Different services help brighten winter solstice

As we trudge through the shortest days of winter, several DuPage congregations and organizations are encouraging a time of reflection, celebration and reconnecting with the tradition of winter solstice, Dec. 22.

The Theosophical Society in Wheaton will be feasting, singing and dancing at its annual Season Celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday at the center, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton.

The organization encourages unity among all people, as well as the study of philosophy, science and religion. In accordance with its mission, the celebration will encompass many traditions, from Christian and Jewish to Hindu and Native American.

"It's an attempt to incorporate all with the oneness of the season and the season of light," said program director Ruthann Fowler.

But this will not be a typical religious service. Each year the free celebration differs as different people bring their own traditions and arts. This year singing, dancing and drumming are expected, along with some ceremonial traditions and discussion.

"Then there's a big eating at the end," Fowler said.

Participants are asked to bring a vegetarian or non-alcoholic dish to pass. Donations of canned and paper goods or money will go to the Humanitarian Service Project, which provides food and other service for DuPage residents in need.

The festivities are free. More details are available online at www.theosophical.org.

The DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church will be celebrating the solstice with a special service at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 4S535 Old Naperville Road, Naperville.

"The service is very different from our usual service," said the Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher.

As a recognition of the importance of both lightness and darkness, the service begins in a darkened sanctuary that is gradually brightened with candles and lights throughout the readings, music and chants, she said.

Everyone enjoys the long, hot sunny days of summer, but Belcher said there is also beauty in darkness. While it may not seem very beautiful after a long bout of shoveling sidewalks on a frigid winter morning, she finds "beauty in the darkness."

Darkness offers rest, hibernation and rejuvenation -- all vital components of the cycles of life, she said. These are concepts many have recognized and honored for thousands of years as many cultures celebrate the passing seasons with celebrations on both the winter solstice as the longest night of the year, and the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

More information is available by calling (630) 505-9408 or online at www.duuc.org

For those who are grieving or going through other difficult times, the Longest Night Service at York Center Church of the Brethren may offer some consolation at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard.

For many, the holidays are a jubilant time of year, but for others who may have lost a loved one or had other strife in life, Christmas can be an especially tough time, said the Rev. Christy Waltersdorff.

The Longest Night Service is a quiet, contemplative service to help them through the difficult days. Waltersdorff said her church has had several members pass away this year so it will be poignant for her to lead the service of prayers and readings.

"The Psalms are really good for lament," she said.

There will also be a time for participants to light a candle in memory of a loved one.

"God holds our grief," Waltersdorff said.

For details, call York Center Church of the Brethren at (630) 627-7411.

If you go

Three DuPage County churches or organizations will celebrate the longest night, the winter solstice.

• The Theosophical Society in Wheaton will have feasting, singing and dancing at its annual Season Celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday at the center, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. For details, call (630) 668-1571, ext. 300.

• The DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church will be celebrating the solstice with a special service at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 4S535 Old Naperville Road, Naperville. For details, call (630) 505-9408.

• York Center Church of the Brethren will hold the Longest Night Service at 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church, 1S071 Luther Ave., Lombard. For details, call (630) 627-7411.