Zion United Church of Christ, Lehighton, will once again offer an annual candle-lighting service to remember children who are gone too soon. The second Sunday in December of each year is designated as “Worldwide Children’s Remembrance Day.” It’s a time to commemorate and honor the memory of children who have died at any age from any cause.

Since 1997, a Worldwide Candle Lighting, believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, has created a 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone at 7 p.m. local time. This observance was initiated by The Compassionate Friends, an international organization that provides support to families after a child dies, as a gift for families to remember the children who have died too soon, but will never be forgotten.

The service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Zion United Church of Christ, Second and Iron streets in Lehighton.

The program will include reading, music and candle lighting, along with the opportunity to recognize children’s, siblings’ and grandchildren’s names.

Participants are invited to create and bring an ornament that honors their child, which may be placed on the “Remembrance Tree,” to be displayed throughout the holiday season. You are encouraged to include a photo and/or the name(s) of the child (children) being remembered on the ornament.

Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Any donation of refreshments is welcomed, but not necessary.

For More Information, email tcfcarboncounty@gmail.com.

In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 11.