For those who have empty places in their hearts and homes this Christmas season, Derry Church offers a “Longest Night” worship service. This reflective, come-as-you-are service with communion returns this year to the intimate setting of our historic Chapel.

We offer this annual worship service in the chapel as a lower-key alternative to the boisterous traditional Christmas/Eve services, recognizing that the holidays can be a painful time. We will read psalms and scripture, light candles, and pray together. There will be no obligation to “keep it together.” There IS hurt and doubt and brokenness in the world—that’s why we needed God to be born into our world and live among us. Together, we will remember that the light will always overcome the darkness, no matter how long the night may seem. There is a miracle in the Christmas season, but sometimes we need to be able to wait for that miracle in stillness, without pressure or pageantry. The light IS coming. As Leonard Cohen wrote, “there is a crack in everything—that’s how the light gets in.”

Pastor Stephen leads this service on one of the longest, darkest nights of the year as an opportunity to intentionally acknowledge pain and offer comfort. Come as you are!