St. Peter’s sets Longest Night service Dec. 22

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes invites everyone to its Longest Night service at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22.

Each year around Dec. 21, the Earth’s northern pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun, creating the shortest day and longest night for those in the northern hemisphere. At the same time, many folks who are going through trying times of loss and grief may feel disconnected from the joyful spirit of the season. Feeling out of sync with holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s compounds feelings of isolation and sadness. Perhaps it is the first Christmas since the loss of a loved one or the anniversary of their passing. Maybe a long-term relationship has failed or a job has been lost. In the midst of all the holiday frenzy, some feel left out as they endure the long night of the soul.

This year, St. Peter’s is offering a chance for people to gather together in prayer and contemplation with others in similar situations, either virtually via Facebook or YouTube, or in person. In this service, participants can lay their burdens before God as they gather together to pray. Attendees will recall the loving kindness of a God who never gives up on people as they offer up their pain, sadness and loneliness, and seek consolation and comfort. In offering this service, organizers pray and hope that all who participate will find peace and consolation in knowing they are not alone, and they are beloved by God. Currently, masks are required for all attending in-person services. 

St. Peter’s is located on the corner of Second and Market streets in Lewes.

To learn more or to connect to the service, go to stpeterslewes.org.