A MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT

OF ST. MARK'S

CONSISTORY

 

MARCH 

2026

Taking time to sit in silence withno phones, electronics, TV, or other distractions is an important way to help restore your body, mind and soul.  Science has proven that taking this time gives your body a chance to heal, rejuvenate new cells, lower blood pressure and quieting the chatter in your head brings clarity.

 

There is so much noise in the world that it can become hard to slow down and really listen and hear God talking to us.  We are now in the 40 days of Lent, and it is a good time to slow down and become more focused on what God is telling you.  Lent offers a time for personal reflection, repentance and reconciliation.  It is truly a time to shut out the distraction of life and be okay in silence.

 

According to Rev. Patricia L. Hunter, associate in ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church, "Lent is generally an uncomfortable season, because if we are serious about reflecting on our spiritual journeys, we must face our disappointments and those areas where our walk does not match our talk."  This really struck me.  As a society we spend so much time telling people what is wrong with the world and the people around us, we forget to sit in silence and focus on ourselves and what we can do.

 

So, are you ready to take the leap and start focusing on Lent?  There is so much to gain.  I truly believe by taking this spiritual journey, you will build a stronger relationship with God, yourself, and the people around you.  Start with small steps, take a little time each day to sit quietly and listen for God to speak to you.  It's a great time to do a devotion, read the Bible, pray, talk to God, sit in silence so you can hear God talking to you.

 

Blessings,

 

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.