Hope & Healing for the Holidays — Service of the Longest Night

Trinity Church’s Service of the Longest Night was recently featured in InSpire Magazine. Take a look to learn more about this beautiful, calming worship experience:

Hope & Healing for the Holidays

The sights and sounds of Christmas have been appearing everywhere we turn in these last few weeks. But as the days grow shorter and the darkness lengthens, not everyone will experience a holly jolly holiday season. According to one study, 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays.

“We believe that it’s healthy and holy to acknowledge feelings of grief, loss, anxiety, and stress - even during this seemingly joyful time of the year,” says Pastor Eric Taylor of Trinity Church - United Methodist in Beaver Dam.

In addition to its regular Christmas Eve services, the church added a Service of the Longest Night to their schedule a few years ago. Taking place on the longest night of the year, this quiet, contemplative time of worship offers a more gentle way of experiencing Christmas.

“This service is an opportunity to pause and take a breath during the rush of the holiday season,” Taylor says. “We intentionally take time for silence, prayer, candlelighting, and communion.” Special hymns, musical reflections, and readings from scripture are also featured.

Debbie Paul, Trinity’s Adult Ministry Coordinator, adds,“Our ‘Cozy Crafters’ ministry has been hard at work preparing many beautiful blankets, prayer squares, and heavenly hearts that will be available for anyone who would like to take them.” Throughout the year, these items are available in a ‘Blessing Box’ at the church where members and friends can take an item to someone who needs some extra love and care.

Trinity Church invites all in the community to experience this Service of the Longest Night on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 7:00pm. The service will be available in-person at the church (308 Oneida Street in Beaver Dam) and online at TrinityUMBD.org/onlineworship. “Everyone’s invited,” Paul says. “You don’t need to be a member of this church or a church anywhere to belong. Just come and experience the peace, hope, and healing this service offers.”