11 December 2011
Laingsburg church plans third-annual "Longest Night" Christmas service for those struggling at the holidays
The Laingsburg United Methodist Church is offering a unique worship experience for people who may be grieving the loss of a loved one or who have experienced other losses and changes in their lives that make the holidays a difficult time of year.
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, the church will hold a quiet, meditative worship service of scripture, special music, healing prayer, silent reflection and Holy Communion. It is open to the community.
Due to the construction at the church, visitors are asked to enter from the east side of the church through the fellowship hall, accessing the parking lot from Second North Street.
"For some of us, the Christmas season can be a time of mixed emotions. While we may remember the joy of Christmases past, we may also approach the season with hearts that have been burdened by the changes and losses we have experienced throughout the past year," explained LUMC Pastor Elbert Dulworth. "This is a season of the longest nights when the darkness can feel as if it is at its greatest in more ways than one.
"In worship, we will have the opportunity to offer our hurts and concerns to God that we may prepare our hearts for Christ who brings light when darkness seems to be at its greatest."
The church will also hold its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on December 24. There will be Christmas carols, scripture lessons, special music, holy communion, and the song "Silent Night" by candlelight as worshipers celebrate the birth of the Babe of Bethlehem. Worship will also be held at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day.
"Bring your family and join us as we sing with the angels and go out with the shepherds to share the good news that is for all the earth. Let's light up our hearts, our homes and our havens with the Light that has come into the world," invites Dulworth.
Laingsburg United Methodist Church is located at 210 N. Crum Street. For questions, please contact the church at 517-651-5531.
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