Congregational Church will be holding its Longest Night Service on Monday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.

This year has been one to remember and more than ever we need the light of Jesus Christ to bring joy to our hearts. The 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 you have lost someone in the past and the holidays bring 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.

Our Community and surrounding communities are experiencing an exceptional amount of loss and loneliness due to some circumstances that are shocking to our everyday lives.

The Blue Christmas or Longest Night service 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.

Pastor Warren Johnson First Congregational Church, Pastor Andy Pursley Forks Assemblies of God, along with Police Chief Mike Rowley will bring words of encouragement. We will also have special music from Juanita Weissenfels to set the mood for the evening.

This is the 27th year that we have been gathering for the longest night service an ecumenical event. Please bring an ornament in remembrance of a loved one that you can place 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 will also be lighting candles to reflect the lives of those we miss, long for, or just give our burdens up to Jesus.

This is a nondenominational/Ecumenical event where everyone is welcome. So please come and support one another as the light of the world. We can overcome the darkness, Pandemic, and whatever else might be holding you down by joining together.

Because of the governor’s mandates, all are required to wear a mask (there will be masks at the door) and social distance. There is plenty of room in the sanctuary to gather and stay safe.

Again, Longest Night Service on Monday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.

Blessings, Pastor Warren Johnson