A MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT

OF ST. MARK'S

CONSISTORY

 

DECEMBER 2024

 

"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Living God has risen upon you."  Isaiah 60:1

 

The closing of one year and the start of the next signifies a time to grieve, to celebrate, to give thanks and a time to praise God.  It is a time to think back and reflect on the journey you have taken and the journey you want to begin.  As Christians it is important to set aside time for reflection.  This reflection incoroprates many different areas of our life.  For me it is whether I made the right choices; was I a good wife?  A good mother? Friend? Sister?  And most importantly a good Christian.

 

I encourage you to set aside time to reflect on your past year and what your dreams are for the next year.  Questions you ask yourself are:  Was God present  in your life over the past year?  When did you see God trying to step in and intervene?  Did you listen?  Where is God in your life right now?  This is a time to learn from mistakes made, seek guidance on the future and renew your commitment to God.  Taking this time to reflect helps us to go into the new year with confidence, grace, and healed hearts.  Always remember that through Christ, all things are possible.  That means that no matter what the past year held for you, Christ will walk alongside you to help you to move forward in your life.

 

I wish everyone a holiday season filled with joy and prayers to those who may be struggling during this time of year.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

 

Heather Stone, Consistory President

"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey,

you are always welcome here."

BLUE CHRISTMAS

Blue Christmas, also referred to as "The Longest Night," is a day in the Advent season when Christian denominations hold a quiet and contemplative worship service as an alternative to the the more traditional holiday gatherings.  For those experiencing grief and struggling with loss, the service is a recognition of the stress, sadness and loneliness experienced by those who have loss loved ones -- family and/or friends.

The service is traditionally held on or around the longest night of the year, falling on or around December 21st, the Winter Solstice.  Opportunities for expression of grief, pain, and heartbreak are often included in the worship service as well as the opportunity to focus on the promise of hope found in Christ during the Christmas season.

Amid many of their Christmas services, many United Church of Christ congregations are honoring those mourning the loss of a loved one.

"Advent, Christmas and the New Year create opportunities for us to minister to people's spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being," said reverend Sarah Lund, U.C.C. Minister for Disabilities and mental Health Justice in December 2022.  "It's a time of the yeare where we are vulnerable to additional stress, anxieties, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness and feelings of sadness.  We may turn to coping mechanisms that are harmful to us and others.  Some people are triggered this time of year as they navigate personal histories of trauma and unresolved grief.  It's a season that calls forth the faithful witness of the church to share  messages of hope and love for people experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones."

While congregations are preparing for the upcoming Christmas season, many are also mindful of pain in their communities and are making space in their spiritual practices for those who may be struggling.  One of the ways that UCC churches support grieving members is through the Blue Christmas Service.

"UCC Congregations are providing meaningful worship and connection by offering Blue Christmas gatherings, a time of authentic worship during Advent and Christmas that acknowledges the complex feelings this time of years brings," Lund said.  "At a Blue Christmas Service, it is OK to not be OK.  It is OK to not feel happy, jolly, or bright.  It's OK if it is not the most wonderful time of the year."

Here at St. Mark's the opportunity exists for those experiencing grief and struggling with loss.  St. Mark's worship service usually draws small, inimate groups of those mourning the loss of a loved one.