Update: St. George's Episcopal Church has cancelled its Longest Night observance tonight due to the snow (it was to be a candlelit walk through the Church's labyrinth). Morrow Memorial's 7:30 p.m. services (inside) is still on schedule.

'Tis the season for songs and celebrations, presents and parties. For many churchgoers in the community, December is marked by Advent, a four-week period that looks forward to Christmas. The holiday itself is celebrated by children's pageants, cookie exchanges, charitable giving, and joyful musical services. 

However, the holidays can be a difficult time for many people, and a growing number of churches recognize this with Blue Sunday, Shortest Day or Longest Night services. Often held on or near Dec. 21, the winter solstice, such services tend to be contemplative and thoughtful. Often, there is emphasis on candles, with congregants invited to come forward and light a candle in memory of someone, or to mark an event in their lives. 

Many who attend have experienced recent losses. Allison G. of Maplewood attended a Longest Night Service after the death of a parent. "It helped me to see that others are also mourning even at this festive time of year," she recalls. "I also felt some guilt about enjoying Christmas and enjoying myself so soon after the funeral. This was a way to acknowledge sadness in a time of happiness."

While no church or denomination claims to have begun the movement, Longest Night services, by any name, have grown in popularity over the past decade. A recent feature on Religion and Ethics Newsweekly featured a Blue Sunday service. Nationally, many churches began to hold such services after the Sep. 11 attacks.

St. George's Church in Maplewood marks the winter solstice with a contemplative, candle-lit walk through the church's labyrinth. The Reverend Bernard Poppe explains that, "Labyrinths are ancient meditational tools that were adapted early on by the Christian Church from their pre-Christian origins. They are mazes without dead ends that represent our faith journeys. They twist and turn but always bring us to our goal - the mystery of God." The walk begins at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21, with a welcome and orientation, but latecomers are encouraged to come when they can. "It's an individual meditation in the company of others," explains Poppe.

"The paces will differ." The walk, which is new to St. George's this year, "has a way of focusing our intentions and calming our spirit."

Morrow Memorial Methodist Church is holding a Longest Night service at 7:30 p.m. on the same date. The church invites members of the community to, "come and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers and scripture that acknowledge that God's presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle -- and that God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness." 

"I felt better after I went," explains Allison. "I think the holidays can be rough, especially in a recession, because we feel pressure to make the season perfect for the people we love."  She plans to attend a service again this year, because, "It's a place to sit quietly and think about what the holiday means. It helps me go back to the hubbub in the holiday spirit. It simplifies the season."

Both services are free and open to all, regardless of religious affiliation. Rev. Poppe is happy to answer questions at revbpoppe@stgeorges-maplewood.org, and information about Morrow is available on their website.