On Sunday, Dec. 17, the First United Methodist Church will host “A Quiet Celebration of Joy.”
For some, the holiday season is a time for celebration, but for those mourning the loss of a family member or loved one, the season can bring back painful memories. For two decades, a quiet service has taken in place in Moorestown offering the bereaved a place to mourn their loved ones in hopes of providing a small piece of comfort during the holiday season.
On Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m., the First United Methodist Church will host its 20th Annual Holiday Remembrance Service titled “A Quiet Celebration of Joy.” At the service, families can share memories and celebrate the life of a loved one who’s passed.
The service came to Moorestown in 1997 when Norma Wright and her family moved to town from North Carolina. Wright lost her oldest child in 1991 after a 10-year battle with a brain tumor. Following his passing, Wright and her family participated in a yearly nondenominational remembrance service, which she said they found deeply meaningful.
When they moved to Moorestown in 1996, there wasn’t a service taking place anywhere in town, and the holiday season proved difficult for the family.
“Whatever stage of grief you’re in — whether it’s new or whether it’s old — memories are especially poignant during the holiday time,” Wright said.
In time, Wright became friends with Lisa Kulp, an active member of FUMC, and shared the family’s story. She said next thing she knew, Kulp was calling and saying they wanted to put on the service during the next holiday season.
Kulp said for those who attend each year, the service has become an important part of the holiday season.
“Christmas, it’s a beautiful time of year,” Kulp said. “You want to be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but sometimes, things hold you back. This gives you a way to work through the sadness and grief.”
Pastor HeyYoung Horton said the service is a chance for the bereaved to stop and acknowledge their emotions.
“[The bereaved] need someplace to calm themselves down, let their hearts go and be honest about the feelings they have,” Horton said.
The service itself is simple, Horton said. The pastors read from liturgies, piano accompanied music takes place and the microphone is open for anyone wanting to share memories of a loved one.
As part of the service, a candle lighting ceremony takes place, during which attendees are invited to come forward and light a candle in remembrance of their deceased loved one. Those lighting a candle can do so in silence or share their loved one’s name.
“It’s so beautiful when you see all all these candles of different shapes and sizes lit up,” Wright said.
Horton said there is no preaching and no demand that anyone in attendance stand up or sing along. She said the service is “very low-key” and is open to any member of the community regardless of their religion. The feedback has been consistently positive, Horton said.
Wright said for her, the service is something she can’t do without during the holiday season.
“I think it’s an acknowledgement to yourself that this is a little void at this time of the year,” Wright said. “For some, just acknowledging the sadness is cathartic.”
For Horton, the goal is a simple one for those suffering from grief.
“I hope they can find some water in the desert,” Horton said.
FUMC asks those planning to attend to bring a candle in a holder to light to place at the altar.
A reception will be held following the service with refreshments provided. Nursery care will also be available. For more information, contact the FUMC church office at (856) 235–0450.
