This will be the 14th year of holding this service at St. John
Christmas is supposed to be a time filled with comfort and joy and a time when everything is merry and bright, but for many people this is not the case. This time of the year can be quite depressing for people that are experiencing grief or loss of a loved one. There are many reasons why a person finds this time of the year difficult. All the festivities going on around them may be adding to the sadness that they feel. It was for this reason that the Longest Night church service originated.
A member of St John Lutheran Church in Salmon Creek had been going through a time of grief after the death of her husband when she read about a Longest Night service. She was inspired to create this type of experience for her own church. She and others from St John Lutheran Church created a contemplative service that is held on Dec. 21, the winter solstice, of each year. This will be the 14th year of holding this service at St. John.
It is a quiet service with live music, prayers and scripture readings. The sanctuary is dimly lit and people feel comfortable to cry if they want. Towards the end of the service, the congregation will come forward, light a candle from the Christ candle, then move to the altar which is filled with small unlit candles which symbolize a person’s burdens. The person can then light one or more of the candles on the altar, symbolizing bringing Christ’s light to their burdens.
The idea is that by the time the service is over each person will have peace and hope and the understanding that Christ is with them, even in their darkest hour. All people are welcome to this memorable service.
The Longest Night service will be held Sat., Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. at St John Lutheran Church, 11005 NE Highway 99, Vancouver 98686. (360) 573-1461 www.stjohnlc.com
To see a video of a previous year’s service visit https://youtu.be/SvOvfg4my-Y
Also read:
- POLL: Is it time for new leadership at Vancouver City Hall?
A new weekly poll asks whether Vancouver voters should prioritize replacing the mayor and city council in the 2025 election. - Opinion: How will the majority party’s new budget and tax proposals affect you?Rep. John Ley critiques the state’s proposed 2025-27 budgets, warning of record-breaking tax hikes and economic impacts.
- Opinion: Washington’s EV sales far short of next year’s state mandate
Todd Myers highlights how Washington’s EV sales fall short of next year’s mandate, raising concerns over rising car prices and limited options. - Letter: ‘Our state and local governments need to learn to live within their means’Camas resident Lauren Colas voices strong opposition to Proposition 1 and other tax proposals, calling for state and local governments to rein in spending.
- 18th District lawmakers ensure vital funding for projects in SW Washington are included in proposed 2025-27 House capital budgetLawmakers in the 18th District secured over $5.6 million in proposed funding for projects in Vancouver and Battle Ground under the 2025-27 House capital budget.
- USA Basketball to hold free youth basketball clinic Friday, April 11USA Basketball is hosting a free youth clinic for kids of all abilities at the Clark County YMCA in Vancouver on Friday, April 11.
- Vancouver firefighters respond to ship loader fire at the Port of VancouverVancouver firefighters responded to a grain fire in a ship loader at the Port of Vancouver, safely extinguishing the flames with support from multiple crews.
