This year, we will be having a Longest Night service at 7:00 pm on Friday the 21st, which is the winter solstice — the longest night of the year. Some churches offer Longest Night services as a lower-key alternative to the boisterous traditional Christmas/Eve services, recognizing that the holidays can be a painful time.
We will read comforting psalms, light candles, sing a hymn about light overcoming darkness that Pastor Leia recently wrote, and pray together. Instead of sitting in the sanctuary like we usually do for worship, we will sit in a circle around the communion table and instead of grand organ music, Doris Ann has agreed to play the more intimate piano. Together, we will make new memories and remember that the light will always overcome the darkness. I hope that it will be a positive and uplifting, if quiet, night of prayer and fellowship.”