Compassionate Friends to hold candle-lighting service Dec. 10

The Lighthouse Chapter of the Compassionate Friends will participate in the annual worldwide candle-lighting service to remember children who have died. The service will be at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.

This service transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious and political boundaries, and includes music, inspirational readings and a guest speaker. All loved ones are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Dr. Judith E. Pierson, and music will be provided by Jerry LaRosa.

Pierson is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Rehoboth Beach. She also works for Delaware Hospice as a bereavement counselor and trainer.

When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.

Those who wish to attend this special event and have their child’s or children’s names read aloud during the service are asked to register beginning at 6 p.m. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. The candle-lighting part of the service to honor each child will take place at 7 p.m. to coincide with the largest mass candle-lighting to circle the globe.

The candle lighting will begin in New Zealand and move westward through each time zone as tens of thousands of bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and friends around the globe light remembrance candles to honor their children who have died but will never be forgotten.

For questions, call Jill Hicks at 610-368-0236.

The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family.

The Lighthouse Chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets at 7 p.m., the second Thursday of every month at Epworth UMC.

Schell Brothers has graciously agreed to reserve parking spaces in the front lot of Epworth Church for those attending the service. Upon arrival, attendees should let the parking attendants know they are there for the the candle-lighting service and they will be assisted. 

For more information or questions, call Jill Hicks, 610-368-0236.