John 14,1-6 - Memorial Service

MEMORIAL SERVICE

November 24, 1996

Today we pause to remember our loved ones who have parted from our midst in the course of the last year. We stop and contemplate their lives as they lived among us. We remember the families who have been touched by the loss of a loved one. And we acknowledge the pain and our need for God's grace and comfort.

As we unite our hearts in memory of our loved ones, the words of Jesus speak to us: John 14:1-4,6 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 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. You know the way to the place where I am going. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

During the last 12 months, those who have followed God's call into eternity were:

Anna Derksen          - January 14, 1996       (88)

Katarina Paetkau      - June 4, 1996              (84)

Otto Gugenheimer    - March 19, 1996         (71)

Natalie Klassen         - November 18, 1996   (7)

In remembering these our loved ones who have passed on into God's eternal rest, we renew our hope and our anticipation of meeting again when God calls us into his presence. May this hope give us love and compassion for one another as we support each other and carry one another's burdens.

Let us pray...