The Longest Night

December 21st is the longest night of the year when many churches recognize the pain and loss that many have suffered and the fact that they may be missing a loved one during this time of year when everyone is told to ''Be Happy". That can be hard when you are missing someone and are experiencing pain, loss, and hurt.

On that night we will be lighting candles out front of Valley View on Sunnyside Ave and would love to light one for the people who are no longer with us. You are not alone in your grief. We know that God draws near to the brokenhearted and we take great comfort in that promise. Please let us know if we can light a candle for somebody that has passed in your life and say a prayer, or even just for you because you are feeling loss or pain surrounding something (anything), during that same time. Please feel free to share this with friends near and far.  We will be there from 7-8:30pm and you are welcome to come and be prayed for and take your loved ones candle with you.  But you do not need to be local to participate!

"We tend to focus on the Christmas season as a time of great joy. And for many, that is exactly what it is.

Others face what used to be the time to gather with loved ones as a time of loneliness and suffering – sitting at a table without the one that made it special for them in the past. Divorce or disease or death can invade the rooms where once joy was abundant – and holidays like this one serve to remind us of what we no longer have.

For all those who suffer through this time, for whom the longest night and its interminable darkness have become the metaphor for the living of their days, we pause to recognize both the pain they live with and the presence of one whose rod and staff, they comfort us.

May joy abound for us all – and when it doesn’t may there be recognition of another’s suffering the accompaniment of a Creator whose unbounded love heals all wounds."