Compassionate Friends To Hold Candle Lighting Ceremony

ONEONTA—On Sunday, December 8, the Oneonta Region Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will join other chapters around the globe to observe the 28th Annual Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting. The ceremony will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Ford Avenue.

The Annual Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe in a ceremony honoring children, grandchildren or siblings who have died from any cause, and transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries. Beginning in New Zealand, candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. From there, the worldwide ceremony produces a virtual 24-hour wave of light moving from one time zone to another. The annual event provides an opportunity for families to remember and honor their departed loved ones, hopefully making the holiday season more bearable. Anyone who has lost a child of any age is welcome to attend, as well as grandparents, siblings, and other close relatives and friends.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at the church at 6:30 p.m., and to bring a small picture of their loved one to place behind one of the votive candles displayed on a special Memory Table at the front of the church. During the ceremony, each family will be invited to come forward and light the candle honoring their loved one.

The Oneonta program includes a variety of music, poetry, personal stories, and a memory photo presentation set to music. Candles will be provided, and refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony. Additionally, local artist David Geer has been commissioned to create an original hand-painted ornament for each family to personalize with their child’s name. The ornaments are a gift from the Oneonta Chapter of TCF to each family in attendance. For more information about the program, or on submitting a photo for the slide show presentation, visit www.tcfoneonta.org. Call (607) 746-7396 with other questions.