This season comes with a constant cultural refrain of gathering with family and friends, of celebrating and giving, of spending money and experiencing happiness—and yet many people find it a source of more pain than gladness. Even in the holiday season, or maybe especially in the holiday season, we may need space to name lack, loss, estrangement, insecurity, anxiety, depression, or express our fear or grief over what is happening in our world.
The Solstice, when the longest night stretches before us, may be a time when we need community and solace.
We will gather in the Parish Hall from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on the 21st to hear writings that offer comfort for what we are experiencing, and to have the opportunity to reflect together on three topics:
- experiences of pain this time of year (a story about you in the past or someone you know or characters in literature or film);
- particular causes of pain or struggle in your personal life this season;
- and pain you are feeling related to things happening in the nation or world.
All people are welcome of any spiritual path. If you have questions or would like more information, email us at unitedchurchofstrafford@gmail.com.
United Church of Strafford, Vermont 