UNITY — On the afternoon of Dec. 3, there was a large gathering of folks at St. Peter’s Church for a service of remembrance sponsored by Gerein Funeral Service and with participation from the Unity Ministerial Association.
Attendees brought treasured ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree.
The musical prelude included solos, duets, trios and instrumentals, all carefully selected to be comforting and encouraging to the bereaved, and all beautifully rendered.
This is an interdenominational service and clergy from the United, Baptist and Roman Catholic churches participated, as well as lay people from all churches, including the Lutheran church, and members of the community.
The guest speaker was Dianne Young from Warman, who lost her husband eight years ago, and who published a book about the grieving process. She solicited letters from other widows, asking them, “What would you tell your grieving self, shortly after your loss, from the prospective of your years of experience?” She included her own letter to herself in the book and in her talk, offering wisdom and compassionate advice to all of us facing losses.
The names of the recently deceased, including some from outside the community, were read, and prayers for grace, for healing and blessing were offered.
Candlelight is rich in symbolism, not just in Christianity, but for all of us. The greatest darkness cannot deny the light of a candle. Folks lined up at the front of the sanctuary to light candles in memory of their loved ones.
Following the service lunch was served in the lower hall, giving those gathered a chance to visit and enjoy refreshments.
