Described as “A time for sharing the pain as well as the hope of the holiday season,” the annual “Longest Night” service at Knox United Church here will take place this Sunday (Dec. 16) at 7 p.m.
Knox United Church administrative assistant Janice Boneham, who will be leading the service, explained the purpose of the event.
“The idea is that not everybody is happy during the holiday period and we almost feel like we’re forced to be happy,” she said yesterday. “But people struggle with various issues, with bereavement, with job loss, depression, any number of things.
“The idea behind this is that there’s an alternative kind of service where people can come and feel free to feel the grief that is kind of suppressed during this time of year, but is still there,” added Boneham.
“It’s creating a safe place where people are allowed to express those feelings.
“It’s kind of a meditative kind of service, with low lighting and candles,” she continued. “People have a chance to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone or something that they’ve had and no longer have.”
The “Longest Night” service will feature a few prayers, readings, some mood-appropriate hymns, and time to share some memories, noted Boneham, who added the service is informed by the Christian tradition but is non-denominational and open to everyone.
Refreshments will be served in the church foyer following the service, which is expected to run under an hour.
The candlelight service, which is sponsored by the church, has been held annually for 18 years, with the first (then known as “Blue Christmas”) taking place in 1989.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
