The Longest Night Service
Join us December 21st at 7:30pm
This year we will be offering a Longest Night service. This service has not been offered in the recent past, however I feel that this year more than ever calls for this addition. Christmas can be a hard and painful season for many folks. This could be the first holiday season with out a loved one or it could bring the return of difficult days filled with hard memories.
Our days are filled with constant reminders of how joyful we ought to be, we see it on TV, hear it in Christmas carols, it’s even often echoed in church. However, we may not be able to get together with family and friends, we may find ourselves reminded of who or what we have lost, we may find ourselves struggling with what might have been.
There are so many reasons this season is filled with complicated emotions. You may be struggling with broken relationships, unemployment, health issues, isolation, the loss of a loved one, or something else. All of those things can lead us to feeling very alone in the midst of everyone else’s celebration and joy. It is vitally important that we take time to acknowledge the sadness and hardships. We are not alone even though we may feel that way.
I find it beautiful that the darkest night of the year is just before the celebration of God’s true light entering the world. Even on the longest night of the year, when there are more hours of darkness than light, God is with us. Emmanuel is coming to meet us where we are, even if that is a seemingly low and joyless place. That is why we are offering this special Longest Night service on December 21st at 7:30pm.
I hope that you will consider joining us for a calm and reflective service where we will pray, read scripture, and join in songs. All aspects of the service will remind us that God’s presence is especially gifted for those who mourn and struggle. Everyone is welcome no matter what your church background (or not having a church background) and I encourage folks to invite a friend who may need the time and space provided in this service. Your presence sitting beside them could be the greatest gift they receive.
Pastor Emily