AUBURN - Dec. 21 is the first official day of winter, the longest night of the year, and for some, it can be a day when hope seems distant, even in the midst of the holiday season.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
Susan Querns, of Owasco, takes the candle she lit at the end of the Longest Night service back to her seat for the final hymn on Sunday, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn.
Susan Querns, of Owasco, takes the candle she lit at the end of the Longest Night service back to her seat for the final hymn on Sunday, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn.
For those experiencing hardship in the midst of the holiday season, there is The Service of the Longest Night at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
As the Rev. Philip Windsor says, “This service is not for everyone. It's for those who feel they need it.”
The service's goal was to spread a message of hope to those grappling with difficulties in their lives. In spreading the Christian message of hope and forgiveness, the Rev. Windsor hoped to reach out to those facing personal crises, be they medical, financial or any other variety.
“We can't solve these problems right away this night,” he said in his meditation, “but we can offer you hope.”
The message was well received by the congregants.
Penny Adams enjoyed the service, saying, “Times are tougher economically, and you just have to believe that things will get better.”
Others had personal losses that the service helped ease, including Diane Windsor, whose sister passed away earlier this year.
A key part of the message the Rev. Windsor imparted came from the Gospel of John, which tells the coming of Jesus.
“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.”
The Rev. Windsor expanded upon this passage, likening it to the experience of the darkness of winter slowly giving way to the light of spring and summer, a few minutes a day.
Ramon Cornwall, a member of the church who was volunteering as an usher for the evening, reflected on the service, “It is quite moving, and it is one more way to honor our Lord and Savior.”
Candles were lit near the conclusion of the service and as the lights grew in the darkness, they were a symbol of hope for those who needed it.
As the Rev. Philip Windsor says, “This service is not for everyone. It's for those who feel they need it.”
The service's goal was to spread a message of hope to those grappling with difficulties in their lives. In spreading the Christian message of hope and forgiveness, the Rev. Windsor hoped to reach out to those facing personal crises, be they medical, financial or any other variety.
“We can't solve these problems right away this night,” he said in his meditation, “but we can offer you hope.”
The message was well received by the congregants.
Penny Adams enjoyed the service, saying, “Times are tougher economically, and you just have to believe that things will get better.”
Others had personal losses that the service helped ease, including Diane Windsor, whose sister passed away earlier this year.
A key part of the message the Rev. Windsor imparted came from the Gospel of John, which tells the coming of Jesus.
“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.”
The Rev. Windsor expanded upon this passage, likening it to the experience of the darkness of winter slowly giving way to the light of spring and summer, a few minutes a day.
Ramon Cornwall, a member of the church who was volunteering as an usher for the evening, reflected on the service, “It is quite moving, and it is one more way to honor our Lord and Savior.”
Candles were lit near the conclusion of the service and as the lights grew in the darkness, they were a symbol of hope for those who needed it.
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