THE LONGEST NIGHT: A SERVICE OF HEALING AND HOPE (ADVENT)
“Comfort ye my people" The opening words of Handel's Messiah are a familiar sound at this time of year. Yet for many of us anticipating and preparing for holiday celebrations, the need for comfort is somehow overlooked. Others are well aware of that need as they struggle through the increasing physical darkness that leads to the winter solstice, our longest night. That physical darkness is sometimes reflected in the dark, lost feelings we have as we contemplate Christmas without loved ones, a holiday made uncertain by economic concerns, or the brokenness in our lives that separates us from others. On December 21, the Longest Night of the Year, we will gather to acknowledge this darkness, to share our hurts with God, and to open our hearts to the light God has promised us in Jesus. Stephen Ministers, whose ministry is one of compassionate Christian presence, will participate in the service with the pastoral staff. If you know those whose Christmas joy is mixed with pain, please invite them to join you at the "Longest Night" service. Come for prayers, scripture, music, communion, candle lighting, and fellowship. The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship. Childcare available.
PREPARING FOR EASTER: A SERVICE OF FORGIVENESS AND GRACE (LENT)
Jesus prayed, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” The greatest act of grace that we receive is reconciliation with God through God’s forgiveness known to us in Jesus Christ. Through the experience of this grace, we find strength to forgive one another and live the words we say. Join us as we begin our journey towards Easter with a service of worship to remember and give thanks for the forgiveness offered to us in Jesus Christ and to encounter God’s transforming grace. In this service, we will gather together to prayerfully place before God our sins – for God’s forgiving grace, our relationships – for God’s power to heal, and our lives – for God’s love to dwell in us. Childcare available: 3 & Under.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS (HOLY WEEK)
Open the week prior to Holy Week, Stations of the Cross prepares our hearts to walk the journey with Christ, prepares our souls to understand anew the suffering of Christ and His people, and helps us anticipate the ultimate joy that comes to us through Christ on Easter Sunday. Open Daily from Sunday – Saturday during Holy Week from 8 am – 8 pm in Haney Hall.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS (ANNUALLY)
This service is held each year in October to acknowledge God’s commandment to humanity that we responsibly care for this earth and its glorious creatures. This service provides our community with the opportunity to acknowledge our stewardship covenant with God and to celebrate God’s gift of this good creation and the relationships we enjoy with the creatures of this earth. Members of our community are invited to bring their pets and companion animals to this special service of thanksgiving and blessing. All animals should be leashed or in carriers.
