The Service of the Longest Night will provide a quiet time for reflection on the winter solstice with prayers, songs, scriptures, and candle lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Firelands Presbyterian Church in Port Clinton.

Because the Christian faith offers light and hope in the darkness, Firelands Presbyterian Church is hosting an ecumenical “Service of the Longest Night” on the winter solstice, the longest night of the calendar year.

For many people, the holiday season is bittersweet. This time of joy and expectation can often overshadow the pain and hurt that many experience, when the world’s merriment puts their grief and sorrow in stark relief.

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., Firelands Pastor David Aber will be joined by pastors from other area churches in conducting this service, which is open to all in the community, especially those who find the holiday season difficult. Firelands Presbyterian Church, 2626 East Harbor Rd., Port Clinton, is a half-mile west of Walmart. For more information, call the church office at 419-734-6211.

This worship service holds up those in the community who have lost loved ones, who struggle with serious illness, or feel overwhelmed by all the bad news in the world.

The Service of the Longest Night will provide a quiet time for reflection with prayers, songs, scriptures, and candle lighting. All worshippers will be invited to light a candle as a symbol of Christ coming into the darkness of mourning.

Communion is open to all, but not required of anyone. No contribution is expected.