Christmas can be a bittersweet time of year. Despite what the advertisements and greeting cards say, for many people the approaching holidays are not a joyous time. As families and friends gather, the pain of those lost can be felt more sharply. Losses of relationships, health, or jobs cloud our minds. Ironically, for some people the “most wonderful time of the year” can be the most depressing time of the year. On top of it all, it is the time of year when sunlit days are growing their shortest, leaving longer hours of the dark night.
As an outreach to the community, First United Methodist Church will be hosting “Longest Night Service: A Service of Hope” on the year’s longest night, December 21. The service will begin at 7:00pm at 400 North Michigan Street. All are invited to experience a meditative worship service that takes time for remembering, for sharing hurting places with God, and for preparing hearts for the coming of Christ through scripture, prayer, and song. There will be time for refreshments and fellowship following the service.
Child care will be provided. More information is available through the FUMC church office at 936-2943.
