We all carry emotional and spiritual ‘burdens’ of one sort or another – sadness over people we miss, loneliness, illness in ourselves or loved ones, concern over world events, fear for what the future holds for our family members and many other situations can weigh on us. And those realities can weigh us down even more that this time of year which, although despite it’s joys, does carry a lot of emotional ‘weight’. So, each year we offer a service to honour the reality that not everything is perfect in our lives, or our world. We offer this service at the time of the winter solstice when the night is at it’s longest as a symbol that it is dark now, but light is coming. This is an opportunity to acknowledge that God is with us. Our fears and sorrows aren’t the whole story!
This year, our Longest Night service is on Sunday December 21 at 7pm – and will be held in the parish gym so we can incorporate our beautiful labyrinth into the service. Walking a labyrinth is an ancient spiritual discipline to help you experience the presence of God. Walking the labyrinth will be an optional part of the service, so you can still participate in the worship if that is something you can’t, or don’t want, to do. I encourage you to come and participate in this quiet, gentle service which will give you the opportunity to offer the things that are burdening you into God’s love and care and walk out into the dark evening feeling uplifted and hopeful.
-Roberta