Hospice Volunteers – Nineteenth Annual Memorial Service (Nov. 1)

All are invited to the Nineteenth Annual Memorial Service on Hospice Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be held at the First Congregational Church on Eustis Parkway in Waterville.

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 1, 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.

About Hospice Volunteers

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area (HVWA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 that serves 27 communities in Central Maine. It exists to provide non-medical support to individuals and their families during the last phases of life and to loved ones throughout the grieving process and to educate the community on issues related to death and grieving. Bereavement services are available to anyone who has sustained loss. HVWA is volunteer-based and community funded. For more information about the free end-of-life and grief support services offered by HVWA phone 873-3615 or visit us online at www.hvwa.org.