one died in the distant past. Yet with each successive Christmas, the grief one feels seems just as raw as the first.

It may be a time that has just always been difficult; one might be grieving over the loss of a job, the loss of one's health or vitality, the loss of relationship, the loss of a dear pet, or a change to empty nesters. One might be grieving the fallout from his or her addictive behaviors either past or present

and the pain they have caused others. Many people are reminded of what they have lost through the constant refrains about the happiness of the season on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches; and through invitations to get together with family and friends. The anguish of grief or the death of a loved one can make us feel alone in the midst of the celebrating and joy.

We find we need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness. We need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.

If any of this strikes a chord within, know

keeping score

Friday bowling standings

Cleveland-These are the standings of the North Coast Bowling Association's Friday night bowling league after the games on December 9.

The Friday night league is a fun social league with plenty of openings. Both full-time bowlers as well as alternates are needed. No experience is necessary. Bowling begins at 7 pm Fridays at Ambassador Superior Lanes, 1500 Superior Ave. in downtown Cleveland, and finishes by 9:30 pm.

For more information, contact the league at 216-481-4417 or 216-392-0154, or see www.ncbafriday.org.

Division 1

Team

that you are welcome at the Blue Christmas Services at Bath Church UCC on Wednesday, December 21 at 2 pm and 7 pm. Join us in the Historic Chapel for a Service of Remembrance and Hope The Service of the Longest Night. Open to the public; bring a friend. The Bath Church UCC is located at 3980 West Bath Road in Akron. For more information, call 330-666-3520 or go to www.bathucc.org.

Rev. Maureen Webber is the associate minister of pastoral care at Bath Church UCC.

Sunday bowling standings

Cleveland-These are the standings of the North Coast Bowling Association's Sunday league after the first games of the season's second half on December 11.

The NCBA Sunday league is northeast Ohio's original gay bowling league, now in its 32nd season. They bowl at Freeway Lanes of Parma, 12859 Brookpark Rd. near West 130th St., at 1 pm. Practice starts at 12:45 pm. See www.ncbasunday.com or contact Ron Deamon at 330225-0686 for more information.

Won

Lost

1.2 Out of 4

2. Dead Wood

3. Three Daddies & a Boy Toy

4. Alley Katz

5. Balls Aboard

6. Twist Rainbow Butt Monkeys

7. Pinderellas

Team

8. Triple XXX Turkeys

9. Ball Busters

Division 2

1. Hang'en on the Edge

2. 3 Fingers In

3. The Bowled & the Beautiful

4. Cocktails for 4

5. Mine's in the Gutter

6. Ten Balls & a Split w/a Twist

7. Aggravated Faggotry

8. The Vibe Raiders

9. Gutterly Ridiculous

Division 1

Body Language Flame Throwers Deadwood

Blush & Bashful

Division 2

Tater Tots The Stooges Team 7

Won Lost

2255

037

5522

740

GAY PEOPLES

Chronicle

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Volume 27, Issue 13

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Associate Editor: Brian DeWitt

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