Service a bright spot on unhappy holidays
City pastor speaks from experience
For years, the Rev. Howard Woodruff offered Masses for those experiencing grief, loss, sadness or solitude during the holiday season.
Then his son, Hamilton, died in a car crash three years ago, and he and his wife, Dawn, suddenly knew the pain and despair of losing a loved one during the holiday season he'd been preaching about for so long.
"The only thing I wanted to do that Christmas Eve was get out of that church," the Rev. Woodruff said. "It means a lot more being able to say we know the heartache you're feeling ... but there's much to celebrate."
A handful of people gathered with the Rev. Woodruff at Elm Park United Methodist Church Tuesday night for a Service of Solace, in which scripture readings, hymns and prayers focused on reminding people of joy, forgiveness, patience, acceptance and hope.
The small group gathered and lit candles in honor of the troops, deceased loved ones and those slain in the Newtown, Conn., shooting.
Charles Wallace, who works at the church, came to the service to pray for everyone to have a joyous holiday.
"You never outgrow your need to praise the Lord," Mr. Wallace said. "It's like the pastor said, there's a reason that you're here."
The Rev. Woodruff encouraged attendees to live their lives like Joseph and Job, having faith that there are better days to come and standing steadfast in faith in the face of adversity.
"There are always going to be opportunities for things that will challenge us, maybe even shake us to the core," the Rev. Woodruff said. "Even in the midst of the distress, even in the midst of the pain and peril, our God is with us."
Contact the writer: ksullivan@timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter