THE LONGEST NIGHT

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21. 6PM.

“Something is over. In the deepest levels of my existence something is finished, done. My life is divided into before and after.”  -- Nicholas Wolterstorff, A Lament for a Son

Death, divorce, unemployment, a diagnosis, pain, aging. The loss of a home, dream, season, friend, church, and hope. These are the things we carry inside at Christmas. Not everyone is happy during the holidays. The Longest Night of the year falls on December 21st. On that night, we will gather together in a service for those who grieve at Christmas. It is intentional that we are gathering on that night, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This is a time when we can, in company with one another, acknowledge the sadness we feel at Christmas time. This is a time of year with short days and long nights, when memories of past experiences and the pain of present reality can become overwhelming. Recognizing that this is not a season of joy for everyone, in this service we will be invited to reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sorrow we may feel and offer it all to our great sign of hope, Jesus Christ. We pray that all of us will find hope and comfort in knowing that we are not alone.

All are welcome.