Angel of Hope Candlelight Service Set for December 5th

            The Angel of Hope Candlelight Memorial Service will celebrate the lives of departed loved ones on Tuesday December 5th at 6 p.m. This interdenominational service is hosted each Advent season by St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 1207 Macon Rd., Perry. Guest speaker Pastor Dennis Harden will join us from New Hope Baptist Church in Perry, and special music will be provided by Maddie Persinger.

            Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to participate, and to hang a Christmas ornament on the Angel Tree. To reserve an angel ornament in a loved one’s name, call Susan Arzt at 478-987-5630 or email arzt42@windstream.net.

            During the service, as the names of lost loved ones are read aloud, those who remember them may light a candle in their name. The Pascal Candle, used to light all the others, represents the risen Christ, and the Christian hope of resurrection.

            Attendees are invited to join the reception in the parish hall following the service. Refreshments are provided by St. Christopher’s Daughters of the King. The service and reception are free and open to the public.

            The Angel of Hope memorial service was founded by Tribby McQuaig, longtime Perry teacher and school counselor, following the death of her daughter Sherry. Originally for parents who have lost children, the service has been expanded to remember and honor all departed loved ones.

            ‘God our Father, you know our thoughts and share our sorrows. Lead us out of desolation to the caring comfort of your love. When we forget what happiness is, renew in us fresh springs of hope. When we feel bereft of peace, restore our hearts and calm our fears. And when we come at last to our departing, bring us home with you forever, the family of God complete.’