Frank Seydel Funeral

Funeral Service for Frank. D. Seydel

Funeral Service 09/03/2023 3:00 P.M.

2622 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa

Call to Worship:

Friends, we have gathered here to praise God and to witness to our faith as we celebrate the life of Frank Seydel. We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss. May God grant us grace, that in pain we might find comfort, in sorrow, hope, and in death, resurrection.

The Word of Grace:

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I hold the keys of hell and death. Because I live, you shall live also.

Hymn :

Precious Lord, Take My Hand UMH #474

Prayer

O God, who gave us birth, you are ever more ready to hear our prayers than we are to pray. You know our needs before we ask, and our ignorance in asking. Give to us now your grace, that as we shrink before the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity. Speak to us once more your solemn message of life and death. Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you, and that nothing in life or death will be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Who is Frank Seydel?

Comments from friends and relatives

Roxanne Waite

Jim Lohr

Others

Hymn:

Amazing Grace Hymn #378

Friends, hear these words of comfort from Scripture:

Psalm 23 NRSV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; 3 he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

The Gospel John 14:1-4

John 14:1–4 NRSV

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”

& John 14:15-21

John 14:15–21 NRSV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Homily or words of comfort

One way to get a grasp of a person’s life is the moments of dissonance the ways that beautiful contradictions can exist within a single person. I must admit that I did not personally get to know Frank Seydel, but I got to sit down with Lynn, and Roxanne and David to hear some of the stories that emmerged about him and I was reflecting on the moments that were particularly memorable I was realizing that Frank Seydel.

For example when you read the obituary one of the many things that stands out is his academic acalades, Frank was a knowledgeable person, respected in his field and existed in his field at a period of time of constant change: Knowledgeable and Funny:

Possessed dual majors in biology and chemistry with a minor in math.

Earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry—Cell Biology.

Acquired a Master of Divinity Degree.

Board-certified in Genetic Counseling.

Active member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi honoraries.

Demonstrated expertise in science, theology, and genetics.

Scientific and Theological:

Taught biology, chemistry, and genetics at various institutions.

Yet also served as a pastor in the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Implemented a prenatal screening program at Georgetown University.

Directed the Clergy Education Program.

Leadership roles in the United Methodist Church's Task Force on Developmental Disability.

Balanced a career in both science and ministry.

Talkative and Contemplative:

Engaged in teaching and public speaking roles throughout his career.

Active in committees related to genetics and developmental disability.

Pastored the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.

Grew the church and oversaw a building addition.

Enjoyed socializing and was active in local politics.

Balanced his talkative and contemplative sides in his diverse pursuits.

Christian Hope

As Christians, we find hope in the truth that death is not the end.

We have a living hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

We look forward to eternal life with God after death.

We live with God here and now as part of God’s kingdom coming on earth.

God’s love and grace are stronger than death.

Conclusion

God offers love and grace for you and me.

God offers love and grace for Frank.

God’s promise are true forever for him.

We give thanks to God for Frank Seydel

Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Let us pray together the prayer that our Lord taught us to pray:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Hymn:

Hymn of Promise Hymn #707

Commendation

O God, all that you have given us is yours. As first you gave Frank to us, so now we give Frank back to you. Acknowledge him, we humbly beseech you, as a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive Frank in the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints of light.

Sending Remarks

Coffee Hour immediately following service until 5:00 P.M.

5:00 P.M. a meal will be provided in the gathering space

Family and friends, we would love for you to have a pot of Lynn’s. Please feel free to stop by the house at 616 18th St, where they will be set out front. Select what you’d like. Lynn would love a photo of you and your pot for her memory box. Photos can be sent to 315-427-8758, [e-mail], or 1325 Coconino Rd Apt 131, Ames, IA 50014.

Benediction

Now, unto Him who is able to keep you from falling and present you faultless before His throne, be all honor, power, majesty, and authority, from before all time, now, and forever more.

Go in His peace. Amen.

Postlude:

Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee and Praise Him