Hope Lights the Night in Two Hills at Christmas Memorial Service

Hope Lights the Night in Two Hills at Christmas Memorial Service

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Takayoshi Popowich was one of around 30 people who gathered in the Two Hills Centennial Hall on Dec. 12 to honour and remember his Yewko who passed away this past August.

By his side throughout the Christmas Memorial Service was his grandmother Sharon Popowich, who said the service was a nice way to honour, celebrate and grieve.

MC Cindy Krahn welcomed everyone and shared a very special message. She said, “Be kind to those with broken hearts. Please understand they are doing the best they can. Please remember there is no time frame for grief, no matter what or who the grief is for. Grief in one form or another will always be felt. Please know for some this is the absolute most difficult time of the year. The depths of the pain can burst at the seams. Please remember to be empathetic, caring, and most of all, be non-judgemental.”

Marlene Salmonson, Pastor of the Two Hills United Church also delivered a special message titled: Let There Be Light.

The first thing Salmonson when she came up to the podium was to light a candle in a hurricane lantern. She explained that, “In our church we have a tradition, right after our announcements, we have what we call candles of hope, candles of concern, and candles of joy.

I want to share something about one of our church members who passed away this year. Her name was Vicky Kuzio. Whenever I said who would like to light a candle Vicky would always put her hand up and she would always say the same thing. She would say, Marlene, please light a candle to our children, to our grandchildren, and to our great grandchildren.

One particular thing about this candle holder is that it had a little label hurricane lantern candle holder and I took it out into prairie field on an extremely windy day and yet the candle did not go out. Sometimes I feel that when we are grieving, when we are in times of grief it feels as if we are in the middle of a hurricane and sometimes it feels as if every tiny wind, every breath of air can blow our joy away. But I guess one of the wonders of God is that eternal presence and that eternal love that God has for all of us. All of us here. All of us who are happy, who are sad and those of us who are in a hurricane.”

Ted Lantz, Pastor of the Two Hills Fellowship Chapel, shared his own personal journey; one that went from addiction, pain, and loss to positive change, personal transformation and salvation. Lantz said he shares his story not to brag, but to offer hope when all seems hopeless.

Pastor Lantz concluded with a prayer. “Father God thank you for bringing our community together tonight to love and support one another. We are faced with troubled times and each one of us is suffering something. While I ask you meet each person where they are, and if it’s your will give them peace and comfort and strength to get through whatever they are dealing with. Above all, I would ask that you make yourself known to those who don’t know you and they would come to the saving knowledge of your son. So, they too may have eternal life through you.”

Luminaries Purchased in memory of loved ones.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The event was sponsored by the Two Hills & Area community Wellness Coalition in partnership with several agencies, organizations and businesses.

According to Krahn, “The first community Memorial Service was started in 2000 by a committee consisting of 5 members from various departments at the Two Hills Health Centre, (THHC) : Donna Soprovich, Sharon GoodmanPopowich, Kathy Sawchuk, Jeannie Hare, and Cindy (Wolanuk) Krahn.

The service was entitled: “Memory Tree Light-Up and Service of Remembrance.” It was held in the lobby of the Two Hills Health Centre and “bulbs” could be purchased in memory of lost loved ones. A reading of all of the names was done as part of the service and a Christmas tree was ceremoniously lit with the purchased bulbs.”

Locations of event changed over the years, and Krahn said support and the number of community members involved with the event has grown.