The Rev. Angela DeVore realizes that sometimes people are not feeling particularly merry at Christmas time. Instead, they may be feeling blue because of a significant loss in their lives.
DeVore, a chaplain at Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H), wanted to find a way to support those who are grieving and has scheduled a Blue Christmas memorial service for the public.
The service is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 in the atrium at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center.
“We recognize the holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are missing loved ones,” DeVore said. “Christmas is this huge event in our lives and we are all supposed to share in the joy.
“However,” she continued, “that is not always possible. You want to smile and be merry but your heart isn’t in it. This special service will allow you to take a moment to breathe.”
The service will entail a scripture reading and the lighting of candles for each hospice patient who passed away in the past year. In addition, anyone who attends may share the name of a loved one, and a candle will be lit for that person.
“These symbolic gestures can be comforting,” DeVore commented. “In the busy-ness of the season, we all need to take a moment to reflect. This is especially important for those who are grieving and struggling with what Christmas means without their loved ones.”
DeVore also noted that angels for the GBHH&H Tree of Life will be available at the service.
GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose family. It has been serving the community since 1979; its service area is Barton, Pawnee, Rush and part of Stafford counties.
St. Rose’s umbrella organization is Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.