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The Center for Life Experience, which provides grief support services, will hold its annual “Service of the Longest Night—Awaiting the Dawn of a New Day” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall St.
Ann Leiker, who is leading the hour-long service, said that similar services are held in churches around the country.For many people who have lost a loved one, “Christmas is not a happy, jolly time,” Leiker said.
“This service is about finding hope for the future—finding that we are not alone.”
The non-denominational service is open to anyone of any faith, she said.
It will include music, readings and lighting of memorial candles. Dana Keller will be the special soloist.
Laura Allen, the Center’s executive director, said, “It's so easy for us to get caught up in the holidays, we often forget others may be struggling. ‘The Longest Night Service’ is a time to recognize that the holidays are sometimes met with grief, loss, and other messy emotions.
“Giving people a safe place to honor those feelings, as well as the memories of those who have passed, is essential to many on their grief journey. If you need to talk about your lost loved one, are looking for silent remembrance, or anything in between, please join us for ‘The Longest Night.’”
The Center, located at 103C E, 27th, offers three grief support groups that meet throughout the year at the Center.
Healing Hearts is for parents and other family members who have lost a child. It meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month.
Healing After Loss is for those who have suffered an adult loss, such as a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend. It meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month.
Healing After Loss of Suicide is for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
Leiker, who retired in 2022 as the Center’s executive director, said the service is a tradition that the Center started a number of years ago. She expressed gratitude to the First Presbyterian Church for hosting it each year.
More information about the Center is available from Allen at 785-259-6859.