ABINGDON, Va. — Abingdon Baptist Church, in collaboration with Farris Funeral Service & Crematory and Frost Funeral Home, will host “The Longest Night: A Winter Service of Hope and Healing,” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, in the church sanctuary, located at 361 West Main Street.

The Longest Night is a unique winter worship and devotion experience that seeks to encourage attendees who are experiencing grief during the holiday season. The service will feature performances by the Abingdon Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, along with scripture readings and prayer.

“Every year, the winter solstice — which is the longest night of the year — takes place on December 21st,” says Rev. Parke L. Deans, minister of music and worship at Abingdon Baptist Church. “We understand the holidays can be overwhelming for someone who has lost a loved one, job, suffered a divorce or a breakup in the family, or relocated to a new area. We hope this event will uplift the spirits of those experiencing feelings of anxiety, sadness, longing and loneliness throughout the Christmas season, while giving them peace of mind and allowing the hope and power of the birth of Christ to move through their hearts.”

Admission to the event is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information, contact Rev. Parke L. Deans at (276) 628-8126 or email pdeans@abingdonbaptist.org.

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