2009 Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting Services - California
Communities across the globe will be joining in The Compassionate Friends 13th Worldwide Candle Lighting on December 13, 2009.
You are invited to provide us information about your Worldwide Candle Lighting event for posting so people in your area will know of your service and be able to attend. Please complete the Worldwide Candle Lighting Information Form. Note: we reserve the right to edit all submissions.
IMPORTANT: If you attempt to submit your candle lighting service and we do not contact you or your service is not listed within 24 hours, please contact Joan@compassionatefriends.org.
Click on your state below to view Worldwide Candle Lighting events in your area.
Services are being added daily! Stop back often!!
Countries Outside of the United States: Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Canada England France Germany Mexico Philippines Poland Puerto Rico South Africa Spain Switzerland
Second Life Virtual Reality Online Service (see listing bottom of
other countries page)
Burlingame – Mid Peninsula Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: Burlingame Methodist Church (in social hall), 1443 Howard, Burlingame, CA
Highlights: Readings, music performed by Judy Philbin (www.candleinthewindow.net).
Bring: Pictures and/or remembrances for our memory board. Refreshments & candles will be provided.
Special Events (before): Please join us early so that we can begin the candle lighting promptly at 7:00 PM.
Special Events (after): Sharing time & refreshments in the social hall immediately following.
Additional: Please call us if you are coming with a group.
Contact: Rosanna Marks
Telephone: 650-302-6832 Email: rosanna63@aol.com
Camarillo – Ventura County CA Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:15 PM
Location: Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Rd, Camarillo, CA
Highlights: We will have a bagpiper playing prior in the beginning, reading each child's name, poems, and very special music; one will be "Precious Child".
Bring: Please bring a framed picture no larger than 8x10, or a memento that represents your child which will be placed on the steps of the altar (you will take it home after the ceremony).
Special Events (after): Please feel free to bring a dessert to share as we gather together after the ceremony.
Additional: You may also contact Lynne Garrety at 805-486-2536 or send email to: lgarrety@yahoo.com.
Contact: Janice Anderson
Telephone: 805-579-7065 Email: gjanderson@sbcglobal.net
Canyon Country – Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: Canyon Country Park, 17651 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country, CA
Highlights: We will be having music, three singers, reading of poems, and a person who signs to our songs.
Bring: Refreshments will be served. If you would like to donate some cookies that would be very much appreciated.
Special Events (before): Our program starts promptly at 6:30 PM and we will light candles at 7:00 PM. No need to bring your own candle.
Special Events (after): Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
Contact: Diane Briones or Alice Renalds
Telephone: 661-252-4654 RSVP Email: peytonsgrandma@sbcglobal.net
Carmichael – Sacramento Valley Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 5:30 PM
Location: Christ Community Church, 5025 Manzanita Ave, Carmichael, CA
Highlights: Poetry reading and slide show presentation.
Bring: Pictures or remembrance for memory table and a dish to share for the potluck dinner.
Special Events (before): Potluck dinner starts at 6:00 PM.
Special Events (after): Desserts.
Contact: Pamela Amo
Telephone: 916-457-4096 Email: sacvalleytcf@yahoo.com
Chino Hills – Chino Hills Christian Fellowship
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Location: Chino Hills Christian Fellowship, 15558 Avery St, Chino Hills, CA (near Chino Hills Golf Course)
Highlights: Speakers, readings, special music, and reading of children's names.
Bring: Pictures or remembrances.
Special Events (before): Music, sharing time, and snacks.
Special Events (after): Fellowship with one another.
Contact: Carolyn Lutui
Telephone: 951-227-9737 Email: CarolynLutui@yahoo.com
Colton – Colton First Assembly of God
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Location: Colton First Assembly of God, 450 West Citrus St, Colton, CA
Highlights: The program will begin at 6:00 PM and include the reading of names of our children and a picture slide show. The candle lighting will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, so the chain around the world will not be broken. As candles go out in one time zone, they will be lit in the next creating a wave of light that will encircle the globe. The event program will include poems, music, and special speaker.
Bring: Child's picture or special mementos for "memory table" (limited space).
Special Events (before): Our program starts promptly at 6:00 PM and we will light candles at 7:00 PM. No need to bring your own candle.
Additional: If you would like to submit a photo for the slide show you may email it to media@coltonag.com by Dec. 9th. Please include your loved one's name with their photo.
Contact: Greg and Jessica Godwin
Telephone: 909-792-2910 Email: gjbgodwin@yahoo.com
Cotati – Congregation Ner Shalom
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Congregation Ner Shalom, 85 La Plaza, Cotati, CA
Highlights: We will have everyone light a candle for someone who has experienced a loss.
Additional: This is the 3rd night of Chanukah that we will celebrate as a community.
Contact: Pamela Fender
Email: pdfender@yahoo.com
Eureka – Humboldt County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Location: St. Bernard's Church (social hall), 615 H Street, Eureka, CA
Highlights: Guest speaker, John Gai, readings, music by Kenna Reed (harpist), and slide presentation of our children.
Bring: Pictures or remembrances for our picture table.
Special Events (after): Social time and refreshments.
Additional: If you would your child's picture included in the slide presentation, please send it by Dec. 1st, to: Anne Wade, 1101 National Ave, #2203, San Bruno, CA 94066 or to her email address: annebwade@gmail.com.
Contact: Anne Wade
Telephone: 650-589-5523 Email: annebwade@gmail.com
Glendale – St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries Center
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries Center, 632 W. Stocker St, Glendale, CA
Highlights: We will have a special service with bible and poem readings, a speaker or two, and special music. We read the names of our children outside during the candle lighting and share special memories or poems. We will have a slide presentation before and throughout the event.
Bring: If you would like your loved one's picture included in the slide presentation, please email the picture to forCathia@aol.com.
Special Events (after): Refreshments, cookies, and sharing time after the candle lighting.
Contact: Maria Hamparian, Cathia's mom.
Telephone: 626-826-7833 Email: forCathia@aol.com
Glendale/La Canada – Verdugo Hills Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 5:30-8:00 PM
Location: La Canada Congregational Church, 1200 Foothill Blvd. at Verdugo Blvd., La Canada, CA (across from La Canada Memorial Park and minutes from Verdugo Hills Hospital meeting location on Verdugo Blvd.)
Highlights: Pot luck dinner from 5:30-6:30 PM (A-N bring main dish for 10 and O-Z bring salad for 10). Dessert, coffee, and door prizes from 6:30-7:00 PM. The candle lighting event is from 7:00-8:00 PM with music, poetry reading, bagpipes, short memorial walk, and AV presentation of our children. Light a candle for all children who have died too soon - "that their light may always shine".
Bring: Photo of child if not included in AV presentation or a remembrance (or email photo ahead to crafteec@msn.com with child's name and dates). Dessert or drinks are welcome before 7:00 PM. If you would like to bring a dessert or drinks to share that would be helpful but is not required.
Special Events (before): Pot luck from 5:30-6:30 PM. Dessert and coffee from 6:30-7:00 PM. Candle lighting event begins at 7:00 PM. Come for all of it or a portion of the evening. Children are welcome to participate with adult supervision.
Special Events (after): Children in attendance may take home balloons used for decorations. TCF bookmarks to first 100 in attendance. Candle lighting buttons for first 40 in attendance.
Additional: Chapter will furnish candles, holders, drinks, rolls, paper goods, and dessert. Open to all faiths and children of all ages.
Contact: Carole Dyck
Telephone: 818-952-1932 Email: caroledyck1@aol.com
Granada Hills – St. Stephen's Lutheran Church
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:30 PM
Location: St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA
Highlights: Candlelight Carols: A concert of beautiful music, poetry, and candle lighting.
Special Events (after): Reception.
Contact: Anne Bell
Telephone: 818-634-7068 Email: annejbell@gmail.com
Gustine – Bereaved families of Newman-Gustine, CA in conjunction with the Worldwide Candle Lighting
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Gazebo at Gustine City Park, Gustine, CA
Highlights: Speaker "A Father's Loss", music, and video presentation of loved ones.
Bring: May bring pictures and remembrances.
Special Events (before): If you would like your loved ones picture included in the video presentation please contact Glennis Kidder so picture may be scanned into program.
Special Events (after): Refreshments following service.
Contact: Glennis Kidder
Telephone: 209-862-2725 Email: glenniskidder@sbcglobal.net
Kerman – Kerman, Fresno, and surrounding communities
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15500 W. Kearney Blvd, Kerman, CA
Highlights: Come enjoy music, poetry, and a chance to share and mingle with other families. The candle lighting will be held outdoors so bring a warm jacket. Candles will be provided.
Bring: Pictures, mementos, or remembrances for our display table. Also bring a half-dollar sized picture if you wish to create a Memory Star.
Special Events (after): Light refreshments will be served after the candle lighting.
Contact: Melani Travioli
Telephone: 559-696-2820 Email: PostalFrog@comcast.net
La Mirada – Orange County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (TCF meeting location), 15246 Barnwall Rd, La Mirada, CA
Highlights: Candle lighting, reading of names, music, soloist, poetry readings, and memorial walk with bagpiper.
Bring: Photo or memento for remembrance tables, jacket for outdoor perimeter memorial walk, flashlight if you need the assistance, and refreshment snack or drink to share if you wish (please contact Barbara for suggestions).
Special Events (before): Please arrive before 7:00 PM to list name(s) to be read and obtain your candle.
Special Events (after): At 8:00 PM we will have refreshments and view remembrance tables.
Contact: Barbara McClatchey
Telephone: 714-523-5121
Lodi – Lodi Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Location: Lodi Chamber of Commerce, 35 S Oak St, Lodi, CA
Highlights: Reading of compassionate friends, program to special music, music programmed to reading of children's names.
Bring: Pictures and remembrances of your child and if you have names of children you would like to have read during the program.
Special Events (before): Sharing from 6:00 to 6:45 PM, refreshments will be provided.
Special Events (after): Sharing after candle lighting for the ones who would like too and refreshments.
Additional: Candles will be provided.
Contact: Brenda Mays, Chapter Leader
Telephone: 209-649-2727 Email: brenda5589@comcast.net
Modesto – Modesto/Riverbank Area Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM and 7:00PM Candle Lighting
Location: Community Hospice, 4368 Spryes Way, Modesto, CA (off Bangs Ave, off McHenry; Kiernan exit off Highway 99 to McHenry, then right to Bangs, left on Spryes)
Highlights: Several readings. Special music by Sandy Smith.
Bring: Remembrances or pictures for remembrance table.
Special Events (after): Readings, announcements, light snacks.
Contact: Joanna Rose-Murray
Telephone: 209-484-8276 Email: jrmcompassionate@gmail.com
Monterey – Monterey Bay Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Monterey Conference Center (Ferrante Room 3 Third Floor), 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Highlights: Slide show or our children, music, readings, and a memory table where our children's photos or memento can be displayed. Photos to be included in the slide show are due by November 21st, 2009. Bring 1 or 2 photos to the next meeting or email photos to tcfmontereybay@yahoo.com. If you are unable to email them you may mail them to: The Compassionate Friends of Monterey Bay, PO Box 52046, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.
Bring: Please bring your child's photo or remembrance for the Memory Table.
Special Events (before): All refreshments and candles will be provided. There is no charge for this event.
Special Events (after): If you would like to volunteer in any way, please contact Pamela Troia at 831-277-8282.
Additional: There is a parking garage at the conference center, as well as street parking in the surrounding area.
Contact: Pamela Troia
Telephone: 831-277-8282 Email: ptroia@sbcglobal.net
Novato – Marin County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Unity in Marin, 600 Palm Dr, Novato, CA
Highlights: Speakers, readings, music by a member and other. Candle lighting by each person.
Bring: May bring photos or remembrance and refreshments. To receive buttons of your child's photo, please send by Dec. 1st and pick up at the event. Call for details.
Special Events (after): Reception with snacks.
Additional: To include your child in the photo montage call for instructions.
Contact: Diana deRegnier
Telephone: 415-457-3123
Oakland – Alameda County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Park Blvd. Presbyterian Church, 4101 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA (Corner of Park and Hampel Streets. Use Hampel St. entrance)
Highlights: Readings and sharing.
Bring: Pictures, remembrances, and writing.
Special Events (after): Light refreshments following.
Additional: Use Hampel St entrance. There are stairs, however, if a more accessible entrance is needed please contact Deanna Pankow.
Contact: Deanna Pankow
Telephone: 510-835-3579 Email: deannapankow@hotmail.com
Palos Verdes Estates – South Bay/LA Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:45 PM
Location: Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Highlights: Speakers and music. Chairs and candles provided.
Bring: Jackets, the event is outside.
Contact: Kristy Mueller
Telephone: 310-938-2409 Email: muellerkristy@yahoo.com
Rancho Santa Margarita – Orange Coast/Irvine Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: Beaumont House, 12 Santa Catalina, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Highlights: Readings, music, and a memory table where our children's photos or memento can be displayed.
Bring: Pictures or a memento of your child for the memory table.
Special Events (before): Please arrive by 6:30 PM so that you will have plenty of time to get your candle. Candle lighting will begin promptly at 7:00 PM.
Special Events (after): Refreshments will be provided - and time to share.
Additional: Candles will be provided. You can also contact Melissa Beaumont at 949-683-9446 or melissa.beaumont@ndlf.com.
Contact: Janice Rinker
Telephone: 949-369-9144 Email: JRink5@aol.com
Redlands – Redlands CA Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-8:00 PM
Location: First Congregational Church of Redlands, 2 West Olive, Redlands, CA (In Redlands, go south on Orange which becomes Cajon. The church is located on the northwest corner of Olive and Cajon)
Highlights: Readings, special music, and reading of children's names.
Bring: Pictures or remembrances of your child and refreshments.
Special Events (after): Refreshments available and sharing time (optional).
Additional: The ceremony will be held in the (outside) center courtyard of our monthly meeting venue. The First Congregational Church of Redlands is also identified on their signs as the First Protestant Church of Redlands. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor conditions.
Contact: Patrick Thibault
Telephone: 909-702-6114 Email: pthibault@weinet.com
Riverside – Inland Empire Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: We will meet on the Convention Center steps in downtown Riverside, (on Fifth St & Main - at the end of the downtown mall), Riverside, CA (the actual address is 3443 Orange St)
Highlights: The program will begin around 6:45 PM and include an open forum after the names of our children are read. The candle lighting will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, so the chain around the world will not be broken. As candles go out in one time zone, they will be lit in the next creating a wave of light that will encircle the globe. The event program will include poems, music, and short stories of remembrance.
Bring: Please feel free to bring pictures, remembrances or items that remind you of your child to share at the memory tables provided. Refreshments would be appreciated for after the memorial. There will be candles available for 150; however, you may want to bring your own candle. This remembrance is held even if it rains...preferably no rain...DRESS WARMLY! You may want to bring a chair and an umbrella if necessary.
Special Events (before): Please feel free to arrive for greetings and placement of any mementos on the tables around 6:30 PM and please stay after to share your special memories of your child with us. Your memories are precious to us and we want to know those special moments that made up a life.
Additional: If you would like to be included in the program, have a song or poem request, would like to donate refreshments, or need more information, call Kristan Lloyd.
Contact: Kristan Lloyd
Telephone: 951-265-3820 cell Email: the4lloyds_1@msn.com
Rocklin – Sean Sullivan Project Inc.
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 5:30-8:00 PM
Location: Creekside Evangelical Free Church, 290 Technology Way #300, Rocklin, CA
Highlights: We are privileged and honored to have award winning singer/songwriter Alan Pedersen be a part of our program. Alan has a beautiful presentation that you won't want to miss. To learn more about Alan's work see www.EverAshleyMusic.com. We will have a slide show with all of the children's photos. Please submit your photos (up to 5) to SeanSullivanProject@gmail.com by November 15th to have them added to the slide show. Please submit your child's name and dates, your name, sibling's names the way that you would like them to appear in the program that will be handed out to everyone in attendance.
Bring: A framed photo or a remembrance to be displayed on the stage where Alan will be singing.
Special Events (before): Please arrive by 6:30 PM so that you will have plenty of time to get your candle, your personalized ornament for our tree and find a place to sit. We will light the candles at 7:00 PM.
Special Events (after): Join us for a time of sharing and snacks after the program.
Contact: Denise Howard
Telephone: 916-223-1781 Email: SeanSullivanProject@gmail.com
San Diego – San Diego County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Community of Christ Church, 4811 Mount Etna Dr, San Diego, CA
Highlights: Short reading or poems, special music, and slide show of our children.
Bring: If you wish, bring a simple dessert to share.
Special Events (after): Social time with refreshments.
Additional: Please check our website for more information www.sdtcf.org.
Contact: Lisa Hohman or Barbara Lopez
Telephone: 619-583-1555 Email: leaders@sdtcf.org
Santa Maria – Central Coast Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: Church Of Christ, 795 E. Foster Rd, Santa Maria, CA
Highlights: Readings, songs, and candle lighting.
Contact: Marjorie Schwartz
Telephone: 805-922-5222 Email: stephmarj@verizon.net
Sonora – Dawn's Light Center for Children and Adults in Grief
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:45 PM
Location: The Nesting Place, 591 So. Washington Street Sonora, CA
Highlights: Readings, time to share stories about the children, candle lighting, and refreshments.
Bring: Framed photos or remembrance of their child(ren).
Special Events (after): Coffee, tea, cider, and cookies provided.
Contact: Nansea Arquette
Telephone: 209-532-9001 Email: ncadawnslight@sbcglobal.net
Vacaville – Solano County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-9:00 PM
Location: Hampton Inn & Suites, 800 Mason St, Vacaville, CA
Highlights: Candle lighting, readings, special music, and slide presentation of our children.
Bring: Child's picture and special mementos for "memory table" (limited space), special poetry for tribute sharing time, family and supportive friends. If you would like to bring a special snack, an item that their child liked, to add to our refreshments for the evening, please do.
Special Events (before): Refreshments before and after ceremony.
Special Events (after): We will have available little wooden frames and photo buttons to finish that children can place pictures of their siblings for gift items to loved ones. These pictures should be on copy paper, not photo paper, to make it easier to place them on the items. There will be plenty of time to socialize with each other and enjoy the refreshments.
Additional: For submission of photos for our slide presentation, send photos to our email address. Due to limited space on the DVD we ask that Solano and Napa County (No. Calif) residents participate only. Along with these pictures please send name, address, and phone number for contact information. Also, if someone has a musical ability who would like to perform at this event, please contact me by chapter email (below).
Contact: Vesta Thompson
Telephone: 707-434-8518 Email: solanotcf@yahoo.com
Walnut Creek – Contra Costa County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Heather Farms Park Club Room (across from the pond), 301 North San Carlos Dr, Walnut Creek, CA
Highlights: Music, poems, and children's names.
Special Events (before): Refreshments will be provided.
Contact: Stella or Ann
Telephone: 925-933-4843 or 510-932-2207 Email: tcfccc@yahoo.com
Yreka – Siskiyou County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30-8:00 PM
Location: Jackson Street School (multi-purpose room/cafeteria), 405 Jackson St, Yreka, CA
Highlights: We will have a guest speaker as well as provide the opportunity for all to share their memories with pictures, poems, stories, and a slide show of our loved ones.
Bring: Pictures, remembrances, stories, and an open heart.
Special Events (before): We will have a guest speaker, remembrance music, a slide show featuring our loved ones missed and remembered, and refreshments.
Special Events (after): We will have an opportunity for loved ones to share and refreshments.
Additional: If you would like to have your loved one's pictures included in our slide show, please email digital photos to Christine or call for directions for alternate methods of submission.
Contact: Christine Gannon
Telephone: 530-355-2501 Email: christinetcf@gmail.com
Yuba City – Yuba City Chapter of The Compassionate Friends
Date & Time: December 13, 2009 6:30 PM
Location: Church of Glad Tidings (education building), 1179 Eager Rd, Yuba City, CA (Between Hwy 99 & Live Oak Blvd. We are in the two story building on the 2nd floor)
Highlights: Speakers, readings, music, and sharing.
Bring: Photo or remembrance for display table, a song you wish to play, and a dessert to share (optional).
Special Events (after): Light refreshments and sharing time.
Additional: Candles will be provided.
Contact: Jackie Boisa
Telephone: 530-632-1406 Email: jkboisa@gotsky.com