Worldwide Children's Remembrance Day to be observed

Zion United Church of Christ, Second and Iron streets in Lehighton, will offer an annual candlelighting service to remember children who are gone too soon.

The second Sunday in December of each year is designated as "Worldwide Children's Remembrance Day." It is a time to commemorate and honor the memory of children who have died at any age from any cause.

Since 1997, a Worldwide Candle Lighting, believed to be the largest mass candlelighting on the globe, has created a 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone at 7 p.m. local time. This observance was initiated by The Compassionate Friends, an international organization that provides support to families after a child dies, as a gift for families to remember the children who have died too soon but will never be forgotten.

The service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

The program will include reading, music and candlelighting, along with the opportunity to recognize children's, siblings' and grandchildren's names.

Participants are invited to create and bring an ornament that honors their child, which may be placed on the "Remembrance Tree" to be displayed throughout the holiday season. You are encouraged to include a photo and the name of the child or children being remembered on the ornament.

Light refreshments and a time for fellowship will follow the candlelighting service. Any donation of refreshments is welcome, but not necessary.

For more Information, email davelora@ptd.net or call 610-377-6188.