Pray Funeral Home's Annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance has become an annual time to reflect on the death of members of our community. This warm and comforting service was presented by Lori Poyer, our Grief Counselor, Sunday December 6th at 5:00 PM. During the program she shared helpful information about facing the first Holiday Season following the loss of a family member or friend to over 175 people in attendance.
The highlight of the program was the candle lite ceremony recalling the memory of deceased family members.
Some of the helpful information Lori shared is available at these links.
Three C's of Holiday Grief It is easy to drift into activities during the Holidays that can increase our pain. According to Dr. Kenneth Dola, The Hospice Foundation of America's bereavement consultant, you do have choices: you can Choose, Communicate, and Compromise.
A Plan of Action Knowing that the Holidays are going to be a tough time does not make it easier, however it may help to accept your reactions and plan ways to help yourself cope with the Holidays. This Plan of Action from the Mental Health Association of Oregon may be of help to you.
Gifts For Yourself This list of simple activities are helpful and reflective things you can do this Holiday season to help yourself cope with the many emotions that individuals often feel during their fir st Holiday after a loss of a family member or close friend.
Grievers Holiday Bill of Rights The Holidays won't be the same. If you try to keep everything the same you will be disappointed. Doing things differently can acknowledge the change while preserving continuity with the past.
Holiday Planner This
chart may be helpful to you by examining your past Holiday traditions
with the thought that you want to repeat them, or change some of them according to your feelings.
At the conclusion of the program each family that Pray Funeral Home has served during the past year will be presented with an angel ornament that holds an image of their deceased family member or friend. Many of families may place this ornament upon their Christmas Tree or somewhere within their home during the Holiday Season.
If you would like an angel ornament in commemoration of your family member,or if you already have an ornament and would like an additional one, you are welcome to contact Pray Funeral Home at 517-543-2950. These are available for a small cost of $5.00 plus sales tax.
If we had taken care of the services of your loved one, we may have a photograph to use on the ornament. If we have not served your family,we would be glad to prepare an ornament for you, however you would need to supply a photograph. Photos may be emailed or brought to the funeral home, please call and we can set up the necessary arrangements.
Many of the families and individuals found the program to be a comforting uplifting time to share with their family, friends, and neighbors.
Pray Funeral Home's Annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance has become an annual time to reflect on the death of members of our community. This warm and comforting service was presented by Lori Poyer, our Grief Counselor, Sunday December 6th at 5:00 PM. During the program she shared helpful information about facing the first Holiday Season following the loss of a family member or friend to over 175 people in attendance. 
At the conclusion of the program each family that Pray Funeral Home has served during the past year will be presented with an angel ornament that holds an image of their deceased family member or friend. Many of families may place this ornament upon their Christmas Tree or somewhere within their home during the Holiday Season.