MESSAGE … In the St. Paul’s Methodist Church of Montpelier Sanctuary, Pastor, Kevin Doseck provided an motivating message at the Lighting the way to Christmas program. (PHOTO BY LINDSAY PHILLIPS, STAFF)
By: Lindsay Phillips
Although Christmas is known as the most wonderful time of the year, for many people this is a day of hardship and loss.
While some are busy decorating with family, making plans with loved ones and spending time with each other, others are reminded of all the ways they cannot do these things due to loss or losses they’ve experienced.
In spite of these hard times, one local group has made it their point through their multiple ways of service, to honor and comfort those.
The Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary for many years has hosted a memorial service called Lighting The Way to Christmas.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, St. Paul’s Methodist Church has held these services.
On Sunday, December 4, the special memorial service began at 3:00 p.m. in the Church sanctuary.
As guests arrived they were greeted by CWHC Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary members Connie Dunseth, Cindy Clark and Marilyn Murphy.
Organist Kelly Michael performed a wonderful prelude to open the service and was followed by Auxiliary President Patricia Ledyard greeting all those in attendance and giving introductions.
Following an encouraging prayer to begin the program by Pastor Kevin Doseck, Master of Ceremonies Bill Priest gave an invocation.
Priest shared, “There is someone in my wife’s family who is walking near to death, so this is very close to our hearts right now.”
Priest went on to add, “Some of you are going through that, or have recently lost someone and are here as a part of the program today.”
Music was performed by Dan Stuckey. Prior to the message, Stuckey sang a perfectly relevant song called “Going Home”.
Pastor Doseck then returned to the stage to give the message. Doseck began his message by sharing versus from the Book of John, and finished with those from Psalms 139 and 24.
A five page list of names was read off by Bill Priest and Joyce Schelling, recognizing those who have passed.
These names are on luminaries outside the CWHC Montpelier Hospital by the front entrance.
A final song was sung by Stuckey called “I Sure Miss You”, that was followed Pastor Doseck dismissing those in attendance.
After the program, light refreshments were available at the Disciple Depot, served by Ruth Cooley and Armeda Sawmiller.
Lindsay can reached at lindsay@thevillagereporter.com