Christmas Remembrance Service 2014
Christmas Remembrance Service, 2014
Christmas Remembrance Services
“They were the best of times, they were the worst of times.”
Charles Dickens (A Tale of two Cities)
Christmas times are often amongst a family’s happiest memories; for many, they were indeed the best of times.
But because of the passing of a loved one or because economic circumstances had left them struggling financially, they may also be remembered by some, as the worst of times.
Ever mindful of our mission to be there for the bereaved following the loss of a loved one, Tobin Brothers Funerals annually conduct Christmas Remembrance Services at the many of its chapels across Melbourne.
Christmas Remembrance Chapel Services
In December 2014, within a three week period, hundreds of people came together at Tobin Brothers Chapel Christmas Services to share with other grieving families heartfelt tributes and cherished memories of those whose passing had left them with an ‘empty chair’ this Christmas.
Tobin Brothers Managing Director, James MacLeod was a co-presenter at some of the services. “The first birthday, anniversary and Christmas are tough following the death of a loved one.”
“From where I sit our Christmas Remembrance Services are simple, practical but very powerful……people walk away with a tool set to help them get through the festive season and with the knowledge and comfort that they are not alone in grief.”
Christmas Remembrance Concert at Federation Square
On Thursday 18 December, after a successful first year in 2013, we staged our second Christmas Remembrance Concert at the Deakin Edge in Federation Square. The aim of this event was to provide an uplifting musical experience for everyone in attendance but particularly for those facing their first Christmas without a loved one.
On the stage was a white empty chair – the international symbol of loss and grief, and on it, at the very end of the concert, two small children each placed a single red rose in memory of those being remembered.
Reflecting on that evening later, James MacLeod said he was reminded of the words of Hans Christian Anderson who said – when words fail music speaks……
“I feel Andersen’s words so accurately describe our Christmas Remembrance Concert,” said Mr MacLeod
Choral contributions came from the superb Australian Children’s Choir; orchestral music from the Ringwood Secondary College Symphonic Band; Aldous Tria from the Victorian College of the Arts who again displayed what a superb guitarist he is, while Denis Walter and Karen Knowles were undoubtedly the individual stars of the show.
Karen breathed deep emotion into Eva Cassidy’s Fields of Gold and later in the concert she and Denis brought tears to the eyes of many with their reading of That’s What Friends Are For.
“My colleagues and I at Tobin Brothers Funerals, are privileged to continue to provide that friendship” said James MacLeod.
Coping at Christmas
There are no simple answers to dealing with grief at Christmas, but we at Tobin Brothers do share with you some suggestions as to how you might choose to take care of yourself during the festive season.
You are invited to attend a Service
Anyone bereaved is welcome to attend our Christmas Remembrance Services each year, whether the person has died this year or in years past, we have many people and families who return to these services for comfort.
There is no cost involved but to reserve a seat please register on our website where you will also find more information and the service dates and times.
Tobin Brothers Funerals
Celebrating Lives Since 1934
