The service will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, starting at 6 p.m.

The ministerium, Fosters’ Funeral and Cremation Center and Boman’s Funeral Home are working together to bring this service of comfort to Hamilton County residents who are feeling a little blue during the holidays.

Rev. Craig Blaufuss, the pastor at First Congregational, who wrote the service this year, summed up the need to work together.

“By combining our strength and support to help those facing the holidays with enormous losses of family and friends during the past year, this worship service is intended to help move the shadow of loss, and help in the process of healing, returning the strength of faith which insures us that our loved ones are with God,” he said.

With beautiful decorations, a snow cover all around, and Christmas tidings blasting music in every store, being a bit blue, downheartened and sad seems out of place.

But it’s so real and normal.

Amy Erickson Keller of Fosters says that many years ago, Fosters would have a Holiday Remembrance service at their location. This was coordinated by her father Bob, and brother Scott, but when Covid hit in 2020, the practice stopped.

“So then we did a luminary display that was a drive through,” said Keller. It didn’t seem to provide what they had hoped, they were looking for a better way to help family members during the holidays.

“I started talking with Sarah Ostlund and the very first one was at Trinity Lutheran Church,” she said. “Then we were at Asbury, then Faith and now at the Congregational Church.”

“This is the fourth year combined with the ministerial association and the second year that Boman’s have participated with us,” she continued. “Most of the churches have done something similar in the past, (the All Saints services) but there are many who don’t get to those.”

Stepping into any church for the first time opens the door to faith, spiritual growth and awe. But it can also be intimidating. This service won’t put anyone on the spot. There will not be a collection for money. Everyone is welcome.

The service will include readings to comfort, with the lighting of the advent candles representing memories, grief, comfort and hope. With each candle, a thoughtful reading will be shared, and music will be woven into the service.

Attendees will be invited to light a candle in honor of a loved one and speak their name. If they prefer not to speak, they can write the names on a card and it will be read. If someone wants to have one recognized, but not light the candle, they can request someone read the name and light the candle.

It’s about healing.

“It’s designed to bring together the families and souls of those who departed this earth during the year,” said Blaufuss, “It’s an evening established to provide the support, and guidance through the grieving process that we all encounter and need help with throughout our lives.”

Everyone attending can bring a photo or item of remembrance of loved ones that will be put on display in Fellowship Hall. After the service everyone is invited to stay to talk, remember and share with coffee, bars and fellowship.

“I’ve had families tell me that they have really appreciated this, especially if they haven’t had a full traditional service held for their loved one,” said Keller. “This allows a little bit of closure for some, and especially at the first holidays it’s always more difficult.”

Sometimes that is the greatest way to heal. To know others care and are going through the same thing.

This weekend, the doors are open to the community as they are every weekend, but this Sunday night, the Ministerial Association is bringing together the Webster City community of ministers, priests and those who are in mourning.

All you have to do is enter.