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DESCRIPTION:For many people\, the Advent season and the approaching Chris
 tmas holiday do not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertis
 ed on television or in greeting cards\, or that we hear in endless Chris
 tmas carols and holiday songs on the radio. Dealing with the death of a 
 loved one\, facing life after divorce or separation\, coping with the lo
 ss of a job or financial emergencies\, living with cancer or some other 
 disease that puts a question mark over the future\, and a number of othe
 r human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in
  our congregation and community. For those who are far from their hometo
 wns or friends and family\, often for the first time\, feelings of lonel
 iness can be stronger than celebration. Even the fast pace and pressures
  of the holiday season can be too stressful and overwhelming for many\, 
 turning the "happy holidays" into a time of sadness\, frustration\, or a
 nger. Instead of the traditional red and green holiday colors\, for thes
 e people\, the color of Christmas is blue.   Held when the nights are at
  their darkest and when it seems that the light may never return\, the "
 Longest Night" service at Maplewood UMC creates a sacred space for peopl
 e living through dark times. The service is reflective\, accepting where
  we really are\, and holding out healing and hope\, as we remember that 
 the dawn does defeat the darkness\, and that Jesus\, whose birth we anti
 cipate and celebrate this season\, came to bring the Light to all the wo
 rld.   If you are experiencing a "blue" Christmas - whether due to loss\
 , crisis\, separation\, or stress - please join us for this special serv
 ice on December 20th\, at 7 PM\, as we gather to watch through these lon
 gest nights\, and remember that the Light does overcome the darkness\, a
 nd that there is hope in the coming dawn of Christ.
URL:http://maplewood-brentwood.patch.com/events/longest-night-service-map
 lewood-united-methodist-church
SUMMARY:Longest Night Service - Maplewood United Methodist Church
LOCATION:Maplewood United Methodist Church: 7409 Flora Ave\, Maplewood\, 
 MO
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