Thanks to the prayers of so many and the love of friends and brothers and sisters in Christ, our time together as family, though difficult, was blessed. Thanks to so many of you who blessed us with your prayers and expressions of love.
The funeral service was interesting in the participatory aspect of it. Dad's brother Tom, a pastor, shared some of his memories of Dad which I found interesting. Mom wanted me to share something so I shared some brief words on Dad having Psalm 13 as the backdrop, which Tiffany, our daughter read. Grandchildren with their violins and piano participated, with readings including Tiffany reading an appropriate "good-bye" our family had received, just prior to the benediction. And, as Mennonites normally like to do, there was a good time of singing a number of hymns.
Philip Clemens, pastor of my parents' church, Pike Mennonite, gave a message which is among the favorites, and for me the very favorite of all funeral messages I have heard. It was entitled: "Perfected in Christ" and was evangelistic in nature. And there was a certain aspect in it that made us think of Dad from his intermediate state speaking to us. It came across as believable if such could be the case. I look forward to rehearing it once I get a copy of a CD. If Dad saw it that day, I'm sure he was pleased. It truly did glorify God and his goodness to us in Christ, and it paid honor to Dad in a fitting way.
I so much look forward to seeing him again when all the things that held us back in this world will be removed forever. We so much look forward to that great reunion and the resurrection to come, in the new creation, when "earth and heaven [are] one."
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7 comments:
Ted:
Amen and Amen!
O God, whose days are without end, and whose mercies cannot be numbered: Make us, we pray, deeply aware of the shortness and uncertainty of human life; and let your Holy Spirit lead us in holiness and righteousness all our days; that, when we shall have served you in our generation, we may be gathered to our ancestors, having the testimony of a good conscience, in the communion of the catholic Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a religious and holy hope, in favor with you, our God, and in perfect charity with the world. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanks, Allan and Odyssey.
As a brother at our church gathering noted yesterday, this can be a part of healing as well for me. But I wanted to share something of God's blessing, at least give a glimpse of how we were blessed during this service (and time).
Ted
My mother in law passed away last October and though it was sad, we were also comforted by the fact that she is truly in a far better place - in the presence of her loving Savior.
May the God of all comfort, bring comfort to you and your family. May he teach us all to live everyday in light of eternity.
Thank you for sharing this. Our sadness needs audience with others, yes.
ESI, Sorry to hear that. And yes, she's blessed.
And yes. May we live each day realizing we could be in the Lord's immediate presence at any time.
L.L., Thanks for being here.
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