Annual Interfaith Memorial Service

22nd annual Memorial Service on Hospice Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4:00pm. Place to be announced. Those who attend will be given an opportunity to come forward during the service to light candles in memory of loved ones. People are also free to share a meaningful poem or reading at that time. There will be someone available to light candles for those who are uncomfortable coming forward or who are unable to attend. If you want to attend but do not have transportation, or wish to have a name read in your absence, please call the Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area Community Center at 873-3615 or email hospiceinfo@hvwa.org. A light supper will be served in the church fellowship hall directly after the service.

November is National Hospice Month and the first Sunday in November is chosen as Hospice Sunday because it is also All Soul’s Sunday. This is a time when many congregations remember those who have died in the previous year. Some congregations remember those who have died over the years. History indicates that this has been a celebration since the Middle Ages. It consists of two days. All Saint’s Day on November 1st, the eve of which is known as All Hallow’s Eve, translated into modern day Halloween. On both days the prayers of the church are offered for those who have died. In Buddism, a similar observance is held as an expression of filial piety for deceased family members. The Jewish memorial service for the departed is Yizkor. It is held in the Synagogue on Yom Kipper (the Day of Atonement) earlier in the fall.