Community Christian Church, right across the street from J.C. Nichols Park, graciously opened their doors to us. So, were able to have this beautiful ceremony of remembrance inside a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed sanctuary.

The annual Circle of Lights is a beloved tradition at Kansas City Hospice. Held each year the Tuesday before Memorial Day, Circle of Lights gives our community a place to come together in remembrance. The intergenerational ceremony combines music, art and ritual.

 

At the sound of bagpipes, we gather. Steve Kidwell has been our bagpiper for many years.

Meditation for Candle Lighting

Tonight, we remember and light candles for those who have filled a special place in our hearts and lives.

We light a candle in memory of those who gave us life, those who nurtured our life and were parent or grandparent figures for us in any way.

We light a candle in memory of those to whom we gave life; children and grandchildren who have gone before us, those who died before birth and those who died too young.

We light a candle in memory of those whose love enriched our lives in special ways: our wives, husbands, fiances, partners, and companions. We light a candle in memory of those who journeyed with us in a special way, those who shared with us during our youth and adulthood: friends, teachers, mentors, neighbors, and others who shared in very meaningful ways for us.

Responsive Reading from Rev. Melissa A. Bowers, Chaplain at Kansas City Hospice

Listen to Spring (adapted)

Leader: I am listening to roots growing strong beneath the ground, to barren branches laughing out new growth. I am listening to wild flowers dancing through the meadows.

All: I am listening.

Leader: I am listening to the forest filling up with sun, to the earth filling up with life. I am listening to the trees filling up with leaves.

All: I am listening.

Leader: I am listening to the sky with its many changing moods, to the breaking forth of light in the vestibule of dawn. I am listening to the freshness of the morning.

All: I am listening.

Leader: I am listening to the rain drops giving hope to thirsty gardens, to the orchards pregnant with new life. I am listening to the flowers bursting forth in rainbow colors.

All: I am listening.

Leader: I am listening to the brook, to the sound of happy waters, to the music, rising up from all the earth. I am listening to spring, soaring in on wings of life.

All: I am listening.

Leader: I am listening to music pouring forth from feathered throats, rising up from misty waters, I am listening to a meadow crowned with dawn.

All: I am listening

Leader: I am listening to the growing in the garden of my heart, to my heart singing songs of renewed life. I am listening to the colors of my life.

All: I am listening.