The Christmas season often sparkles with joy and excitement, yet for many, it can also be a time marked by longing, grief, loneliness, illness, worry, financial uncertainty, or life transitions. Sometimes, amidst the busyness, we simply long for a moment of stillness and serenity.
We invite you to join us at St. James Presbyterian Church for our Service of Comfort and Hope on Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. This quiet and contemplative service offers a space for anyone seeking light in the midst of darkness, comfort in the face of sorrow, hope in the face of despair, or the assurance of God’s presence. Whether you are grieving a loss, navigating a season of change, or simply yearning for peace, this service is for you. Please feel free to extend this invitation to anyone who may find comfort here.
This meaningful service includes:
- Candle lighting as a symbol of prayer and hope
- Music to soothe the soul
- Readings and blessings to offer encouragement
- Moments of anointing with oil for those who seek this ancient sign of God’s care
- The decorating of our poinsettia tree, a beloved tradition of remembrance and prayer
The poinsettia tree has been a cherished part of this service since 2011. Each poinsettia placed on the tree represents someone dear—loved ones we miss, moments we honour, or individuals we hold in prayer. The story of the poinsettia, often called the Christmas flower, is itself a reminder of hope blooming in unexpected places.
I will be leading the service and Nolan Golding, organist at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (Woodstock) will be our guest organist. If you would like to help with readings or candle lighting, please let me know.
Poinsettia Reservations:
If you would like to dedicate a poinsettia, please contact the church office at (506) 450-4031 or email us at [email protected]. You may also reserve a poinsettia at the service.
A suggested donation of $10 helps cover the cost, but please don’t let finances prevent you from participating—we are happy to provide one for you. During the service, names will be read aloud as each poinsettia is placed on the tree by individuals or families.
To ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate, we encourage reserving one poinsettia per family initially. If additional poinsettias are available, we will gladly accommodate requests. You are welcome to remember as many loved ones or events as you wish, regardless of the number of poinsettias.
If reserving by email, please include the following details:
- Your name
- The names of those you are remembering or honouring
- If you would like us to hold them in prayer, please specify
- If you wish to reserve an additional poinsettia, indicate this
Forms will also be available at the church for those who prefer to reserve in person.
The service of comfort and hope will also concludes with a time of fellowship and refreshments in the church hall—a chance to connect, share, and support one another in community.
For those not directly experiencing grief or loss, you are still warmly welcome to attend. Gathering in worship and solidarity is a powerful way to uphold and support those around us, and to reflect together on the hope Christ offers to all.
We hope you will join us for this special evening of reflection, remembrance, and renewal.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
May the God of hope fill you with peace and joy,
Rev Wendy
