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 Clearwater (across from Brookfield Mall) from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5. The event will repeat later in the day from 6 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
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. During the second half-hour 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. For the final hour, 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 seventh year we have held a Christmastime Gathering in Clearwater. 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 share time together as a community.”
Several local ministers are planning to participate in the first half-hour segment of the Christmastime Gathering. Minister Lloyd Strickland 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 Wayne Richardson 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 Jennifer Vincent at 250-674-3030.