By Michele Weisz
Osoyoos Times
Not everyone finds the holiday season to be the most wonderful time of the year. In fact, for many the holidays are a time of bereavement, loneliness, anger, anxiousness or grief.
Nunes Pottinger Funeral Services, Desert Valley Hospice Society and several local churches are hosting a service for those who would like the opportunity to find comfort, solace and quiet reflection during the holiday season.
“Some people are just not able to jump into the joy of the Christmas season,” said retired United Church minister Stephen Hershey.
The service is directed towards those who are grieving or hurting, said organizer Lori Stodola.
“Everybody is welcome, regardless of race, creed, gender or cultural background.”
The service is spiritual rather than religious, Hershey said, and is not meant to cheer people but rather to have their “sense of loss affirmed” by letting them know that there are others who have been “caught in the valley of shadow” and have come out the other side.
It is a time to slow down, reflect and “be still,” he said.
During the service guests can hold a stone in their hands which represents the weight of their burdens. As they leave, they drop the stone into a basket as they let go of their hardships and struggles.
Stodola said that the service is also a way of grieving for the “loss of a loved one, loss of their health or of their hope,” and honouring someone who has passed away.
Music will be provided by Lloyd Fairweather who will play hymns and songs while lyrics are displayed on a screen to encourage guests to sing along. Several people will provide inspirational readings.
Following the service, refreshments will be served and guests will be invited to light a candle to inspire hope within themselves and to take a flower.
The service will be held on Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at Osoyoos United Church. The event is sponsored by Nunes Pottinger Funeral Service and supported by Desert Valley Hospice Society. Churches throughout Oliver and Osoyoos have been invited to participate.
