St. John Lutheran Church, 11005 N.E. Highway 99, Vancouver, will host its annual Longest Night Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 21. The service is open to anyone of any denomination (or no denomination). This quiet service with live music, prayers and scripture readings is dimly lit so that people feel comfortable crying. Towards the end of the service, the congregation will come forward, light a candle from the Christ candle, then move to the altar, filled with small unlit candles which symbolize life’s burdens. Attendees are encouraged to light one or more of the altar candles, symbolizing the sustaining power of Christ’s light. For more details, call 360-573-1461 or visit www.stjohnlc.com.