Several nights ago I went along to the Service of Remembrance put on by Harvey Bowler Funeral Services to remember those who had passed away during the previous year. This was held at the Uniting Church and I really didn't know what to expect at all. As it turned out, I knew several ladies also attending who had lost their husbands recently too. I found seeing Robin's name up on the Scroll of Remembrance quite hard to cope with. Rev Sandra took the service, and we were invited up to light a candle for our loved one, and to write their name on a tag and hang it on the memorial Christmas Tree. The whole service was nice and gentle, and very well done, I thought.
After the service light refreshments were served, and I had the chance to talk to the staff member who helped me so much with Robin's arrangements. He remembered me, and commented on the quilt I had made and requested for Robin to be wrapped in, inside his casket.
The church was also hosting the annual Avenue of Trees, each decorated by a community group. We all had the chance to wander around and check them out at the conclusion of the Service of Remembrance. This event was opening to the public over the next few nights, and collects donations for the local foodbanks to help those in need. Such a good cause, and everyone gets to vote for their favourite tree.
13 comments:
What a lovely way to remember those who had passed.🤗
Some beautiful trees on display and I like the Sew Wot one.
Christmas is such a hard time of year when someone you love is no longer there. Our church hosts a service like this every year in December too. I went the year my dad died. Such a peaceful and comforting quiet time of reflection. The sew wots tree is lovely! I hope the fundraiser is highly successful and that everyone who sees the trees is delighted!
What a wonderful service; such respect and admiration for all who've passed...
Love the avenue of trees--so beautiful..
Holidays can be so difficult after loss--I hope you can find warmth in your special memories...hugsx2 Julierose
lighting a remembrance candle is always a good thing ... it doesn't matter how long it's been, seeing your love's name written in black and white cuts deeply ... and we keep bleeding, don't we?
the trees are awesome!
I am sure the ladies there all had memories, and I cannot imagine how difficult it would have been to attend. Jenny, you continue to amaze me with what you do, the way you go out to events and so much more.Do call in if you are up this way. Meantime, many caring thoughts and wishes for you at Christmas. We will be by ourselves, older daughter goes home today, younger one might be up in January before Ralph has hip surgery.
it had to have been very sad for you to attend but I think you are carrying along very well - it all happened so very quickly for you
That was nice. I liked the Sew Wots tree. Very clever!
This is a first for me, in the fact that I've never heard of anything like this. I think It's wonderful. A gracious way to include your loved ones in your Christmas celebrations this year ❤️
They will never be forgotten because true love never dies.
We do the same in our church every year during the month of November. Jenny you are doing so well and I am sending thoughts and prayers your way.
God bless.
How lovely to attend a service when all those who have passed away during the year are remembered and loved ones light a candle in their loved one's honour. I can well imagine there would be tears throughout the service. Don't all the Christmas trees look wonderful. I like the one by the Sew Wot ladies.
My heart goes out to you! I only wish you were closer, so I could give you a big hug and share a "cuppa" and stitch with you. No words can express the difference your life is and nothing will make it better. Just know, I care about you and want you to do the best you can enjoying life (and quilting).
OH my, Jenny, a tear in my eye as I read this post. Yes, wouldn't it be nice if we could share a hug-or two. And what a wonderful service- it all sounds perfect really. And what pretty decorated trees including the wonderful Sew Wots.
The service is such a thoughtful idea. It would have been a bittersweet event to attend.
On the upside, the Sew Wot Christmas tree is very cute.
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