“Longest Night” Service

Saturday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m.

The end-of-year holidays can be a painful time for some of us. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that holds a different life change or a time that has always been difficult.

We hear 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. It reminds many people of what they have lost or may have never experienced. The weariness of ill health, the anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of celebrating and spending. In times like this our spirits can sink, as the days grow shorter. The darkness we see around us as we move toward the winter solstice can feel like a darkness growing deeper around us. When that happens, we need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone.

Do you or someone you care about need encouragement for the days ahead of us? St. Peter United Church of Christ will have a special “Longest Night” service on Saturday, December 21st at 7:00 p.m. (You may also hear services like this called “Blue Christmas.”)

Come out and join with us in sharing and hearing prayer, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn and those who struggle – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. After the short service we’ll have light refreshments. Everyone is welcome!

Pastor Cory Hartz