www.owegofpuc.org<\/a>.<\/p>\nOn Sunday afternoon, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. the church will offer a comforting \u201cBlue Christmas\u201d Worship Service of Remembrance and Hope. This annual service during the Christmas season is for those who are remembering the lives of loved ones who have died, or who are struggling with pain, loneliness, or despair. The simple service, about 30-minutes in length, will be mainly scripture readings, prayers, lighting candles, and a brief homily by Pastor Bruce Gillette.<\/p>\n
They will sing two traditional Christmas carols and a special hymn by Pastor Carolyn Gillette that was written for this service, and is posted on the national United Methodist Worship Office website. Please note, given the nature of this worship service it will be in the sanctuary and not online. The public is invited to attend this informal service in the sanctuary. <\/p>\n
Presbyterian poet Ann Weems wrote a moving poem referencing the shortest verse in the Bible, grief today and Jesus’ name given at his birth (Matthew 1:23), later published in her book, Psalms of Lament:<\/i><\/p>\n
Jesus wept,<\/p>\n
and in his weeping,<\/p>\n
he joined himself forever<\/p>\n
to those who mourn. <\/p>\n
He stands now throughout all time, <\/p>\n
this Jesus weeping, <\/p>\n
with his arms about the weeping ones: <\/p>\n
\u201cBlessed are those who mourn, <\/p>\n
for they shall be comforted.\u201d <\/p>\n
He stands with the mourners, <\/p>\n
for his name is God-with-us. <\/p>\n
Jesus wept.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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