Well Done - Ron McCartney

Prelude - Video Slideshow

Opening - Pastor Chris Baker

Opening Prayer

Greeting

This morning, we have come to this place to remember the life and legacy of Ron McCartney. Ron was a member of this church, he served God faithfully, and was a brother and a friend to all.

Today, our hearts are heavy. Today, we are filled with a mixture of emotions.

As we share stories and memories, we might find ourselves laughing together, or crying together. As we remember the good times and the special moments, we might find ourselves smiling or standing with tear filled eyes. These moments… are never easy. Ron was a friend, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and great grandfather. But he was also something else. Ron… was a servant and follower of Jesus.

And that truth right there… makes all the difference in the world. That truth right there means that today, we do not say goodbye, rather today, we say “we will see you later.” Ron was a man of faith. Ron was a devoted servant of Jesus and because he had an unquestionable relationship with the Lord, we know that Ron is now celebrating in the presence of the King!

We grieve because he is not here. In this world, death would appear to be permanent. Death would appear to be the final end to our lives. But for those who are in Christ Jesus, death was conquered by our Lord and Savior the day He walked out of the grave.

As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

1 Corinthians 15:55–57 NIV

55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ron not only knew of the victory that is in Jesus, HE LIVED AND WALKED IN THE VICTORY! I am thankful or the blessed hope that we have in our Lord. And… I am also thankful for God’s amazing comfort that He offers His children. Matthew 5:4 reads

Matthew 5:4 NIV

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

This beatitude reflects the heart and nature of our God. He sees our broken hearts and sends His Spirit to comfort us in our grief. Today… is not easy. But today, may we never forget that Ron… BELIEVED in Jesus. And those who believe in Him WILL NOT PERISH, but will have eternal life.

John 3:16 NIV

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This morning, we honor and remember Ron McCartney and we celebrate the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. At this time, Pastor Darrel Schmid is coming to read the Obituary.

Reading of Obituary - Pastor Darrel Schmid

Ronald James McCartney was born June 9, 1936 in Lebanon, KS, the son of Garnet James & Bess Rose (Tillinghast) McCartney. He was the oldest of 4 children.

Ron attended school in Kensington, KS graduating with the class of 1954. After high school he attended Southwestern Assembly of God College. While there, he attended a church in Dallas, TX where he met the love of his life, La Juan Hill. He proposed and they were married on November 25, 1955. They were blessed with 3 children; a daughter, Patricia Renee & 2 sons, Samuel James & Mark Raphael.

After 5 years in Texas, the couple made an agreement to live in Kansas & stay where they liked it the most, so Kansas became their longtime home. In Kensington, Ron worked for the COOP. After many years in the main office, he transferred to Kirwin to manage that elevator. After retiring, the couple moved to Phillipsburg where Ron worked for the Phillips County Hospital in the maintenance Dept., retiring from there after 20 years.

During his life he was a man of few words. He enjoyed stamp collecting from the age of 9 & still had stamp albums that he was trying to fill, making many trips to the post office to collect new issues. He also enjoyed genealogy & spent many hours searching online or reading tombstones in surrounding counties. His favorite passion was his relationship with his church & family. The man of few words would talk most about Jesus & genealogy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife La Juan;’ daughter, Patricia; sons, Samuel & Mark; his brother Jerold; sisters, Sharon Zimmerman & Janice Nordon; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren & 1 great-great grandchild.

Congregational Song: Shall We Gather at the River - LeAnn Leidig

Message - Pastor Chris Baker

I wasn’t sure what to think when our District Superintendent asked the question more than five years ago, “Would you consider Agra, KS?”

My response was much like the response I get when I tell people where we live, “Where in the world is Agra, KS?” We found it on the map, we zoomed in… then zoomed in some more, until we could spot a worship facility sitting on top of a hill surrounded by fields.

As we began to learn more and more about the church, our hearts became more and more connected with what God was doing here and 5 years later… here we are.

Now why would I start this message off with a story about our coming to Agra, KS? Because in the beginning of it all, we met a man who attended the church, who was a man of few words… but a man of huge faith.

My relationship with Ron began as we unloaded our moving truck at our house and I remember being amazed at the level of work he was capable of. Ron stayed the entire day and he was one of the last to leave.

Not only did he help get every box to the room it belonged in, but he also stayed in the garage and broke down the boxes that had been emptied and stacked them. Then, at the end of the day, he asked me a question.

In the front yard of our home, we have a stone archway that holds a limestone name placard. The stone had the name of the previous owners an it and he asked me what I was going to do with it. I didn’t have any plans so he asked if he could have it. I said yes, and a day or two later, he loaded it up and hauled it away.

I had no idea what he was going to do with a big heavy stone with the Beckman name on it! Maybe he collects name rocks, I don’t know!?!

About two weeks later on a Saturday, I heard some commotion in our front yard. Ron, along with two guys, were hanging something on the stone archway. He had taken the stone, had it sanded down, and had our name engraved on it.

And he did something that day through that action I will never forget. He welcomed the Bakers to their new home. He didn’t say these words.... He expressed those words through his action.

Ron McCartney may be known as a man of few words, but he was also known as a man of great action.

Speaking of action, I had the opportunity to sit down with a few of the family members this week. We shared stories and memories and there was one that I had to share.

This story took place immediately following Ron and La Juan’s wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the bride and groom when get in a car and wedding guests and friends would give chase in a brief moment of fun. But for Ron and La Juan, the car was full of family and friends!

Ron was driving… and as Sharron was telling the story, the excitement of the moment was gaining.

I can only imagine Ron weaving down the streets, maybe taking an alley or two as a shortcut while trying to allude the would-be pursuers.

But then, my imagination gave way to the words Sharron shared with me next, “Ron ended up driving up a ramp.” And she made it clear that it wasn’t like an on-ramp for a freeway… it was a ramp.... ramp. And before she could finish I asked her, “Please tell me Ron ramped the car!?!” She said no, he stopped before making it to the top.

But for a moment, I had in my mind the image of Ron McCartney going Dukes of Hazard with His new bride and wedding party all in the car!

Ron was indeed a man of action… but not the kind of action a person might expect in an adventure movie or sporting event. Ron was a doer. Ron didn’t say much, but his actions spoke louder than any words.

Ron was an ACTIVE servant of the Lord and of others. Ron was always doing what he could for the sake of God’s kingdom.

I don’t know of a single work day at Woodston Camp that Ron did not attend. I don’t know of a single church work day that Ron did not participate in. When we painted this room two years ago, Ron masked off all the woodwork, removed all the outlet and switch covers and prepped the entire room.

About twice a month, Ron would come to the church, walk the hallways and classrooms, and change any dead bulbs. He would clean the fixtures and make sure all was good. He also prepared the communion trays for our times of remembering the Lord. When something needed done and if Ron knew about the need, he would roll up his sleeves and help.

Larry Stones has said numerous times that if we had a church with 10 Ron McCartneys, it would be an unstoppable force in the community. And Larry was right… Ron never quit. Ron took what the Lord had given Him and he used it for the glory of God.

As I mentioned before, I have no doubt that our friend, family member, and brother in Christ, is now in the eternal presence of Jesus. And when Ron entered into heaven, I have no doubt he was greeted by Jesus saying… “Well done. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Ron was faithful in carrying out the work God had given him.

Ron served in many ways, including preaching a revival in Riverton Nebraska, a revival where his son Samuel would receive the Holy Spirit.

Ron was in church when the doors were open. If we had church, Ron would be there. He would have his family in service to hear the Word of the Lord.

On Wednesday, Ron and I would often talk afterward and he would always have another biblical nugget of truth to add to the study we had just completed. Ron knew the Word of God.

Ron would use this knowledge not only to teach, but to live out the example of faith. He was caring, he was a servant… and most importantly, he was a follower of Jesus.

As I prayed about what to message to bring to this service today, God laid on my heart the place in the Word where the phrase “Well done, good and faithful servant” originated.

Jesus Tells a Parable

The story is simple and is found in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus tells of a master who gives three of his servants different amounts of money.

Two of the servants take the money and put it to work. When the master returns, they present to him the original amount given plus what the money had earned - double in both cases.

But then, the third servant took the money and… did nothing with it. He brought back the same amount that had been given.

The first two servants had received praise - Well done, good and faithful servant.

The third servant received rebuke - You wicked, lazy servant.

The first two were were “put in charge of many things.” They were invited to “come and share” in the happiness of the master.

The third was thrown outside… into the darkness “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

This parable is one of stewardship and faithfulness. This parable speaks of what we do with what God has given us. This parable reveals the reward… or the rebuke… a person might hear on the other side of this life.

Ron was faithful with what the Lord had given him. Ron did not take what God had given him and bury it in the ground, Ron put it to work for the cause of the kingdom.

I never saw Ron move fast, I never saw him in a hurry or in a rush. I never heard him complain. I never witnessed him become impatient or disgruntled. I always saw Ron steady in his work, steady in his faith, steady in his compassion and care for his family, steady in his commitments, and steady in his walk with the Lord.

Ron conditionally served as God enabled him to serve. Over the years, I saw him slow down a bit, but never quit. I saw him rest more often, but never give up. Ron remained steady.

Church, Jesus has given us so much. Our Lord and Savior has provided us with something far more valuable than bags of gold.

Jesus has given us hope, peace, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, freedom, and victory! Jesus has given us power, healing, provision, deliverance, salvation, redemption, and new life! Our master has truly supplied His servants with great spiritual wealth.

Ron put that wealth to work and increased the return on Jesus’s investment. Ron did not hoard it or hide it away, Ron put the blessings of God to work to bring glory to the kingdom of God!

And I wonder today if… we might make the choice to do the same.

Jesus gave all He could possibly give to make a way where there seemed to be no way. Our sin problem was bigger than anything we could ever take on ourselves, so Jesus… took it to the cross. In place of our sin, He offers life more abundantly.

The charge I felt led to bring today in memory of our faithful brother is this: What will you do with the new life Jesus has given you?

Will you use that life to spread the good news… to share with this world that Jesus saves?

Someone might say, “But I’m not a preacher. What can I do for the kingdom?” You can follow in the example that Ron set before us throughout his life. Ron… was a servant of the Lord. He used his talents… his abilities to maintain a building, take care of a campground, care for this worship facility, love on the people around him - to share the gospel message with the world around him.

Each year before Woodston camp could take place, the grounds and the buildings had to be cleaned and set up. The pews had to be set and the gutters cleaned. Ron was there. Camp couldn’t happen without the help that believers like Ron provided.

Every Sunday when the light switches were turned on and the building was made ready for ministry, Ron was there. He made sure the lights would illuminate when needed.

When the parking lot needed new yellow stripes, when the sanctuary needed a fresh coat of paint, when any kind of work needed to be done on the church grounds… or when the new preacher in town needed to feel welcomed… Ron was there.

Behind all of this, is the work of people who have said yes to serving the Lord faithfully. Ron was one of those people… one of our strongest… one of our most faithful.

Will you choose… to use the new life you have in Christ… to lead others to finding new life in Him?

Message Closing

Ron didn’t use a lot of words… although he was a very intelligent man who knew the Word of God better than most. Ron… was a man of action. Ron’s faithfulness was well known through his willingness and desire to serve the kingdom of God.

Ron’s legacy of faith is truly amazing. And if he had one thing to say to us this morning as we close out this message, I believe he would say something like this: “Remain steady in your walk with the Lord. Be faithful with what God has given you. Humbly serve the Lord who laid down His life for you… and pray.”

Even in his last moments… Ron was doing what He could do for the kingdom. He couldn’t open his eyes. He couldn’t talk to visitors in the hospital. He was struggling to breathe… but he continued to serve.

When Trish went to see him one day, she said they had country music playing on the TV. She changed the channel to a station that was playing worship music… and Ron began to worship.

How do we know this? Because of the motion he made with His hands… an image you will see in a moment.

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THE NEW LIFE JESUS HAS GIVEN YOU? I pray you will do what Ron chose to do - SERVE THE LORD.

CD SONG - HOW TO PRAY

Closing Remarks - Pastor Chris Baker

On behalf of the family I want to thank you all for coming out and celebrating Ron’s life and legacy. The grave side service will be taking place immediately following this service at the Agra Cemetery.

The family would also like to invite you to attend a lunch reception taking place here at Heartland Worship Center after the grave side service. Again, the family is very thankful for your love and support in this difficult time.

Will you join me in prayer one before we close and ask God to continue to be with us today?

CLOSING PRAYER

Video Slideshow as congregation is dismissed.

Graveside Remarks

I would like to start out by reading the words to a song… words of comfort and promise.

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along; Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet God leads His dear children along.

Some through the waters, some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along. Sometimes in the valley in the darkest of night, God leads His dear children along. Though sorrows befall us, and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along; Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along; Away up in glory eternity’s day, God leads His dear children along.

Ron certainly knew of God’s leading… for he chose to follow Him in all things. And even in this moment… God is leading us right now, through the sorrow and pain of loss… He guides us with the comfort and peace only His Spirit can bring.

It is never easy to approach this moment… this end of life as we know it moment. For it is in this moment that we say our final goodbyes… that we say farewell to a loved one, a family member, and a good friend. Ron will be greatly missed.

And we understand today that even Jesus knew what this moment felt like. When He recieved the report that His friend, Lazarus, had died, the Scriptures tell us that Jesus wept. He wept for the loss of a friend… and He wept for the heartache of the loved ones. But even in that moment of death… there was hope of new life.

Even in this moment… there is hope. Even as this body is laid to rest, we know his soul has never been more alive. For Ron loved the Lord… he served Him with all her heart… and with that faith was given entrance to heaven.

Our hearts grieve through the loss… but we find peace in knowing that in this moment, we say goodbye only to the body… for we shall see ron once more when our time on earth is done.

John 14:1-6 reads,

John 14:1–6 NIV

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus came to lead us back home. Jesus came to make a way where there seemed to be no way. He came that through Him we might find our way back to the Father.

He has gone to prepare a place for all who place their faith in Him. And because Ron knew the Lord… he has found his way home.

We know that in this moment, Ron is not here. He stands in the presence of the Lord who said to one who was dying on a cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” What lies before us is but the earthly tabernacle, the house in which he lived among us for a time. Tenderly and reverently we commit that house to the grave. The body returns to the earth from which it came: earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. The Spirit returns to God who gave it, waiting the day when both spirit and body shall again be united at the coming of the Lord; “for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise.”

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

“Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Ron will never again feel the pain or discomfort of sickness. Ron will never again experience the hardships and trials of this world. Ron has forever been set free as he came into glory… undoubtedly while hearing the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Ron is home… in the Father’s house… no doubt taking care of the heavenly property… doing all he can to honor and celebrate the One who gave His life for him.

May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort you and bring you peace… and may the Spirit of God fill your hearts as we pray...

PRAYER - Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for Your leading. We are so thankful that You lead your children home. We are so thankful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, as He made for us the way back to You. It is in Christ that we find our peace… that we find our comfort… and that we find our hope.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort family and friends as we share this final moment.

Fill us with your peace as we navigate this difficult season.

Help us to listen to Your voice and to find our direction through Your Word.

Keep us in Your loving arms and surround us with Your Spirit. We thank you again for being with us all as we remember Your faithful servant. Bless us and keep us in Your precious Name we pray, Amen.

This concludes our service today. We will be praying for you and available to help or serve in anyway we can. God bless.