Saturday, July 24, 2010

My Classmates Memorial Service

Since my ordination and before I have spoken at funeral services a few times in my life. However, I wrote a memorial for 21 of my high school classmates whom have departed since 1975. I delivered this memorial service on July 17, 2010 during our 35th class reunion. I found this experience somewhat different. While I knew of the passing of a few of my old friends, the news of the passing of most of them was fairly sudden. I found the flood of emotion came over me while I was asking my fellow surviving classmates to reflect on happy memories. Suddenly, the words I spoke from the books of Isaiah and John gave me the strength to finish the service. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful the words from the Bible can be. I am once again grateful that God has reminded me in a very personal way. I am also grateful that he gives me the strength to help others in some small way.