An Invitation to a “Longest Night Worship Service”
Christmas
can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without
loved family members who have recently died; it may be a time that
has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio and
television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of
the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds
many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of
broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness
of ill health, the pain of isolation—all these can make us feel
very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.
Our
spirits sink, as days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing
deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.
We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We
need to know that we are not alone. For those reasons, St. Mark's and
St. David's United Churches are offering a special “Longest Night”
service on December 21st at 6:30 p.m at
St. David's United Church, Port Hastings.
Come
out and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture and
music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn,
for those who struggle—and that God’s Word comes to shine light
into our darkness. Everyone regardless of church background (or lack
of it) is welcome.
