01/23/2017
Below is a letter we received recognizing our contribution and installation of a special type of tree in Downtown Dallas. We at Year Round Christmas Lights are proud to be a part of such a special inter-faith outreach.
Dear Staff of Year-Round Christmas Lights:
Faith & Grief Ministries is deeply grateful for your generous sponsorship of the inaugural Community Tree of Remembrance. Light from this tree shined in the darkness of communal and personal grief illuminating a new tradition of comfort filled with love, encouragement, and multi-faith worship. Below are some highlights made possible through your sponsorship.
• Men and women wrote the names of loved ones on over 350 ribbons and tied them on the Arch of Remembrance. The first ones written were the names of Lorne Ahrens, Michael Krol, Michael J. Smith, Brent Thompson, and Patrick Zamarripa, the Dallas first responders killed by a sniper on July 7. Each and every ribbon prompted a meaningful story about that person and volunteers listened with rapt attention, often followed by hugs and prayers.
• Many of the individuals returned to the Community Tree of Remembrance bringing friends and co-workers and encouraging them to write the names of loved ones and tell their stories. They readily told anecdotes about their loved ones and left with smiles and tears of joy.
The two multi-faith worship services were led by members and friends of Faith Forward Dallas.
Readings, prayers, songs and stories represented Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and Jewish
traditions. One participant wrote: The Community Tree of Remembrance prayer services were
wonderful. The presenters had beautiful words and songs to share. Each night was gorgeous! I
am so glad to have experienced these events. I look forward to next year.
Faith & Grief Ministries also looks forward to next year in providing the Community Tree of Remembrance at Thanks-Giving Square. Plans are already underway to attract more individuals, families, and groups to the Community Tree of Remembrance through additional events at the site.
Thank you for your compassionate desire to bring comfort to those who mourn.
Grace and peace---
Faith & Grief Ministries, Inc.