The Congregational Church will be holding its Longest Night Service on Sunday Dec. 20, at 6 p.m.

This is a hard time of the year when days are getting shorter and the holiday season is upon us and we are supposed to be happy and cheerful. But for many in our community this is not a happy time of the year, maybe it is the first Christmas without a loved one.

Or maybe you have lost someone in the past and this time of year brings feelings of loneliness, having to take care of a family member that is sick or in and out of the hospital, loss of employment or just feeling empty inside.

This is a reassuring time to get together and know that you are not alone. There are people that love you and support you on your life journey no matter where you might be.

I wanted to get this out early so community members would have time to get an ornament to hang on the memory tree. Members of our community have been putting ornaments on this tree since 1993. If you bring an ornament to put on the tree, please write on it so in future years, when we put them on the tree, we know who they are for. We also will be lighting candles along with special music by some very talented musicians to help you to reflect.

This is a non-denominational event where everyone is welcome.

Praying for each and every one of you,

Pastor Warren Johnson