The holiday season can be a difficult time for people who are mourning the death of a loved one, whether that death occurred recently, or some time ago.
In an effort to help bereaved families throughout the North Thompson Valley, the local funeral home is holding its annual Christmastime Gathering. Everyone is welcome to come to the funeral home in Barriere (across from the Liquor Store) from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.
The event will be divided into three parts. For the first half-hour, representatives from several local churches will offer prayers, words of comfort, and thoughts on ways to cope during the Christmas holidays.
From 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. there will be a candle lighting ceremony, and an opportunity to place a decoration on the Christmas tree in memory of a loved one who has passed away.
Starting at 3:00 p.m. people are welcome to drop in, light a candle in memory of their loved one, and enjoy refreshments. This is a time for everyone to connect.
“This will be the fifth year we have held a Christmastime Gathering in Barriere. Many people have told us how important these gatherings are to them,” said Drake Smith, owner of North Thompson Funeral Services. “It’s an opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one who has passed away, and a chance to enjoy time together as a community.”
Several local ministers are planning to participate in the first half-hour segment of the Christmastime Gathering.
Reverend Keith Peterson said “Although many people may not attend church regularly, this is a chance to place the passing of their loved one into spiritual context, at a time when people prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.”
Pastor Dan Daase of the Clearwater New Life Assembly agrees, adding “I hope we can help provide comfort to those in the North Thompson who may find this time of year to be quite challenging. I believe this is an important offering to the community and I’m thankful to be able to help support our community.”
For more information please call Drake Smith or MaryAnn Shewchuk at 250-672-1999.