Pastor's Corner. "Service of Resurrection "
This may seem like a strange article to write as we anticipate the celebration of the resurrection, but it grows out of my pastoral experiences, not just of the recent weeks, but throughout my ministry.
Too often I do not have the opportunity to talk to persons about their death and their wishes for burial until it is too late. When I am contacted by the family, if their loved one has not done pre-planning, the survivors are at a loss to know what his/her desires may be. Or, if the arrangements have been made with a funeral home, thought has not been given as to the funeral or memorial service. Too often the family is so overcome with their grief that they cannot think about hymns or scriptures, poems or readings, that they would like to have included in the service.
Enclosed with this newsletter is a form that I have designed to assist you in thinking about some of those wishes. I know we don't want to think about death, let alone talk about it!
Yet, we know that the reality of death is waiting for all of us some day. Jesus says in John12:24: "Very truly I tell you unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
A ninth century writer reminds us that, "In the midst of life, we are in death; from whom can
we seek help?" Death is all around us. As Christians, we prepare for that death that leads to
life eternal.
It is my hope that you will take this form and think about your own death, and your desires for
burial. I hope that you will discuss it with your family so that they will know your wishes. I
hope that you will allow me, as your pastor, to review the form and maybe answer any
questions you have concerning your funeral or memorial service.
Additional copies are available in the back of the sanctuary. Take one for each member of your family, regardless of age. My experience has been that when persons have taken the opportunity to discuss their wishes with loved ones, the time of death and grieving are made a little easier for all. This form is a "work in progress"; I welcome your suggestions. Please feel free to contact me to arrange a time to discuss the form and your desires.
"Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. Then the saying that is written will be fufilled: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' "ere, 0 death, is your victory? "ere, 0 Death, is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. " (I Corinthians 15:54b-55, 5 7)
Sue R. Hutchins, Pastor