Worldwide Candle Lighting Service to remember deceased children set Dec. 10

The annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Service sponsored by the Lighthouse Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will be held Sunday, Dec. 10, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. This service transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious and political boundaries, and includes music, inspirational readings, and a guest speaker. All loved ones are welcome.

Those who wish to have their children's names read aloud during the service are asked to register beginning at 6 p.m. The service will begin at 6:30. The candle lighting part of the service to honor each child will take place at 7 p.m. to coincide with the largest mass candle lighting to circle the globe. The candle lighting will begin in New Zealand and move westward through each time zone as tens of thousands of bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives, and friends around the globe join together to light remembrance candles to honor their children who have died but will never be forgotten.

Local guest speaker Midge DiNatale, BA-DC-C, certified grief counselor and bereaved parent, has been an advocate for mental health and the bereaved for over 30 years. She comes to the group through her own personal experience with the loss of her husband and a son. Her survival and deep empathy have led her to the path of grief counseling at Delaware Hospice. She inspires hope and perseverance through her presence and her willingness to reach out to those who desire counseling and reassurance from one who truly understands.

For details or to preregister, contact Jill Hicks, co-leader of the Lighthouse Chapter of The Compassionate Friends, at LighthouseTCF@gmail.com. By preregistering, families have the ability to add their child's picture to a slide show that will be featured during the candle lighting. Organizers will also place an ornament on the tree in memory of the child. Ornaments will be available for pickup after the service.