Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
In the fall of 2019, three families came together with a vision for Lily’s Hope Ministry, to create a space for families to memorialize the precious lives lost in utero, at birth or shortly after. That vision is coming together, and now Amy and Travis Steele, Sarah and Jake Warren, and Jodi and Josh Guler are welcoming others to be part of a dedication ceremony on Sunday, August 23 at 2 p.m.
The dedication ceremony at St. John’s Cemetery, north of New Rockford, will be ecumenical in nature, drawing from multiple faiths and Christian denominations. Pastor Mindy Meier of First Congregational Church in New Rockford will guide the dedication. All are welcome to be part of the event regardless of faith or background.
The ceremony will take place on the east side of the cemetery, and will include two monuments to be dedicated: a 3-by-5 foot stone monument and a seating bench. The stone monument, which was funded largely by a donation from the New Rockford Eagle Club, now displays the names of 17 little lives lost. One child will be buried at the site.
Those who are interested in placing a name on the monument or inquiring about a burial should visit the Lily’s Hope website at lilyshopeministry.com and click on the memorial etching/burial tab. Families are welcome to request a memorial or lay to rest their tiny child. Please note, engravings will take place annually or biannually and burials as needed.
The seating bench will be installed across from the memorial, giving families a quiet and introspective space to grieve and remember their child.
Lily’s Hope is also about support and connection and strives to build connections with others who have experienced the loss of a child. Co-founder Amy Steele says, “Through support, I found strength that I didn’t know existed that allowed me to walk through grief with peace.”
Those interested in attending the dedication ceremony are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. The location offers ample space for those in attendance to socially distance. A fellowship time will follow at Riverside Park at the shelter west of the swimming pool. Light refreshments will be provided.
If you would like more information or would like to help relieve the financial burden for grieving families to remember their child, please visit lilyshopeministry.com. Donations can also be made online or directly to Lily’s Hope Ministry, PO Box 423, New Rockford, ND 58356 or at Bank Forward, 6 8th St. S., New Rockford, N.D. 58356. Donations will contribute to the maintenance of the memorial space and allow for future memorials to be etched on the monument.
