Beech Tree News Network

Morgantown Care & Rehabilitation Center held a "Blue Christmas" service on December 21.  The special service was led by Chaplain Derek Cain and designed to help ease the pain of loss many experience during the Christmas season.

“Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a beloved family member who has died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had," said Cain, who is also the pastor at Salem Baptish Church in Logansport.  "The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.
Those gathered participated in readings, song, and prayer.  Four candles were lit during the liturgy of remembrance.
“The first candle we light is to remember those persons whom we have loved and lost. The second candle we light to redeem the pain of loss.  The third candle we light for those who experience a loss of direction in their lives, and the fourth candle we light as a sign of hope,” said Cain.

Glowsticks were broken by individuals in memory of loved ones lost.
“These lights will help us remember that it is God who brings light in our darkness and holds us close until we are able to shine,” added Cain.
As a final tribute, M.C.R.C. employees named the 36 residents who passed away during the year.  Those included:
Minnie Beasley
Claude Boonie
Wanda Bradley
Edna Brown
Nancy Brown
Johnny Buckley
Donald Carter
Wilbur Drake
Sammy Fawns
Ralph Forbes
Pansy Garrison
Shirley Green
Jerry Hatcher
David Hazelip
Richard Hoover
Lola Hope
Roy Jackson
Glendon Johnson
Shelton Kessinger
James Lindsey
Collins Martin
Wilbur McKinney
Archie Moore
Clifton Morris
Linda Nash
Etta Newton
Martha Oliver
Costella Phelps
Nona Pinkston
Frederick Schaser
Kirk Schmidt
William Sutton
Nadean Wood
Artie Bratcher
Polley Jones
Robert Hamilton

Mandy Logsdon accompamied Chaplain Cain on the piano during the service.  Refreshments were served afterwards.