Contributed photo Vernon Jones, left, visits with Dr. Glenn Harris, who was the featured speaker at the Candlelight Memorial Service

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Contributed photo Family members had the chance to light candles in memory of their loved one during the service.

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Staff report

A congregation of more than 250 people remembered friends and loved ones during Hospice of Scotland County’s annual Candlelight Memorial Service, held recently at Northview Harvest Ministries in Laurinburg.

During this celebration of life, love and hope, the name of each patient served by Hospice of Scotland County during the previous year was read aloud. Family members were invited to come to the front of the church to light a candle in memory of their loved one. The event was Nov. 17.

Dr. Glenn Harris, a Laurinburg physician and pastor, offered words of consolation and a message of hope. He encouraged the worshippers to remember the good times they had with their loved one.

“In death, we often forget the life that was lived,” Harris said.

He also reminded family members that although their grief may be painful, it is a reminder of how much they loved the person who has died.

“You grieve because (your loved one) meant something to you. If there’s no grief, there was no love.”

Pastor Kenneth Blease of Northview offered the invocation and welcome, Hospice Chaplain Rev. Gregory Woods offered the Call to Worship, and Hospice Board Chair John Clark led the Call to Remembrance.

Several musicians contributed their talents to the service. The group Spirit Borne sang “It Is Well With My Soul,” while the duet of Hospice staff members Pennie Thomas and Angel Adkins sang “Light A Candle.” Chuck Jackson sang a solo, “Arms That Hold The Universe,” and Rev. Joyce Blease provided musical accompaniment.

In addition, Amos Green designed and built the wooden platforms that displayed more than 400 candles on the altar.

Following the service, the congregation enjoyed a reception at the church fellowship hall. Numerous Hospice of Scotland County volunteers donated pies, cakes, snacks for the reception, and were on hand in the kitchen to assist with food preparation and clean up afterwards.

Founded in 1986, Hospice of Scotland County is the only not-for-profit hospice agency in Scotland County. The agency serves more than 250 patients each year.