Longest Night Service at Burks UMC 2012, December 21

Last night was the Longest Night Service.  This year, more than typically, there may have been vigils held at more locations due to the deaths in Newton, CT.  The Longest Night Service at our church, Burks UMC, included a beautiful time of remembrance for the lives of the adults and children of Newton, CT as well as others from the church family or those close to church family.   There were several aspects of last night's service that were touching for me, so I wanted to reflect.

It is never easy to allow ourselves to live into pain.  However, in my experience, it is only by living into and through the pain that I will be able to arrive on the other side to healing.  There will still be scars that hold memories, yet those memories are healed and restored if I have gone through the pain toward healing. 

A service of the Longest Night in which we focus on the light in the midst of the darkness of loss and pain is not an easy service.  There is somberness.  There is pain.  There are tears.  Yet, there is light, hope and life.  It is an odd place.  It is a paradox, but isn't much of what surrounds the Mystery?!!? 

A bagpiper player, Dr. Scott Douglas, began the service with a beautiful prelude which set the atmosphere (at least for me) in a beautiful somber tone. 

Last night I was blessed to not only attend, but participate.  I was able to bring words of welcome and lead in the call to worship. 

The call to worship:

Leader:  Jesus said, Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  And so we invite each other to this time of peaceful worship.  Flee for a while from your tasks;

People:  Hide yourself for a little space from the turmoil of your thoughts.

Leader:  Come, cast aside your burdensome cares and put aside your laborious pursuits.

ALL:  Give your time to God, and rest in God for a little while. 

The "Prayer of the People" for this occasion was:

O God, we come to you in prayer this night;

For all who have a song they cannot sing,

For all who have a burden they cannot bear.

For all who live in chains they cannot break,

For all who wander homeless and cannot return,

For those who are sick, and for those who tend to them,

For those who wait for loved ones, and wait in vain,

For those who live in hunger,

And for those who will not share their bread,

For those who are misunderstood,

And for those who misunderstand

For those whose words of love are locked within their hearts,

And for those who yearn to hear those words,

Show us the way, O God, for we your people walk in darkness.

Amen

Reverend Leon Fraley, our former Associate Pastor, was in town for Christmas and was able to be part of the service as well.  That was a wonderful blessing.... not only to see him (and Rhonda, his wife), but to hear him share.  Prior to being in ministry in the church, he served in the school systems as an educator and a principal.  He was the perfect choice to honor and remember the children and educators from Sandy Hook Elementary. 

 

It was difficult to get up and read the Scripture passage after watching the names and faces of those who had been murdered.  Psalm 139:1-12.

 

Rev. Amy Nutt brought a reflection message, "Sleeping with Bread".   The title of this reflection comes from a book with the title, in which the story is told of children from World War II who could not sleep at night because they were hungry and afraid.  So, they were given a piece of bread for comfort and that helped them sleep because they had bread for the day and knew that they would have bread for the next day.

 

The story intrigued me, as did the book, so I had to do some investigating.  I learned that this book was based on this story, but expanded it into our daily lives.  The authors (Dennis Linn and family) show us how we can find comfort and hope in the things which sustain us.  Investigation also revealed that the book is about the daily examen and prayer and has been used for retreats and in many other venues to help people in their journey of growing closer to God.  This is a book that I must now read! ☺

 

 

 

Besides sharing this story about 'sleeping with bread', Amy spoke about 'hiding from God' from the Scripture passage and our desire to do so.  She shared about her personal grief and needing space... we all need space to grieve and grow.  I appreciate leaders who model and lead by example.  I have been blessed to know quite a few.

 

Amy asked this question: "What has God brought in my life to give me comfort?"

 

After her reflection, candles were lit in remembrance and for healing for those in the church family.  After the list had been read, the congregation could add to the names.  Mary Lee Clark and I got to be the candle lighters for this time.  For me, that was a sacred time as well.

 

We had communion next.  Rowland and Amy served us the elements this time.  Often they will prepare the table and serve the servers and be available for prayer.  But last night they prepared the table, served each other and then served all of us.  That was meaningful for me last night... to receive the elements from them. 

 

After communion, Wil Martin sang "Christmas in Heaven".  What a beautiful song. 

 

"Christmas in Heaven" lyrics:

 

December hasn't changed
This town looks the same
They still light that tree in the city square
There's red, white, and green shining everywhere
And I wish you were here
And I wonder

Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold
Are the mansions all covered in white
Are you singing with angels "Silent Night"
I wonder what Christmas in heaven is like

There's a little manger scene
Down on Third and Main
I must have walked right by it a thousand times
But I see it now in a different light
'Cause I know you are there
And I wonder

Are you kneeling with shepherds before him now
Can you reach out and touch his face
Are you part of that glorious Holy night
I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like

Is the snow falling down on the streets of gold?
Are the mansions all covered in white?
Are you singing with angels "Silent Night"
I wonder what Christmas in Heaven is like

                   ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I couldn't help think that this year, there will be quite a few more children running around at Christmas time in heaven.  That, along with the deaths I've personally encountered this week, touched me tremendously.

 

The bagpipe player closed us out with another beautiful tune.  On the way out, Amy had arranged for each of us to be able to have our own bread to take with us.  Tangible ways to remember the reflections are always neat.... especially when they are edible. ☺

 

 

A very blessed longest night service indeed!

 

~Debra