Funeral Sermons and Ceremonies

Funeral From Suicide

2012-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ceremony for a Man who died by suicide at age 80.

ORDER OF SERVICE

MUSIC on entry: Instrumental "Blue Danube" (play from the start please and continue it at the end of the ceremony as well).

Welcome:

Welcome. Before we begin I would like to announce that the family invites you to join them for refreshment straight after the ceremony. And, it would be appreciated if you would please turn your mobiles phones off at this time. Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is __________, and I am a civil celebrant. On behalf of the family of _________ and _________ Funeral Home, I thank everyone for coming to share and honor the memory of "______", as the family knew him, in this ceremony today.

Here's a sentence from the epilogue in Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and I

quote:

"Gentle breath of yours my sails

Must fill, or else my project fails,

Spirits to enforce, Art to enchant."

______ , you have enchanted us with your art. In life, you observed on the fringes...but in art you were set free soaring high above mediocrity.

His work was exhibited at many art shows including the prestigious Herald Outdoor Art Show which is an annual event here in the beautiful city of Melbourne. The former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies acquired his work and commercial design firms populated his nautical motifs.

______ expressed his creative soul, his inner emotional self through his works. And with that, he leaves behind a legacy of children, their children and their children's children - with art and music evident in their lineage and heritage.

I would like to share with you now, on a personal note if I may, that I was deeply moved and felt a part of very special place as his family invited me to "really" look at their Father's work on display everywhere on most every wall in the house. Here was a prolific man who could miraculously paint on huge, huge canvases. As we stepped out into the lovely garden that _____ created years before, now in full bloom on an early summers day ~ strangely, the burst of pinks and oranges would pale in comparison to ______'s expression and celebration of nature. He certainly brought the outside in. Truly fantastic. Thank you for allowing me this honor.

(Hold up or point to the painted tray or ______'s painting.)

What kind of man was ______?

His daughters describe him as complex, private, deeply human, difficult, argumentative and shy. Some would say and many thought he was pompous and arrogant. A man who chose the safety of social isolation.

It may have appeared that he was not interested in the rest of humanity and yet the same man worked hard in a committed way to provide for his family and expressed sentimentality in a way that disarmed them...keeping cards, letters and treasured photographs of his extended family. That was ______. You see, he was in his quiet, unemotional way - proud of all of you.

Indeed an extension of the pride he felt in everything that he was...and all that he did.

It is true that he remained aloof and yet like many of us that search with inner longing to connect with the world...he did the best he could.

Music befriended him. He returned to playing the organ until his hard working hands were assailed by arthritis making it impossible to play.

The end came at time of his own choosing in his home that was his sanctuary.

The peace that had so long eluded him was now destined to be his.

Reflection:

It is appropriate now to pause for a moment. Those who are believers might like to pray others might choose to reflect on his life and the meaning it holds for you. During this time the family has chosen a special song for you to listen to that ______ very much enjoyed..."Ik Hou Van Holland" which translated means "My beloved Holland".

MUSIC: "Ik Hou Van Holland"

Our thoughts are with the family, _________, family friends and everyone who came to know and care for this man...we extend to you our deepest sympathy.

(Turn to ______'s coffin and say:)

And so we surround ______' spirit with love and light.

Committal Ceremony:

The direct family will say there private farewell to ______ later, therefore I will say the words of committal at this time. l

Please stand...

Tenderly and with honor and appreciation we remember the life of ______.

He is now beyond harm, fear and pain; and here...in this last rite...we commit his body to the elements.

Blessing:

______ loved to intricately paint ships making their tumultuous way on the wide open sea. The color blue in every hue abounds. His soul was that of the quintessential adventurer. I give you this reading and ask you to close your eyes and picture for a moment, ______ on the shores of his studio, silent and totally immersed in his world of art...painting.

A reading from Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Break, break, break

On thy cold Gray stones, O Sea!

And I would that my tongue could utter

The thoughts that arise in me

And the stately ships go on

To their haven under the hill;

But O for the touch of a vanish'd hand,

And the sounds of a voice that is still.

I urge you that in ______' name before sunset on this day that you reconcile with someone in your life, reach out, ring them up or write them a letter. Go ahead...Create anew! and in this way ______ lives on with his everlasting brushstroke on your life's canvas.

(Turn to ______'s coffin and say:)

Thank you for all that you were, all that you gave us as we say to you now love and light on this your journey.

Thank you ladies and Gentleman, this concludes the ceremony honoring ______'s life. Please stay and join the family for refreshments.

MUSIC: "Blue Danube"

http://www.thefuneralsite.com/Sample_Funeral_Ceremonies.html

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Funeral Poem

2011-11-28T04:38:00.000-08:00

Funeral Prayer #6
Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night
Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

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Funeral Eulogy

2011-11-15T04:43:00.000-08:00

Eulogy for a Mother

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can possibly go through. And grieving is nothing but a normal reaction to this. But we have to take care of some important matters like funeral arrangements. And we have to prepare for the eulogy speech, probably the most important and last favor we can give to our lost loved ones. You could use this as a guide in creating a eulogy for your beloved mother.

Start off with a personal situation you and your mother shared together. Maybe you have one special memory of her that stayed in your mind or a recent activity you did together. Share something about that experience; tell people what makes you remember that moment and what made it very significant to you and what impact it has on your life now. You can also describe how you felt and how you remember her during those moments.

Then you could talk about your mother’s character, how other people saw her compared to who she actually was. Share what kind of a person she was, as a mother to you and as a friend. Tell the people how she was at her best, how you saw her when you were still with her. You could also share every sacrifice she made and all the help she gave you to get you where you are today. Share all the good things you can remember that she did for you and other people. Try also to remember all her achievements and passions. Try to share all her favorite things and her mannerisms.

You can end your speech by sharing things that make you thankful for having had a mother like her. You could also share your last moments with her; what you talked about and what she asked you to do. Share the things that you would like to continue on her behalf, and thank all the people who together with your family shared your grief and have offered a helping hand to help you get through this sad moment.

Writing a eulogy could help you ease your pain if not get over the grief you’re feeling. Losing somebody is never easy; and it is only harder when losing our mother. Sharing what you feel and being able to let people know who your beloved mother really was will be one of the best last gifts you can give her.

http://www.eulogyspeech.net

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Funeral Eulogy

2011-11-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

How to write a funeral for a grandfather:

The essence of writing a eulogy for grandfather is to keep his memories alive and to make his legacy memorable, especially for those who know him well. A grandfather is someone who stands as the pillar of wisdom and strength in any family. For those who grew up with their grandfather, writing a eulogy for him may be something emotionally challenging.

The best way that you can start a eulogy for grandfather is to recall the memories you shared with him. Think about the special moments you had together or simply the everyday recollections that you have with your grandfather. Relate these with your audience and share with them the wisdom and lessons that your grandfather imparted to you. Make a picture of your grandfather as you know him. Express your love when delivering your funeral speech for him.

To help you, here is a short sample eulogy for grandfather:

"It was my grandfather who would always go with me to Sunday school. When I was a young kid, he wouldn’t read me tales about prince and princesses but he would read to me the stories of Noah and other heroes of the Bible. It was my grandfather who kept me strong when my dad died when I was eleven. Then on, he became my second father and loved me dearly everyday of my life. Today, as I stand before his funeral, I am not miserable or sad. I am happy that I have (his name) for a grandfather. Who I am and what you see today was a product of his love and hard work. He is a man of practical wisdom. Once, I remember him say to me …" (start relating memories and experiences with your grandfather here).

You can end your eulogy with one of your grandfather's favorite bible verse or a personal poem you made for him.

http://www.eulogyspeech.net

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Funeral Ceremonies

2011-10-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Traditional Irish Wake
Universal Life Church
The term “wake” is interesting. Usually, when we “wake,” it’s morning, and we’re ready to start the day, but used in this context, it means to keep a vigil over the dead the night before the burial. It’s synonymous with the term “viewing” used in the modern funeral parlor industry. The wake is that period of time from death until the body is transported to the church for the funeral rites.

In the not-too-distant past, (and even today among some true die-hards, no pun intended) the Irish wake was generally held in the family home. The elder women of the neighborhood would arrive to wash, dress, and lay out the body. The body would be washed and dressed in a shroud or the best outfit. The deceased’s rosary was placed in the hands and a crucifix was placed at the head or on the breast. The body was laid on the bed, board, or table and a candle was lit.

People would come from near and far, and even though there were few telephones (Imagine that, if you can!) the “Irish telegraph,” was extremely efficient, and the news traveled very fast over long distances. This, of course, was in a time before television kept people at home. Before the TV took over, the Irish were extremely social, and visited each other often, just a short visit with not even a cup of tea taken, but with all the necessary news spread.

When the people come into the house they kneel by the body and say a prayer. Close relatives kiss the cheek of the deceased. Then the visitors greet the family and offer some comforting words. This part of the wake is very solemn and respectful.

The women, and sometimes some of the men, keen at the wake. Keening is a form of wailing that is interspersed with endearments, usually in Gaelic, addressed to the deceased. Keening is most intense if the wake is for a child. Keening is not like any other kind of crying. It is very difficult for me to describe. It’s loud and goes on for a long time. When one keener loses volume, another takes up the cant.

In the past, there was always snuff and tobacco, tea, food, and spirits (of the drinking kind), offered to all who attended the wake. Few people “take snuff” anymore, and tobacco, even the fragrant kind used in pipes, is falling out of favor, but they were definitely an important feature at wakes, as important as the tea, food, and spirits. The eldest boy in the house or the son of a close neighbor was given the honor of cutting the tobacco and filling the pipes.

The mourners move on to another part of the house to congregate, eat, drink, and talk. Even the most sorrowful mourner is inspired to raise a glass and remember the happiest of times in the life of the person who has passed. The company stays until late in the night with the recitation of the Rosary as the signal that the evening is over.

After the funeral, all the friends and relations drop by the house and partake of the vast quantities of food and drink that have appeared, as if by magic, into the house. Often, the family will arrive home and find that the house has been cleaned from top to bottom and every surface of the kitchen and beyond is weighed down with the best of food and drink. This is where the “Irish wake” stereotype comes from. The people gathered remember the life of the deceased, and the taller the story the better. A stranger would think there was a real hoolie going on, and in a sense there is: it’s a way to celebrate the life departed. There may be tears, but there’s plenty of laughter as well, as all the funny stories, happy times, and triumphs of the dead are shared and recorded in the memories of the living.

The tradition of the Irish wake is changing. Most people aren’t waked from home. A funeral parlor takes care of the arrangements. But still, the formula remains. People come from near and far to share the sorrow of those who are left behind, to celebrate the life of the departed, and faith in the life ahead.

http://www.bellaonline.com

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Funeral Quote

2011-10-25T07:59:00.001-07:00

"Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!"

Henry Scott Holland,Professor of Divinity, Oxford,1847-1918.
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Funeral Ceremony

2011-10-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

Elizabeth Anne (Beth) Galloway Sanders

performed by her step-son Rev. William C. Sanders, Minister ULC.

Friends, I welcome you today to a service of celebration as we reflect upon the life of Beth Galloway Sanders. We remember her as a kind and spiritual friend who loved and lived for Jesus Christ and for making others smile with faces full of joy. To my father, she was a loving wife and shared with him her beautiful spirit, kindness, and deepest love. others knew her as a loving family member and friend always ready and willing to show her love for us all. often for no other reason but to see us smile, and because quite simply that's just the way she liked it.

Beth shared her heart and love with each of us in her own unique way. We all new beth in different ways but we all new her as a kind, giving and special person. We will all take with us our memories of Beth as it is her way of living on in our lives.

in Rev. 22 , the Lord speaks to us " I am the alpha and the Omega" "The beginning and the end". As we are born into a life with christ and he is there to accept us at the beginning, so to is christ there to accept us at the end of our lives and to lead us on to an eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. we have lost a dear friend, wife, and family member who will be truly missed, but let us remain joyful and find comfort in knowing that she has left us safely in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ whom she loved so much, and through whom she became the loving Beth that we all knew.

Let us pray : Lord we give unto you our hearts and pray for your healing grace in our lives.we pray for the spirit of our loved one whom has passed on to your care. we thank you for the gift of having your faithful servant in our lives, as we ask for strength and comfort for the things which we do not understand. this we pray...Amen

Rev. William C. Sanders "Pastor Will" San Antonio, TX

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Funeral Poem

2011-09-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Funeral Prayer
On Death
Kahlil Gibran

You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honor.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Universal Life Church

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Funeral Eulogy

2011-09-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

On behalf of _______'s family I would like to thank you all for attending this service of respect and dedication for their beloved, _______. This ceremony of love and respect for their beloved _______.

Death in a number of ways unites us all, and _______'s death for a time demands that each one of us put aside our toil, our cares and pleasures to unite ourselves with everyone here, mourners all who share in the common bond of love and friendship for _______.

With our last thoughts and respect for _______, I think it is fitting that we should reflect on _______'s time with us and the influence he had in your lives.

_______ was born the ____ child of __ children to parent's _______ on _______, in _____ Hospital. He was educated at ______ elementary school and then at ______ High School. _______ enjoyed the friendship of many school mates and his love for sport such as _____ and particularly, ______.

Life was never dull with _______ around, his family recalls their times with laughter with love for _______. This was very special as _______ was known always to be the life and soul of any gatherings of family and friends. Above all _______ was a loving, caring family man. _______ recalls him busy ______ just when food was on the table and how much he enjoyed being outside in the garden. At Christmas, when he cut the traditional roast, often eating more than he was cutting.

_______'s mother, Jean remembers the time when _______ decided to fly his kite off the family house rooftop, along with himself!!!

_______'s father, _____ recalls the time that _______ loved riding his little trike and how he once rode it …………….

I would like to read a poem that is written by _______'s father of his love for his son.

The joy of his birth filled our hearts with joy. We named him _______, his smile, his cheeky face, unfolded like satin lace. My heart is heavy now, the sorrow the grief will grow. I lost my son, his smile and cheek. God only takes the best, my love, my memories will never cease.

I am happy I was chosen, to be your Dad, I will never let you go, my son _______.

_______'s friends will always remember him as a fun loving guy, who loved _________ and his always forever-willing ways.

This tragic end to someone so full of life is sad, because we grieve most for the passing of the young. This very grief is a token that death cannot take from us, the most precious of treasures namely LOVE. It is the tear of love that flows the fullest. The pain of love that aches the deepest. The thoughts of love that move most actively. The intense feeling of loves that grieves for one so young. That nature it 'self is teaching us to keep hold of something, something that is truly worth keeping. For of all the memories, the memory of the young moves us more deeply than any other memories.

You may like to take a few moments before we say farewell to _______, please think of him as you remember him, the loving person he truly was, and also his influence he made on your life, whilst we listen to one of his favorite song's.

To _______'s parents, ________, his wife ______ and his children ______ and _______ and all the close family we offer our deepest sympathy and thank you most sincerely, for your love and support at such a tragic time of their lives.

Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.

Universal Life Church

http://funeralsfunerals.com

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Funeral Prayer

2011-09-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

Funeral Prayer #5
The Tempest, III, iv We are such stuff as dreams are made on ...
William Shakespeare

Our revels are now ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits and
Are melted into air, into thin air;
And like the baseless fabric of this vision,
The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea all which it inherit, shall dissolve
And like this insubstantial pageant faded,
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded in a sleep.

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Funeral Poem

2011-09-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Funeral Poems : God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best

Universal Life Church

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Funeral Ceremony Sample

2011-08-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ceremony for a Man who died by suicide at age 80.

ORDER OF SERVICE

MUSIC on entry: Instrumental "Blue Danube" (play from the start please and

continue it at the end of the ceremony as well).

Welcome:

Welcome. Before we begin I would like to announce that the family invites

you to join them for refreshment straight after the ceremony. And, it would

be appreciated if you would please turn your mobiles phones off at this

time. Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is _______________, and I am a civil

celebrant. On behalf of the family of ______________ and ____________

Funeral Home, I thank everyone for coming to share and honor the memory of

"David", as the family knew him, in this ceremony today.

Eulogy:

A Portrait of an Artist...

Holland beautiful Holland - birth place of David in the year

1921, on the 16th of November, near Rotterdam. He was born to David and

Loyla, named after his father and one of 5 handsome brothers "Whim, Hobe,

Dick and Jaqcues" standing "Dutch proud and dignified" as you can see in

this lovely sepia colored photograph of the family. The other day at her

father's home Helena revealed to me (with a smile on her face and a twinkle

in her eye), that her father was mischievous and headstrong ever since he

was a lad. The brothers would have to attend the Dutch Reform Church 3 times

a day if they were naughty. Young David was naughty indeed, at church we

would pull the buttons off his jacket for his offertory plate and use the

"coins" to play pool with his mates.

An average student in many ways except one...David followed in the

tradition of the great Dutch masters - he was born a brilliant artist. As an

infant, instead of a baby rattle he must have had a paint brush in his

little fist. In fact, his family told me that out of the five sons he was

the only one trusted with his father's treasured working tools - because

David took great care and showed much respect for things in his life.

Trained as a painter and a decorator, and taking years to qualify, he was

highly skilled, deeply passionate and serious about his work - which is a

famous Dutch trait to be sure!

He worked painting private homes and ships in dry dock. The ships would

later call to him and their magnitude and importance would unleash his

creative spirit and set him sailing and soaring as a painter.

David was close to his brother's five. Particularly with the youngest and

the last surviving brother Jacques, sadly he could not make the journey to

be with us today to honor his brother's memory. Jacques and David shared

a very special bond, both were avid photographers and musician who found

great fulfilment in playing the organ. There brotherly friendship was an

unspoken joy.

He met and married his lovely wife Coby in Rotterdam on the 17th of

September 1947. Both were musical, David played the organ and had an

extraordinary talent to read music written vertically without missing a

beat, an art in itseIf. Coby played the mandolin but following the marriage

ceased to play The couple came to Australia when David was 26 and there

first born daughter Loes was 2 years of age. It was a long and arduous plane

trip to finally reach this new country, Australia they would now call home.

Their second daughter Helena would arrive a little later.

David continued to work as a painter and decorator in Melbourne. He had a

loyal client base who appreciated his professional and person integrity. And

as we all know, he was an absolute perfectionist - underlined and

underscored.

For several years he and wife Coby had there own paint shop on Riversdale

Road in Camberwell. His extraordinary skill and aptitude for mixing paints

was unparalleled. John, his son-in-law expressed that he had a scientific

approach to his craft.

He painted not only professionally but also personally ~ copious and

magnificently vast canvases at his home studio. Subjects diverse as animals,

landscape and ships on water. An impressionist painter, David conquered

the Dutch mastery of light and dark, his painting were larger than life ~

illuminating, breathtaking and haunting.

Here's a sentence from the epilogue in Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and I

quote:

"Gentle breath of yours my sails

Must fill, or else my project fails,

Spirits to enforce, Art to enchant."

David , you have enchanted us with your art. In life, you observed on the

fringes...but in art you were set free soaring high above mediocrity.

His work was exhibited at many art shows including the prestigious Herald

Outdoor Art Show which is an annual event here in the beautiful city of

Melbourne. The former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies acquired his work

and commercial design firms populated his nautical motifs.

David expressed his creative soul, his inner emotional self through his

works. And with that, he leaves behind a legacy of children, there children

and there children's children - with art and music evident in their lineage

and heritage.

I would like to share with you now, on a personal note if I may, that I was

deeply moved and felt a part of very special place as his family invited me

to "really" look at their Father's work on display everywhere on most every

wall in the house. Here was a prolific man who could miraculously paint on

huge, huge canvases. As we stepped out into the lovely garden that Loyla

created years before, now in full bloom on an early summers day ~ strangely,

the burst of pinks and oranges would pale in comparison to David's expression

and celebration of nature. He certainly brought the outside in. Truly

fantastic. Thank you for allowing me this honor.

(Hold up or point to the painted tray or David's painting.)

What kind of man was David?

His daughters describe him as complex, private, deeply human, difficult,

argumentative and shy. Some would say and many thought he was pompous and

arrogant. A man who choses the safety of social isolation.

It may have appeared that he was not interested in the rest of humanity and

yet the same man worked hard in a committed way to provide for his family

and expressed sentimentality in a way that disarmed them...keeping cards,

letters and treasured photographs of his extended family. That was David. You

see, he was in his quiet, unemotional way - proud of all of you.

Indeed an extension of the pride he felt in everything that he was...and all

that he did.

His Car, 11 years old, I believe had racked up only 50 thousand Kilometres -

immaculately kept...indicative of all we know about him.

It is true that he remained aloof and yet like many of us that search with

inner longing to connect with the world...he did the best he could.

Early on in his life his health was compromised by "Prothesis" a rare

disease. In the late 1970's he required hip surgery. The surgery was

unsuccessful...to be unable to climb a ladder, central to his profession,

devastated him and forced his early retirement.

On a positive note, following retirement, he and Coby learned and enjoyed

swimming and together accomplished competency at many levels.

The fates were not kind, ten years ago his eye sight diminished, loosing 80%

of his sight in one eye. He never painted again.

Music befriended him. He returned to playing the organ until his hard

working hands were assailed by arthritis making it impossible to play.

Coby's death, 8 years ago - further diminished him.

He guarded against showing his deep emotion but in reality he too died a

little that day. Sadly, he never recovered and he became increasingly

reclusive. No doubt grateful for the support of his family - which endured.

I would like to ask his daughters Loes and Helena to share their thoughts...

As you people are aware, David suffered depression and as it increased he

spoke of deep loneliness, the huge void in his life and concern for his

future.

In the week of his death he experience the pain of the anniversary of Coby's

death. In his own way he missed her. Deeply expressing a longing to be with

his wife again. It was also the week of his 80th Birthday.

This highly intelligent, very contemplative man (remember he had limited use

of his precious hands and eyes) had many times contemplated his end.

The end came at time of his own choosing in his home that was his sanctuary.

The peace that had so long eluded him was now destined to be his.

Reflection:

It is appropriate now to pause for a moment. Those who are believers might

like to pray others might choose to reflect on his life and the meaning it

holds for you. During this time the family has chosen a special song for you

to listen to that David very much enjoyed..."Ik Hou Van Holland" which

translated means "My beloved Holland".

MUSIC: "Ik Hou Van Holland"

Our thoughts are with the family, to his daughters Loes and Helena their

husbands, John and Max; his brother Jacques, the grand children Mark,

Banita, Christina, Ruth, Shane and Jason and their partners Tam, John and

Thomas; Opah's great grand children, Natasha, Rebecca, Nicholas, Andrea,

Chloe, Myra, Aiden and James; to Nola his sister-in-law, family friends and

everyone who came to know and care for this man...we extend to you our

deepest sympathy.

(Turn to David's coffin and say:)

And so we surround David' spirit with love and light.

Committal Ceremony:

The direct family will say there private farwell to David later, therefore I

will say the words of committal at this time.l

Please stand...

Tenderly and with honor and appreciation we remember the life of David.

He is now beyond harm, fear and pain;

and here...in this last

rite...we commit his body to the elements.

Blessing:

David loved to intricately paint ships making there tumultuous way on the

wide open sea. The colour blue in every hue abounds. His soul was that of

the quintessential adventurer. I give you this reading and ask you to close

your eyes and picture for a moment, David on the shores of his studio,

silent and totally emersed in his world of art...painting.

A reading from Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Break, break, break

On thy cold Gray stones, O Sea!

And I would that my tongue could utter

The thoughts that arise in me

And the stately ships go on

To their haven under the hill;

But O for the touch of a vanish'd hand,

And the sounds of a voice that is still.

I urge you that in David' name before sunset on this day that you

reconcile with someone in your life, reach out, ring them up or write them a

letter. Go ahead...Create anew! and in this way David lives on with his

everlasting brushstroke on your life's canvas.

(Turn to David's coffin and say:)

Thank you for all that you were, all that you gave us

as we say to you now

love and light

on this your journey

Thank you ladies and Gentleman, this concludes the ceremony honoring David's

life. Please stay and join the family for refreshments.

MUSIC: "Blue Danube"

Ceremony for a woman who died at age 55 from cancer.

Welcome

Good afternoon. My name is ________________ and I am a civil celebrant. On behalf of Megan and Colter, I welcome every one of you to this celebration of the life of their mother Holly who died January 2, 2005. It means a great deal to them that you have come to join them in the bittersweet experience of recalling her nearly 55 years of life and in sharing your own recollections of Molly. Your presence here is important, for it is the memory of the friends who stood by them during this time that will be a source of strength and consolation to them later on, during those inevitable moments of grief and emptiness.

Eulogy

Molly was born in San Mateo, California, on January 11, 1950, to John, a businessman, and his wife, Catherine Louise. Molly was their second child and joined her older brother John. Three and a half years later, little sister Bridget was added to the family.

Molly grew up in northern California town, but spent her middle school and early high school years in Connecticut. Early on she showed evidence of the lively spirit that was her signature throughout her life. She was a tomboy, climbing trees, hiking in the woods and running around – once ending up on crutches for six months. She adored horses and always chose to go to ranch-style summer camps. During the summers when the family lived in the East, she and Bridget had a farm stand, selling corn and tomatoes from the family garden. By her senior year, the family moved back to California and Molly finished up at Saint Vincent High School in Petaluma.

When it was time for college, Molly came to the University of Arizona and majored in English. She transferred to UC Davis for just a semester, then came back to the U of A. Molly had a beautiful soprano voice and in these years she frequently played the guitar, accompanying herself. She had a gift for music – by just hearing a piece of music she was able to reproduce it on the guitar. Because of her lovely voice, she was enlisted to sing at many of the family weddings. In later years, when Molly went to a class reunion, taking Megan along as her date, many of her former classmates came up and recounted their memories of her singing and playing.

Molly’s first job was at the Tucson Citizen as a proofreader in 1972. She then moved into the legal field, starting as a secretary. As she became more knowledgeable, she began doing paralegal work and over the next 30 years worked for several law firms in _______. She became such an expert in personal injury that co-workers went to her for advice, and the word was, “if you need to know something about litigation, ask Molly.”

One of the friends she met in the law field was Kay G___________. They worked together for about six years but remained friends for decades, growing closer over the years as they shared experiences of raising children and pets. Another friend she met from work was Shaye E________, and we will hear from Shaye later.

In March of 1980, Molly was married to Paul ____________. By that time her mother Louise had passed on, but at Molly’s wedding, her dad read a poem that was one of Louise’s favorites and one she had frequently said reminded her of her beloved middle daughter. These are the words of Carl Sandburg.

I love you for what you are, but

I love you yet more for what you are going to be.

I love you not so much for your realities

As for your ideals.

I pray for your desires that they may be great

Rather than for your satisfactions,

Which may be so hazardously little.

A satisfied flower is one

Whose petals are about to fall.

The most beautiful rose is one hardly more than a bud

Wherein the pangs and ecstasies of desire

Are working for larger and finer growth.

Not always shall you be what you are now.

You are going forward toward something great.

I am on the way with you and therefore –

I love you.

Molly’s first child, Megan, was born in 1980, followed by little brother Colter in 1983. Although Molly continued to work in the legal field, she was dedicated to her children. She managed to “do it all” by being very organized. She took her children to the library and read to them frequently, sharing with them her own love of books, both modern titles and well-known classics. As her children got older, she was the consummate soccer mom, driving them to their games and cheering from the sidelines. If they were playing basketball or in a school play, she was there.

Molly interacted with her children according to their needs and personality. With Megan she spent Saturdays on many mother-daughter activities including such girl-y pleasures buying prom dresses. As we all know, boys would rather do anything but shop, so she took Colter to pool halls and taught him how to get those balls into the pockets. She was also an excellent Scrabble player and taught her kids the game. Megan and Colter remember that their mom always kept her sense of humor – whether that meant being a good sport during April Fool’s jokes or biting her nails while teaching her kids to drive.

In once instance when Megan was learning to drive, she pulled out of a Pima College parking lot and drove about 200 yards down the wrong lane. Molly did get a little excited while urging her to get back in the right lane, but that didn’t deter her from going out with Meghan on the next lesson.

It is important for a mom to be a good cook and Molly was. She loved to barbecue and make her kids’ favorites for their birthdays – cheesecake for Megan and chocolate mousse pie for Colter. From her days as a child in California, Molly carried with her a love of the ocean and many family vacations were spent near a beach so she could share this experience with her children.

After 20 years of marriage, Molly and Paul divorced in 2000. In 2001 Molly had a brief second marriage. Following that divorce, she took back her maiden name, O______.

With her children on their own, Molly had more time for herself and was able to focus on activities such as redecorating, listening to her favorite music on CDs and growing roses. The gardening was a further extension of her green thumb. She had always had lots of house plants and many people commented that her home resembled a jungle inside. Molly also loved the natural environment and hated to see the desecration of the desert.

Meghan and Colter remember their mother as beautiful both inside and out. “She was always positive and strong,” Meghan says. “She taught me how to be a strong intelligent woman.” Colter says, “I can always look at a life situation and think – this is how she would do it.”

Molly was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in January of 2002. At first it appeared that surgery and chemotherapy had arrested the disease, but tragically doctors later confirmed that the cancer had spread.

But that did not defeat her. In May of 2003, Molly, Meghan and Colter traveled to Cozumel together for a week. She was a nervous traveler, but her kids – who had more experience in this arena than she – were able to calm and reassure her. Once in Mexico, they had a glorious vacation together – enjoying each other even more as they realized how precious and tenuous life can be. The three of them snorkeled in the warm turquoise water, visited the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and every night watched the sunset together.

Those sunset moments it turned out were a metaphor for their life together. Molly kept fighting her disease to the end. She thought she would have more time, she thought she could hold on until a cure was found. So did her friends and family. Only in middle-of-the-night phone calls with Meghan and her friend Shaye would she admit that she was scared. Despite considerable pain from the disease that was spreading through her body, Molly continued working until October.

The cancer took her life just three short years from the time of diagnosis. Molly’s body has been cremated and Meghan and Colter will scatter her ashes on the ocean she loved so much.

Reading

The following reading is appropriate because of Molly’s love of plants and gardens. The writer tells of connecting with the spirit of a loved one while sitting in a garden.

Finding You in Beauty

The rays of light filtered through

The sentinels of trees this morning.

I sat in the garden and contemplated.

The serenity and beauty

Of my feelings and surroundings

Completely captivated me.

I thought of you.

I discovered you tucked away

In the shadows of the trees.

Then, rediscovered you

In the smiles of the flowers

As the sun penetrated their petals

In the rhythm of the leaves

Falling in the garden

In the freedom of the birds

As they fly searching as you do.

I’m very happy to have found you,

Now you will never leave me

For I will always find you in the beauty of life.

--Walter Rinder

May all of you take a moment to remember Molly and to connect with her generous spirit the next time you find yourself in a lovely garden.

Remembrances by Friends and Family

Meghan and Colter would now like to open the service up to others who would like to speak. Bridget, would you like to speak first?

Bridget:

If I should die tomorrow, which I might

Even with spring so new and the wind blowing

Flowers up from the earth and the great white

Clouds piled over the mountains; even knowing

That I should die and all the things we share

Be stricken from my careful grasp forever

Stars and gold sunlight warm upon the hair,

Your smile and the moon dancing in the river,

If I should die tomorrow, do not weep,

For I could never rest hearing your sorrow.

Deeper than love of life, my love is deep

For you. And if my life should end tomorrow

Bravely I’d close my days, however few,

Knowing I left the best of them with you.

Now we will hear from Molly’s brother John:

Molly’s friend Shaye E. will now speak:

If there is anyone else who wants to speak, please come up and introduce yourself.

Reflection

Let us now have a moment of silence during which you may personally reflect on your own relationship with Molly.

As you talk about Molly in the days and years to come, you will reminisce and laugh and cry. Eventually the times of grief will grow further apart and shorter of duration, while fears that she will be forgotten will lessen for memories of her will grow stronger. And is it not true that all the parts of our lives from one moment to the next become simply memories?

Grief’s work is usually slow. It takes time and involves some pain to deal with all the memories.

Please remember that it is only Molly’s body that we are saying goodbye to today, not her personality, character and spirit which will live on forever in your thoughts and memories.

Announcement

At the conclusion of the service, please join Molly’s family on the patio for refreshments. If you did not sign the guestbook on your way in, please remember to do so before you leave.

Irish Blessing

We will now conclude our service with the Irish Blessing – for a girl with an Irish name from an Irish family. She left this earth way too soon, but as long as she is remembered in your hearts, she will live on.

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And the rains fall soft upon your fields.

Until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Thank you all for coming. Please let the family recess out first.

We have four sample ceremonies.

These are transcript of actual funerals & memorial gatherings.

1. Ceremony for a man who died at age 80 from suicide.

2. Ceremony for a woman who died at age 55 from cancer.

3. Ceremony for a child who died at age 4 from cancer.

4. Ceremony for a man who died at age 57 from cancer.

Ceremony for a child who died at age 4 from cancer.

My name is T_________ and I am a civil celebrant. On behalf of Ben, Adrienne and Joshua I welcome every one of you to this celebration of the life of Lucas W____ better known to most of as Luke or Lukey. It means a great deal to them that you have come to join them in the bittersweet experience of recalling his four short years on this earth.

Your presence here is important, for it is the memory of the friends who stood by them during this time that will be a source of strength and consolation to them later on, during those inevitable moments of grief and emptiness.

Blessing Stones

When you arrived you received a stone, these are called blessing stone’s, Luke loved ‘rocks’, he often gave them to his parents for gifts. Since we desire so much for this family, I ask that you think about a wish or a blessing that you have for Ben, Adrienne and Joshua and at the end of the ceremony please place your stone in the vase in the hallway, they will display the vase in their home and think of all your warm thoughts.

Eulogy

Lucas was born May 31st, 2003 at Riverside hospital, he attended Montessori School and Linda’s Daycare, and Luke loved both of them.

It is important that we start this eulogy with the things that Lucas loved to do, the things that made Luke, Luke.

Luke loved;

Riding on his gator

Burping his ABC’s

He loved rocks

He loved playing games with his brother

Fighting with his brother

Playing army

Playing cats and dogs with Elise

Play with his cousin Elise, Luke would say “I am a little black dog, with a red collar, and no nails and I don’t bite and my name is Cakeee.

Luke loved to play hide and go seek

He liked to play a game “Catch the poopy monster”

Luke and Josh loved Tom and Jerry

Luke would eat anything; whatever you were eating Luke would always say “Can I have a bite?

He loved to be tickled and loved when Grandma Ruth rubbed his feet.

He loved Dinosaurs and the Land before Time movie’s.

He loved his boots and his crocs.

He loved being outside and would just wait for other kids to play with. He just loved being social.

His favorite song was “Shake your booty”.

He loved tattoos

When Luke started fights with brother, Josh would catch him and give him a huge bear hug never usually hitting him back.

Luke loved to play in the sand box.

He hated brushing his teeth and taking a bath and lotion

When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up Luke replied “All I want to be is an uncle.”

Luke loved being Luke

He was so feisty, that when the symptoms started, even when he was dizzy or could barely walk, he would still play on his swing set. Luke wanted to play, he needed to be where the action was. He hated being sick, he would be so sick at home with his pink puke bucket, he could hardly walk and was so tired. Adrienne said, “I would take him to the doctor and he would put on an act, somehow pass all the neurological test. I would swear to the doctor he was sick. As soon as we would get to the elevators, he would break down again, he did not want to admit to being ill.”

Most of us would collapse under the weight of these challenges. But, Luke was so much more than his fragile body conveyed. Luke accepted his challenge of cancer in the same way he accepted everything: with remarkable strength, tremendous courage and with an indominatable spirit. His smile was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud, warming all that it touches. Luke conveyed more joy, contentment and hope than anything we could have imagined possible. He came to this earth to teach each of us different lessons. Learn from him, strive to be like him. Do not let his legacy end. Talk about how his life was short, but touched many.

You will hear stories today from people that knew Luke and his family best. And you will learn as you probably already know that Luke’s life was a life of snips and snails and puppy dog tails.

I now ask a dear friend and neighbor Jenny R________ to please come forward and share with us your story.

Jenny:

My name is Jenny R________ and, my husband,three boys, and I live across the street from the W______s. As you can imagine in warmer weather there is always a lot going on in the front yard, and one of my favorite memories of Luke is him looking out his screened front door and yelling this famous phrase, “Can I come over?” Luke wanted to be where the action was whether it was bubbles, gators, or cicadas.

I have a story that I would like to share with you all today…..There was an apprentice gardener whot had just been selected to work in the Master Gardener’s garden. The Master Gardener took great care and consideration in selecting the apprentice that would be working with him and all of His wonderful blooms throughout His garden. The Master Gardener knew this selected apprentice was the best for the job to care and nurture for His precious flowers. After several weeks of training, the Master Gardner decided to leave for awhile and let the apprentice take care of the blooms in His garden.

The apprentice was so excited to be left alone in the garden. Each day he watered and fertilized each plant ever so carefully and gently. He was especially fond of the amaryllis plant. This plant was special because he knew it was going to bloom this dazzling red bloom around Christmas. He so loved waking up each day to see how far the amaryllis had grown. One day as he was tending to all the plants he noticed the amaryllis bud was ready to bloom, and he was for sure that tomorrow morning when he awoke he would get to see the glorious red bloom of the Christmas amaryllis. The whole day was filled with anticipation and excitement to what the next day would bring. The apprentice could hardly sleep.

When dawn broke the apprentice ran from his slumber to the amaryllis plant just knowing he would find the plant ablaze with crimson petals, but when he came to the place where the amaryllis should have been, it wasn’t there. With his heart pounding he looked for the amaryllis at the next table and then the next not finding it anywhere, and when he looked up to see if it was at the next table, he saw the Master Gardner standing there. The Master Gardner looked at the apprentice and saw the anxious look on the apprentice’s face and asked, “Dear apprentice, what is wrong?” When the apprentice explained to the master Gardner that he couldn’t find the amaryllis plant anywhere, the Master Gardner smiled and placed his hand on the apprentice’s shoulder and said, “My apprentice, I can see that you are upset, do not worry, I have taken the beautiful amaryllis plant home for me to enjoy and tend to, I know you have loved and taken wonderful care of my precious plant, thank you, well done, dear apprentice.”

In this story, figuratively, God is the Master Gardner and each one of us is his special plants. And those of us that are blessed enough to be called parents are the apprentices. And similar to this story God perfectly selected Luke’s parents to nurture and love him in Ben and Adie. Many of us are lucky enough to see the sprouts, buds and blooms of our plants while we are here on earth; however some plants like precious Lucas, the Lord has taken home to see him bloom in his garden.

As I finish I want to share one vision that I have had in my mind these past few days that has given me much comfort…..as Luke lay in his hospital bed preparing to depart from this world, I could hear Luke say to God, “Can I come over?’ and then God reaching out to Lucas saying, “Yes, precious Lucas, please come play and bloom in my garden.”

Grandma Jayne (Nan) said, “Luke loved his birthday!! He was always so happy, I remember him rolling around the floor.” Luke’s Grandpa John H______ wrote a poem, I will read it on behalf of the H______’s

I still see your shadow

Your laugh lingers on

When I dream, were all back together

Then I wake up and your gone.

It’s strange here without you

This was meant to be

So Lucas up in heaven

Please wait for me.

The F__________ family are neighbors and good friends of the W____, Kim said, ”They are like family to us, my boys Joshua and Jared loved Luke and they are going to miss him”.

A great friend, Erika said, “When I was asked to say a few things about Luke so many things came to mind.

Luke has touched so many people in so many ways. Ella and I will miss walking into Linda's

every morning and him say HI Ella HI Erika (it sounded like Aka) his big smile and ready to play attitude.

Luke was always up for anything the kids were doing. When they come to the house to visit the kids would always be busy playing chase the poopie monster or being an animal of some sort.I will miss him wearing his boots, or his crocs on the wrong foot. It never stopped him he really could have cared less.

I will miss Luke losing his Spiderman at my house and needing to bring some toy home until we found it, or just bringing home a toy because he knew we would let him. We would get a kick out of watching him play play station with Jeff and Josh and knowing the controller was not hooked up but he thought he was playing anyway.I could go on and on about what we will miss about Luke our family has a lot of memories,a lot of laughs,and a lot of cries.

I do not think anyone can understand why this happens or to make any sense of such a loss? I pray for Ben, Adie,and Josh to get strength and comfort in his memories and

knowing he is watching them from above and keeping them safe.”

My thoughts are with you always.

Adrienne’s sister Annette said, “I love Lukey Luke as if he was my own son. He is my daughter's best friend. I was talking to Elise about Luke dying and she said “its ok mom he still is going to be ok”. “I know that we have a strong family and that we will get through this trying time. However, I know that it will never be over; the grief will change over time and be about Luke’s life not death. I know that Luke is now with my father enjoying his new life, and I'm sure that my father is enjoying Luke. Luke was such a beautiful boy. Even in the 4 years he was here he was able to teach me that he was never predictable (nor is life), you never knew what he was going to do next “Love Aunty Annette

Grandma Ruth said, “Luke was the grandson that everyone wants, I cherish time we had together over the past 6 months. I remember picking Luke and Josh up on Wednesdays at Montessori school, I would sometimes come early so I could spend more time with the boys, Luke loved to be where the action was, sometimes he would say, “come on grandma I want to stay and play with my friends” Grandma also remembers going to dinner at Wendy’s.

Jeanne was one of Luke’s nurses. She writes so, whenever Adie would leave for the night or weekend, and her mom would stay, she would warn us (kiddingly) about making a bunch of decisions. She (Grandma, Adie's mom), and I had a very close and special connection, and we would do this thing with our fingers and point at each others eyes to let Adie know.. that we were indeed very closely connected.. and were planning things....

Anyway, this one night, grandma and I were talking - as we often did, and she asked me about pets. I said "well,when Lucas gets home, they probably shouldn't have any pets especially when he is neutropenic etc. So, probably dog and especially cats would have to go". Then she asked about fish. I said "probably not, you know the whole fungal infection thing etc". So Adie came back the next day, and we were cracking up, because she said "hey, you and my mom are getting rid of my pets, even the fish, changing the house around and everything - what else!!".. we laughed SO SO hard about that.

So whenever Grandma would stay, Adie would look at us and say "okay you two, no mischief". We would stand at the door of Lucas' room and hang onto each other's shoulders, waving bye to Adie, knowing that we were going to do just that..

One of my favorite and one of the tenderest moments though came when I was sitting Lucas up on the side of the bed, we were changing the bed, and he reached his right arm around and nuzzled into my shoulder. He would not stop. As if I wasn't in love with him enough, it was sealed that day. I told Adie then that I was simply "crazy in love" with Lucas, and I told her about the hug. I loved to

look at him, and talk to him. I told him all of the time that he had to call me on the phone when he got home and tell me everything he was doing. I always said to Adie, "you know what he'll probably say to me first??? " Probably, "hey Jeanne, you kissed me too much". That's how I imagine him.. all boy all the time, I wouldn't want it any other way - for sure..

I loved him, and still love him so very much. It will take me a very long time

(if ever) to get over this - I miss him more than he will ever know.

Love, Jeanne xo

Miss Vicky Luke’s teacher from Montessori said, “ Luke was mischievous in a cute way, you could never stay angry at him”

Linda S____ Luke’s daycare provider writes , Dear Adrienne, Ben and Josh, “Our hearts are heavy with sadness. I loved taking care of Luke, even when he was naughty, I would look at his beautiful eyes and still loved him. He loved to run to the table at lunch to get his spot at the head of the table. I loved kissing his cheeks, but I don’t think he liked it because he would wipe it off. Luke would never leave unless he had his sucker. When there were no sucks left he would tell papa. I wanted to come and see him but I waited to long. I know someday I will see Luke in heaven, because I know Jesus in my heart.” Jesus said I am the truth and the life no one comes to the father but through me.” Love Dave and Linda.

Eric P______ was the Chaplain for the W____ family at U of C Hospital. Eric said, “He was amazed how this family kept it together, how they dealt with there emotions with humor. They were a powerful example of a family. What stress they had to deal with yet they were always thinking and doing for others.

Everyone at the hospital was drawn to them, they were curious.

I was supposed to be there to help them with this terrible tragedy in life but they ended up teaching me so much. The entire family and Lucas will be missed at the hospital.

A Little Boy

Scuffed up knees, with dimples here and there

, a daring, caring, sharing heart, a mass of toss led hair.

Boundless curiosity, the spirit to explore.

Two twinkling eyes, a smiling dirty face and energy galore.

A love of life, a bit of sass, a source of untold joy. Wonderment a dream fulfillment, god’s miracle a boy.

A wonderful child life specialist at the University of Chicago Children’s Comer Hospital named Lisa C_______wrote, sang and recorded this song about Luke.

Music Cue (Play Lucas W_____)

Explanation of Beads of Courage

These are Luke’s Beads of Courage, These, colorful beads, each represent a different treatment milestone he had at the hospital. They represent each test Luke had, each day in the hospital, each time he had a poke, to name a few. They were a way for Luke to have a tangible way to show his experience and courage with cancer.

Reflection

It is appropriate now to pause for a moment. Those who so choose may like to pray, others may choose to reflect on Luke’s short life and the meaning it holds for you. [PAUSE]

Our thoughts are with the family: Ben, Adrienne, Joshua, Grandma Ruth, Papa, Nan, Aunts, uncles, cousins other family friends and everyone who came to know and care for this special boy. We extend to you our deepest sympathy.

On behalf of the family, we thank everyone for the amazing and overwhelming outpouring of support, prayers and love that has been expresses to us over the past 6 months. A special thank you to everyone at University of Children’s Comer Hospital, The nurses, doctors, Child life department to name a few. Remember Luke, talk about his life, remember our wild little boy. Lucas will now be with his Grandfather Richard Lanoue.

Explain hand cut outs

It was important to Adi and Ben that there children never be alone. Some of you traced your hands on paper; we will bury all the hands with Lucas so that he will never be alone. If you still have a hand please place in this basket on your way to your car. Thank you

Blessing

{Toni turns to coffin and says :}

. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross says, “Death is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able to grow “

(Bow heads) Lucas thank you for all that you were, all that you gave us as we say to you now, love and light on your journey to heaven. Fly little butterfly fly. Now you can be an uncle.

Conclusion

Thank you ladies and gentlemen. This concludes the ceremony honoring Luke’s life. After the committal service the family invites you for lunch at the Brick stone Restaurant on William Latham Drive.

Music Cue “Who You’d Be Today”

~ Here ends the ceremony but Luke’s loving memory last forever~

Committal Ceremony

AN ANGEL IS BORN

On the night that you were sick, the angels come to pray.

When something started going wrong, one of them did say

We must go get the Father, and tell him about this.

Things are not going well. Something is amiss.

When the Lord came and saw all the angels crying

He looked down from the sky above and saw a child was dying.

An angel said,” Let’s bring him Home.” The Lord said, “He will stay,

Because he has much to do before he comes our way.

Besides, “the Lord said and sighed, “The parents want their son.”

But this child will teach them much, in time they’ll see it too.”

“But Father,” said the angel now, “I don’t see how he can.

“After surgery this child will never walk or talk. I do not understand.

Watch and you shall see,” to the angel he did say

Though this child will speak no words He will have much to say”

“Their parent hearts will hear his voice and the wisdom he will share

He will teach them things about themselves that even they were not aware.

“Though there are many peaks and valleys on their journey just ahead

They will not despair; they’ll draw their strength from him instead.

“Because of all they’ll learn from him, they’ll help to bridge the distance

Between the world of special needs, and try to make a difference.”

The angel thought on this awhile, and then said, “This child means much.

Like the pebble in the pond, many lives this child will touch.”

Time was coming to the end, Lucas’s work was done so Father reached down and took our son.

Tenderly, with honor and appreciation we remember the life of Lucas W____. He is now beyond harm, fear and pain; and here...in this last rite...we commit his body to the elements.

********************

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Ceremony for a man who died at age 57 from cancer.

Opening Words

Welcome. I am Elizabeth P______, a Funeral Celebrant. On behalf of the Q____ family, I thank everyone for coming to support the family and to honor the life of Ralph Q______. I also thank the Oakland Funeral Home and Anthony F_______ for their caring service to the family during this emotional time. After the ceremony, the family invites you to join them at the Elm St. Grill, which is just around the corner from here. They also ask you to sign the guestbook. Please take a moment to turn off your cell phones, thank you.

We begin with the highest honor that is given a faithful servant of our country. As you know, Ralph was a proud Marine and federal police officer. The Federal Honor Guard stands with us, and the Marine Color Guard will now perform the traditional Flag Ceremony.

Marine Color Guard – Flag Ceremony

Taps

The Folding of the Flag

Presentation of the Flag to the K____ Family

Eulogy

Celebrant: In the words of Ralph’s favorite hero, John Wayne: “A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job.” Ralph was a man who had a clear sense of right and wrong, and was consistent in what he believed. In his life and his work, Ralph lived the core values that are the Marine character – honor, courage and commitment. Perhaps it was also his proud Scottish heritage shining through, an ancient lineage of great warriors singing in his blood.

As all good warriors are, Ralph was strong and gentle. He gave his all to care for his family. Linda says, “He spoiled me rotten.” And his concern extended to those outside of his family as well, willing to help others in any way he could, almost to a fault. “He would talk to everybody and everybody would talk to him, even if he didn’t want them to”, Linda says. He was the kind of guy who, standing in a supermarket line, the person next to him would tell him their whole life story. His mother-in-law Mary, whom he affectionately called Maude, says he was the best son-in-law, and they had a wonderful relationship. She also remembers how mischievous he was – he used to purposefully annoy her by using her expensive Depression glass coasters as an ashtray.

For Ralph, punctuality was #1. His co-worker and friend, Dennis, remembers how Ralph endeared himself to his co-workers because he would arrive at work an hour to an hour and a half early every morning. He’d change into his uniform, make a pot of coffee, and relieve the worker who was on duty. If Ralph were ever late for anything, he’d be in a bad mood all day. At home and at work at the U.S. Mint, one could always count on Ralph to have a pot of good strong coffee prepared. Dennis remembers the time fellow co-worker Joe Deleo served Ralph a cup – Ralph took a sip and tasted cinnamon in it. He was so upset- just could not believe anyone would put cinnamon in coffee. The guys never let him live that down.

Now hot sauce in his coffee was another matter entirely - Ralph loved spicy food. Yes, he would put hot sauce in his coffee, and salt in his soy sauce. Suzie and her husband Michael remember the time they made fresh hot pepper powder for Ralph – they baked and ground the pepper, it was so strong they had to come back an hour later wearing masks to finish the job. In the end, Ralph tasted the powder and said: “It’s a little warm.” Dennis remembers with delight that he broke the record and finally found a hot sauce that was too hot for Ralph. He had given it to Ralph who tried it, brought it back the next day, and humbly grumbled, “I can’t eat this.”

Born January 28, 1950 to Ralph and Jeanne Lorraine King, Ralph grew up on a farm in Flint, Michigan - a very small town where he also attended a 2-room schoolhouse. He had two sisters, Marg and Bonnie, and a brother, Jerry. Ralph was tempered by the hard life he had. It is said that when he went to sleep at night he had a glass of water on his nightstand, and when he woke up, the glass was full of ice. That says a lot about the hardiness, strength and endurance he had to develop. In his youth, he learned how to work hard and demonstrated self-discipline by raising horses all on his own, working jobs and bartering to get them. His love of coffee began at age 9 -- after he’d do his morning chores in the barn, he’d come into the house and his mom would give him a cup. On a farm, there are so many tasks that just have to get done, no questions asked. Being a farmer, Ralph loved John Deere tractors, the best tractors in the world of course.

Ralph played football in Goodrich High School; and after graduating in 1968, he worked at GM for a little while, a job he hated. He then joined the Marines -- against his Dad’s wishes. He served one tour of duty, and when he returned, the job market was poor. It was August 1974. He went to the Marines recruitment office in Detroit to re-enlist, and it just so happens Linda was there, enlisting herself. Afterwards both walked to the bus station, and he started talking to Linda. She was wary of him, being that they were in Detroit. Then she found out they were taking the same bus to Flint, and they chatted the whole way home. Their courtship continued and in February of 1975, Ralph proposed while on leave. They were married that September. Their first married year together, they lived in Camp Pendleton in California, and then he was stationed for a while in Alaska. Ralph fell in love with Alaska, where he enjoyed salmon fishing with his buddies. It became his dream to live there permanently one day and work in the Juno police force.

In 1976 Ralph and Linda moved back to Michigan, where he still had difficulty finding a job. Linda became pregnant with Suzie, and Ralph took a job as deputy sheriff for the jail in Oakland County. At that point he didn’t necessarily want to be a corrections officer, he just wanted to support his family. Linda says that because of the kind of man he was, the deputy job suited him perfectly.

Suzie was born in 1977, and John in 1978. That same year, the family moved to Commerce and Ralph built a house there. Suzie and John’s earliest memories are of this house and its construction. Suzie remembers playing in the yard. John remembers the time they dug a hole in the backyard, and Ralph drove his tractor into it, not knowing the hole was there; and how they had to pull the tractor out. Linda says Ralph had the patience of a saint with the kids-- both their own, and the neighborhood kids. In the Fall, the maple trees on their property would shed tons of leaves. The kids would come to rake, but end up jumping and playing in the piles. Ralph would say nothing, and the next day, clean up the leaves properly. During this time, Ralph also went to college on the GI bill, and worked full time while attending school full time. John says his Dad would lock himself in the bedroom to study. Linda remembers how Ralph struggled with English and she helped him. As was consistent with his dedicated personality, Ralph persevered and received his two-year degree from Oakland Community College, with honors.

Ralph eventually grew tired of living in the suburbs and so in 1985, they moved to Goodrich, where he had purchased 5 acres of land. Linda says that Ralph was in his glory there. He had a huge vegetable garden, and as usual his goal to remodel one room turned into remodeling the entire house. Ralph loved to build, and was very handy. Then his shoulder was badly hurt on the job during a fight with prisoners; and he had to quite his job, so as not to risk hurting his shoulder again.

In 1989 they moved to Las Vegas with no job, no house to go to. They stayed in a hotel and within 3 days got an apartment; and Ralph got a security job at the Showboat Casino. John says his Dad loved that job, because he got to eat prime rib with horseradish every single night. One day the kid’s school bus was shot at and the family moved again, in 1990. They went to Milpitas, California where Ralph got a job at Lockheed Martin. After 6 months he was laid off and he took a security job, which he hated. Then he was hired as a Federal police officer at the U.S. Mint in San Francisco, in 1991. Suzie remembers this time fondly, because as a teen she used to go down to the city with her girlfriend, and was allowed to roam the city freely, just as long as she checked in with her Dad periodically. He would also show them around the Mint. “It was such freedom and great fun”, she says.

Ralph completed training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training center on July 2, 1993. This was quite an achievement -- at that point he was 43 years old, the training was rigorous and he was competing with 20-something year olds. In 1994, the family moved to Texas, where Ralph got at job at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. During this time, Linda remembers she worked first shift and Ralph worked second shift. When she came home for lunch, he’d have dinner made, and he’d clean up after. She says she could clean the whole house in the amount of time that it took him to clean the kitchen, but that kitchen would be immaculate. John says his Dad was very detail oriented. “It wasn’t about the speed, it was about the quality of the job.”

Ralph was transferred to the U.S. Mint at West Point in NY, on November 3, 2002, and moved to here in New Jersey. In recent years, Ralph became deeply interested in his genealogy. He was fiercely proud of his Scottish heritage, says Ellen. He was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and The Mayflower Society, being one of 26 male descendents from the Mayflower. Ralph and Linda traveled often, and their road trips usually included a stop at the National Archives, or stopping in to visit a distant relative he had discovered through his research.

In his leisure time Ralph could be found working on a building project, playing with his grandchildren, or curled up on his favorite green leather chair under his favorite afghan, watching John Wayne movies. He loved John Wayne, and had a whole collection of his movies on VHS – it was a running joke that he was probably the only person in town who still had VHS tapes and watched them.

On August 13th of this year, Ralph was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He did not ask for a prognosis, preferring to let the remainder of his life come to its own natural end in its own time. Ralph faced his death with the same calm acceptance and courage with which he embraced life. His co-workers were a wonderful support during this time. When Ralph’s sick leave ran out, they donated their sick leave, so that he would continue to have income. Linda says that he never complained of pain, and she almost had to force him to take his pain medicine.

At 5 a.m. on November 4, 2007, Ralph Q____ passed away peacefully at his home, lovingly surrounded by his family.

Ralph’s daughter Ellen will now speak:

Personal Eulogy – Daughter Ellen

Hello. As I stand here, I see friends and relatives that have come great distances to be here for my Dad. I am humbled and quite frankly impressed at how he must have touched your lives. I can only speak for myself, but when I think of how he touched my life, the first word that comes to mind is “admiration”.

I could stand here and list all the ways I admire him…but well, a lot of you have flights to catch. But I would like to share a few reasons why I admire my Dad. First and foremost was his love and commitment for my Mother. And not just marital commitment. He was committed to making her HAPPY. If it was important to her, it BECAME important to him. They were happily married for 32 years, and during his last days, his only concern was for Mom’s well being, and not his own impending mortality.

I also admire him because of the KIND of father he was to us (my brother and me). Yes, he loved us… very much. But he also instilled in us a core value system that defined who HE was. And that, was a man who kept promises. Honored commitment. He was a man of integrity. Whenever we stumbled, he could have accepted our bitching & moaning and advised us to take the easy way out and quit. But he’d have none of THAT. He fully expected us to see things through, all the way to the end without drama. “Do it. It just needs to be done.” he’d always say to me.

If you’re here today, and I thank you for that, that means that he touched your life in some way or another. That means that you’d miss him in some way or another.

Yes, he will be missed

Friends will miss his coffee and corny jokes and his company

His grandchildren will miss his giddy-up rides and the comfy naps on his favorite recliner

My mother will miss having her best friend by her side

I will miss my father, the source of my convictions. I will miss my inspiration.

Flower Ceremony with Grandchildren

Ralph’s grandchildren, Jack, Maribeth, and Patsy will now come up and each place a flower in this vase, in thanks for all of the giddyup rides and comfy naps on the couch they shared with Grandpa.

John, Ellen and Michael bring up grandchildren and help them to place flowers in vase.

Reflection

We will now take a few moments in silence to hold Ralph in our hearts, and reflect upon how he touched us personally. This is also a time to pray, if you so choose. Pause for a few moments.

Closing Words

We mourn our loss of a good husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, son-in-law, and friend. There is a sense of unfairness that Ralph’s life would end just a couple of years before retirement, which he had many plans for. We mourn his dreams that will never be fulfilled. An old proverb says that: “Life is short, but wide”. Ralph’s life may have been shorter than we hoped it would be, but it was crafted meticulously with his own hands and filled wide with many, many happy moments spent with his family, whom he deeply loved.

In the words of Tibetan monk Thich Nat Han:

Our true home is in the present moment.

To live in the present moment is a miracle

The miracle is not to walk on water

the miracle is to walk on the green earth

in the present moment.

To appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.

Peace is all around us and in nature

and within us,

in our bodies and our spirits.

Once we learn to touch this peace

we will be healed and transformed

It is not a matter of faith.

It is a matter of practice.

We are not meant to avoid life in fear of death. We are meant to live each moment fully, to connect with our environment and the people in our lives, to share the best of ourselves generously, to have courage, to do what needs to be done, and to practice our deepest convictions. Thus in the end, whenever our time may come, we can face it with peace, satisfied in our hearts that we were human and we really, really lived.

Committal

I will now read a poem called “Indian Prayer”:

When I am dead

cry for me a little

Think of me sometimes

but not too much.

Think of me now and again

as I was in life

as some moments it’s pleasant to recall

but not for long.

Leave me in peace

and I shall leave you in peace.

And while you live

let your thoughts be with the living.

We leave Ralph in peace and bid him a loving farewell. As befits a warrior Scotsman, it was Ralph’s wish that bagpipers play. As we leave, we shall listen in honor of him. Thank you ladies and gentleman, this concludes our tribute.

Recessional

Music: Bagpipes

Amazing Grace

Scotland the Brave

Marine Corps Hymn

~Here ends the ceremony~

Funeral Poem

2011-08-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

Funeral Prayer #4 Dirge Without Music

By Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.

So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:

Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned

With lilies and with laurel they go but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.

Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.

A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,

A formula, a phrase remains, but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,

They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled

Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.

More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave

Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;

Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.

I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

********************

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My First Funeral

2011-08-17T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Rev Long,.

My funeral was very unusual for me because it involved a ward/patient of mines. I have been a licensed minister from a different denomination years ago but, I was never ordained. Therefore I've never had the opportunity to officiate at any funerals, and had no preparation for any type of funeral services. However, being an court appointed volunteer legal guardian for adults that have been adjudicated mentally incompetent by Probate Court had experience planning a funeral. Shortly after becoming an ordained ULC Seminary minister, one of my patient health started to deteriorate rapidly. I started to formulate a funeral plan and, select the funeral home and, I reach the part in the funeral planning process where I had to choose the officiating minister.

I left it blank. I left it blank because it hadn't dawned on me that I was ordained and could now officiate the funeral myself. However, after I had to get the patient's family involved with visitations and saying their "good-byes" I instantly remembered that I was ordained and, now providing Pastoral Care Services" to this family. I filled in my name as the minister that would be officiating the funeral services. I did all those things that you do with the family they try to come to grips with their family member that is either dying or deceased but, in this instance I was also part of the family because I was his guardian.

We put together a nice small dignified funeral with the limited funds that were available and, the agency that I volunteered through as a volunteer guardian was notified of our plans. This is where I said the miracle of God's hand @ work. Days before the funeral was to take place the funeral director called me and said, he was able to verify my former patient had actually been a US Marine. This gave us extra money for a proper burial in our state's "National Veterans Cemetery" and, that we now had 2 choices of caskets. I invited the family to go to the funeral home to choice the casket and finalize the update funeral plans. I also told the agency about the update in funeral plans and, I said this will be my first funeral as an ordained minister. The agency had never had a "Volunteer Guardian" Officiate at any of their wards/patients funeral before and, now the funeral was going to our state's cemetery too. This became a big deal and, now they wanted to get a news reporter involved provided that the family were ok with this. Suddenly the little dignified gravesite funeral became something else, a real funeral that was now going to have publicity. Now we are going to have a wake at the funeral home and, then an official Marine Corp graveside services which included a 21 gun salute.

Fortunately the reporter wasn't available to cover the funeral so we had no press cover but, we had everything else. I was happy to have been able to provide a message of hope and ask the family to let their reflections of their individual lives with this person, to speak a gift of God. To have been there to provide Pastoral Care Services to them during their loved one last days. I gave a copy of my message to the agency which I volunteer but, I lost the written copy of the message. However, I've not lost the message of the circumstance It was a very powerful message to me and a confirmation of the ministry that I am called to do and, that is Pastoral Care Services to those that do not have a pastor.

Have you realized just how blessed you are right now?

Bishop C. T. Thonor-Kuykendall, ll,DD

Life's Ripples

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Funeral Poem

2011-08-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

Funeral Prayer #3 Crossing the Bar
Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness or farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

Funeral Prayer #4 Dirge Without Music
By Edna St. Vincent Millay

I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground.
So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind:
Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned
With lilies and with laurel they go but I am not resigned.

Lovers and thinkers, into the earth with you.
Be one with the dull, the indiscriminate dust.
A fragment of what you felt, of what you knew,
A formula, a phrase remains, but the best is lost.

The answers quick and keen, the honest look, the laughter, the love,
They are gone. They are gone to feed the roses. Elegant and curled
Is the blossom. Fragrant is the blossom. I know. But I do not approve.
More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world.

Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned.

********************

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and ordination to become an ordained minister.

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Funeral Eulogy

2011-07-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Eulogy
Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

There is much to remember and much to be thankful for as we remember ______ and the way he shared his/her life with those around him/her. We all give the gift of ourselves to those we share life with. These are gifts that no one can take away. Though we are gone, these gifts remain with those to whom we have given them.

______ gave gifts of him/herself to us which have become a part of us, and cannot be taken away. We give thanks for his/her life, and for the ways he shared it with us.

********************

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Online Ceremonies

2011-07-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

By Rev. Kenneth Thompson
Financial Blessing

If you believe than it will unfold for with the power of true combined or unified 'consensus' an exponentiating effect manifests wonders - if you have doubts then delete this and enjoy your journey...

Financial Blessings
I'm claiming this for you.

Please claim it for me.

Your God has more than a thousand ways to provide for you, that you are not consciously aware of.

Here is your financial blessing! It's a simple prayer; do you have 30 seconds? Don't sleep on this...Someone recently read this for the first time, believed in its potential and received exactly enough for a $0 balance on all credit cards within the week they sent it on. If you need a financial blessing, continue reading this email.

Holy Spirit, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just our mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who are in our life.

Holy Spirit, I send up a prayer request for financial blessing for not only the person who sent this to me, but for my self and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined Divine creation by those who know and trust is more powerful than anything. I
thank you in advance for these blessings. Beloved God, manifest for the person reading this this moment, a life without debt and debt burdens, and unfold fabulous wealth into their lives straight away.

Release your Divine wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that you have given me Holy Spirit, for I know how wonderful and mighty you are and how if we just know you are within, walking in our every word, and have the understanding of the mustard seed, that you pour out
endless blessings. I thank you now Lord God of My Being for the recent blessings I have already received and for those yet to come, because I know these too, already are. In this I say - So be it!

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Funeral Ceremony

2011-07-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

CLOSING PRAYER
Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

(Choose one)

Eternal God, let your presence rest upon us as we give thanks for _________ 's life.

We thank you for the days of life that you gave to him/her.

May his/her memory live long among us and be a source of strength for us.

In the midst of the loss we feel as we experience the death of one whom we love, keep us in touch also with the memories which can sustain us.

May we find the courage to face the changes which life presents to us as we go on from here. Give to those who most deeply feel this loss the comfort of your presence, and enable each of us to minister to those who mourn. Amen.

This is a prayer, from the American Indian tradition: "O Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am small and weak - I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes so when life fades as the fading sunset my spirit may come to you without shame.

********************

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A Memorial Service

2011-07-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

Memorial service

Last night I had the privilege to attend the memorial service for a lady I had never had the pleasure of meeting. She was the mother of Sandy’s Daughter in law Amy.

A feeling of love as such you can not imagine filled the room as there were I would estimate well over 200 people in attendance most of which were educators.

As usual being the emotional person I am my handkerchief was far from dry.

It was a beautiful service performed by Pastor Margaret a retired Lutheran minister which is a past master of such a service.

It was beautifully organized by friends of the lady and her partner which had just left us.

As I said the love in the room was just over whelming. This lady was well loved by all and a beautiful poet as well. Several of her pieces were read and included in the memorial brochure.

I have taken the liberty to include the above as it is beautiful and it seemed as though it was a message from my own mother whom I never knew as she was removed from me at an early age of two.

We are blessed to be included as we were to this beautiful service. To hear how she was so well loved by all who knew her even the Pastor that performed the service was a close friend of hers.

I am sure it was my loss not to have known this lady. I know her daughter and she is a precious person that shows love through all she does.

Once again thank you Universe ( and Sandy) for including me in this beautiful event.

I
http://astore.amazon.com/angeandblessp-20

To obtain any books, music or media for your self go to my web site wisaac3rd.com then click on any amazon.com banner then go to amazon.com and order the cards and anything else you may desire.
My request is that you always use my site to get to amazon.com as I receive a commission for every sale made through my site.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how they felt when they left you.

"The leaders in every walk of life decide quickly and firmly. That is the major reason why they are leaders"-Napoleon

“Faith,” he said, “is the ability to see the invisible
and believe in the incredible and that is what enables
believers to receive what the masses think is
impossible.”

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre
minds.”

I am not as good as I should be,
I am not as good as I could be.
But THANK GOD
I am better than I used to be!

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really
are.

"To change the world you do not need to do great things. You need only to do small things with great love. ~ Mother Teresa"

'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.' -- Helen Keller

Silence speaks louder than a thousand screams.

W. Isaac Norris 3rd

Peace, Love, and Light
Rev. Dr. W. Isaac Norris 3rd
of
the Eternal Light Center of Hope
The Academy of Spirituality (TAOS)
the Angelic Messenger Circle

Universal Life Church Seminary,

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have many classes in Christianity, one about Wicca, several forms of Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

You can become an ordained minister, for free, and for life, so use this Free Online Ordination, link.

This online seminary, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.

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Funeral Poem

2011-07-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

Funeral Prayer #1 Funeral Blues

www.cremationsolutions.com

W. H. Auden

(This poem was made popular by its reading in the movie "Four Weddings and a Funeral.")

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead.
Put crepe bows round the white necks of public doves,
Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West.
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;
I thought that love would last forever; I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood;
For nothing now can ever come to any good.

********************

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Online Ceremonies

2011-06-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Blessing

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are
a forgiving God and
an understanding God.

You have done so much for me
and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything

I have done, said or thought

that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe

from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.
And give me the best response

when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray,

You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be

a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...

Keep me uplifted that I may have

words of encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost

and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged

and misunderstood.

I pray for those who

don't know You intimately.

I pray for those that will delete this

without sharing it with others

I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe

that God changes people and

God changes things.

I pray for all my sisters and brothers.

For each and every family member

in their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy

in their homes; that they are out of debt

and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this

knows there is no problem, circumstance,

or situation greater than God.

Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received

into the hearts of every eye that sees it

in Jesus' name. Amen!

If you prayed this prayer,

change the number in the subject box

before forwarding the message

so people can see how many

other people have done so.

God Bless ! ! ! ! !

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!

God I love you and I need you,

come into my heart, please.

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Funeral Poetry

2011-06-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church

Funeral Prayer #2 From the Ode To Immortality, Stanza IX
William Wordsworth

O joy! that in our embers
Is something that doth live,
That nature yet remembers
What was so fugitive!
The thought of our past years in me doth breed
Perpetual benediction: not indeed
For that which is most worthy to be blest--
Delight and liberty, the simple creed
Of Childhood, whether busy or at rest,
With new-fledged hope still fluttering in his breast:--
Not for these I raise
The song of thanks and praise;
But for those obstinate questionings
Of sense and outward things,
Fallings from us, vanishings;
Blank misgivings of a Creature
Moving about in worlds not realised,
High instincts before which our mortal Nature
Did tremble like a guilty Thing surprised:
But for those first affections,
Those shadowy recollections,
Which, be they what they may,
Are yet the fountain light of all our day,
Are yet a master light of all our seeing;
Uphold us, cherish, and have power to make
Our noisy years seem moments in the being
Of the eternal Silence: truths that wake,
To perish never;
Which neither listlessness, nor mad endeavor,
Nor Man nor Boy,
Nor all that is at enmity with joy,
Can utterly abolish or destroy!
Hence in a season of calm weather
Though inland far we be,
Our Souls have sight of that immortal sea
Which brought us hither,
Can in a moment travel thither,
And see the Children sport upon the shore,
And hear the mighty waters rolling evermore.

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Funeral Opening Statement

2011-06-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Opening Statement
Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

We are joined here on this day to give thanks for the life of ______, whose short stay of ___ years was a joy to us all.

Death is part of the cycle of life. Death is required and death is sad. It tears at our heart when it happens, but without it, there could be nothing new. No new genes, no species, no new perspectives in the world. Without death, there could be no more birth. Death is the price we pay.

Even though it is the price, we struggle against it with all our might. We guard ourselves and live in resistance to this natural state. When it does come, such as now, there is for some a question of faith, of the fairness of the world, which eventually gives way to acceptance that death is part of the greater plan for the universe. This acceptance doesn’t usually come easy or quickly, but when it does, it can strengthen us. To love life and to trust so completely in the ways of the universe and of God, even in its final act, is fortifying.

We have come here today to celebrate the passage that ________ has made into the greater wholeness, the loving arms of God.

Rev. Amy Long

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Online Blessings

2011-06-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Blessing
By Rev., Rabbi, Dr.Jesse Vera Phd

Dearest and Beloved G-d of Moses, Abraham, Eliza, Joshua and David-
As I call unto you, Please hear the prayers of a penetant man.

Dearest G-d bless all manatu for animals, plants, rocks, water, fire, and our beloved mother earth. Bless all of those whom we call friends that are pure of heart, if they are in need of help, grant them guidance with your Hochmah,( Wisdom ).

Please Bless all who have ascended before us Let them know as we light a candle that this light is to help them receive our energy in our constant thoughts. And Dearest G-d, Please bless all of your children, no matter which tribe they may have started from or where they are today, they, we, are all YOUR CHILDREN. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit grant us all the Green Light.

AMEN

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Online Ceremony

2011-06-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

Universal Life Church
By Rev. Larry Fulmer, Jr.

Ceremonial Act of Installation

PRESIDENT: We gather today to covenant with __name___ as the Called Minister of this Congregation. We celebrate our Shared Universal Life Church Principles with __name__ , recognizing that we also minister our Universal Life Church values individually and collectively both here and throughout our community.

_Name__ , we have chosen and called you to live among us, to make our concerns your concerns, and to collaborate with us in the ministry of this congregation. Our desire is to find wholeness among ourselves and to create relationships of mutual wholeness in our community and out into the world.

We would have you speak the truth in love. We would have you model wisdom and kindness to our children and youth. We would have you minister to us in times of joy and in times of sorrow. We would have you demonstrate by your example as well as by your words, the life of courage and compassion. We would have you nurture our movement toward greater service to the world. Are you willing to take up these shared responsibilities?

MINISTER: I am.

PRESIDENT: On our part, we pledge to remember that the work of Universal Life belongs to all of us. We pledge to honor freedom of conscience in both pulpit and pew. We share responsibility with you for the spiritual development and the material welfare of our Congregation. As we would ask you to be charitable toward our failures, we will also remember that you are human too. We pledge to participate and to cooperate with you in our growth toward an ever-expanding community of caring.

Will the members please stand and join me in the Covenant of Shared Ministry:

MEMBERS: We, the members of the Universal Life Church of _______, commit ourselves with Reverend _____ to collaborate in fulfilling the goals of this Congregation. We hereby install ____ _____ as our Called Minister and pledge our partnership in ministering Universal Life Church values in our community and beyond.

MINISTER: I accept the shared Ministry to which you have called me. I pledge to honor the freedom of pulpit and pew, to speak with integrity and love both publicly and privately, diligently to fulfill the various offices of spiritual leadership, counsel, celebration, religious education, activism and administration. I pledge to promote mutual relationships of justice and kindness among all people, with ourselves, and within nature as articulated by our Statement of Universal Life Church Principles. This is my covenant with you.

~ Rev Larry Fulmer, Jr.

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As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site with wedding ceremonies to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.

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Funeral Ceremony Sermon

2011-06-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

By Carolyn Young
Universal Life Church - Online Funeral Ceremony

Requiem for an Unborn

(set up the sacred space and light a candle for everyone in attendance. Make sure there are plenty of tissues available.)

Many of us know the pain of losing a child. And if we are fortunate to have not known, as women we can still empathize and grieve. A life stopped before it was started can more distressing than other any deaths. Body and spirit stiffen against sorrow, but to aid the release of the grief of those who mourn, we must let our own awareness flow free.

We gather tonight to say good-bye to _______, a child-but not a child; truly "real" to but one among us. Whether the one we mourn was beloved or a stranger, we have the right and the need to grieve because her fate is our own.

She has left behind empty arms, not just her parents', but all who would have cherished her and nurtured her and assisted her in becoming a woman. We hope she accomplished what she had set for herself.

(Let everyone tell what they would have liked to have done with _______. When each person is finished speaking they blow out their candle and wish Godspeed to the soul.)

I would like to have taken her for walks in the woods and shown her the wonders there . . . and let her show me the wonders of God's creations through a child's eyes again.

(When all are finished ground the energies and open the space.)

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