Activities

Grief Support Group
We are continuing our grief support group on a month to month basis while we are in the midst of the pandemic.

Please contact us if interested

Worldwide Candle Lighting Ceremony

~~And I will light a candle for you, to shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew~~

Greetings, Beloved Community,

For a variety of reasons, Hearts Hope Healing will not host a candlelighting ceremony this year.

With the hope of bringing some love, light, and positive energy into your grief journey this holiday season, Hearts Hope Healing still wants to support bereaved families and friends by offering some suggestions:

The Compassionate Friends 26th Annual Worldwide Candlelighting will take place on December 11, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Local candlelighting events will be hosted by:

Upper Cape Chapter, TCF at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 165 Main Street, Buzzards Bay
Lower Cape Chapter, TCF at South Chatham Community Church, 2555 Main Street, South Chatham

For additional information (including information about the TCF virtual candlelighting ceremony), visit www.compassionatefriends.org.

Another way to participate in the Worldwide Candlelighting is to create an altar in your home using pictures, mementos, and a candle of your choice to be lit at 7:00 p.m.

May you find a measure of healing, hope and peace in your heart.

With love and light,

Leyla, Lori and Jeanmarie

MEMORIAL ARRANGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Members of Hearts Hope Healing have gotten together in the past to create memorial arrangements and have them available at the local Candlelighting service that we had in Cotuit. If you want to make your own this year, here are the instructions:

SUPPLIES:

1. Container  – a standard size  loaf pan or similar water proof planter works best.
2. Oasis/floral foam – depending on size of the container – 1 to 2 bricks (can be cut to size)    Can be purchased at any store that carries craft supplies
3. 5 taper candles – size and color of your choice
4. Assortment of evergreens (from your own yard or can be purchased at a garden        store).
5. (optional)  Any decorative accents you prefer I.e., pine cones,  ribbon,  decorative      holiday picks…be creative!
6. Pruning shears

ASSEMBLY:

Soak the oasis in water overnight

Arrange the oasis in the container so it fits snugly – may have to cut some pieces

Candles are added next - cut the wick of the candle a bit

First candle should be placed in the center of the container – push down gently to secure – at least an inch or more.

Evenly space the candles from the center candle close to the edge of the container

Gather the greens – branches should be trimmed to about 6 inches or less and pull off about 2-3 inches of the bottom foliage so that you can stick the green into the oasis about 2 inches to secure; continue with this process until you have the desired effect; as you go along, look to be sure to fill in any holes or gaps where the oasis is exposed. If needed trim the foliage that may be too tall anywhere but especially near the flame. Finally, add any decorative items that you wish.

If you want to do the candle lighting without making the arrangement, 5 candles of your choosing – tapers in holders or votives work just as well.

Here is the Holiday Memorial reading that goes along with the lighting of the candles.

This ritual can be done singularly or with others, anytime or multiple times, as a way to include your child in the holiday season, creating hope for us and joy for them.