Dwight Barclay Funeral

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Good morning. My name is Reverend Michael Scott, I am a nephew of Dwight and it is an honour to be officiating today’s celebration.

(Greetings)

Friends, we have gathered here to praise God

and to witness to our faith as we celebrate

the life of Dwight of the deceased.

We come together in grief, acknowledging our human loss.

May God grant us grace,

that in pain we may find comfort,

in sorrow hope, in death resurrection.

This morning, I pray that as we celebrate the life of Dwight through prayer, through listing to some of Dwight’s most cherished music, in sharing memories, and in our time together, we will find comfort, and feel the love of community.

Dwight Barkley passed away surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in his 97th year. Loving husband of Edith (nee Scott) of 65 years. Devoted father to Cheryl, Jeff (Jane Eveleigh), Bob (Heather Skanes), and Leigh. Proud and supportive grandpa to Jessie, Charlie, Chelsea, Curtis, Owen, Jake, and Emma. Cherished brother of the late Robert “Bob” (Fran) and the late Evelina Barkley, brother-in-law of Delbert Scott (Claudette) and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

I invite you to join me in prayer:

(Opening Prayer)

Eternal God, you know all things in earth and heaven.

So fill our hearts with trust in you

that, by night and by day,

at all times and in all seasons,

we may without fear commit those who are dear to us

to your never-failing love,

for this life and the life to come. Amen.

There are a few family members who will be sharing some wonderful thoughts this morning. I’d first like to call on:

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Dwight was a big fan of Jazz music. Jazz music has this wonderful ability to convey deep emotion, celebrate life, and provide comfort in a unique and expressive way. Jazz has a way of capturing a wide range of emotions, from sorrow and grief to hope and joy. It can reflect the complex feelings of those mourning. Jazz music offers a unique blend of reverence, emotional depth, and celebration, making it a powerful choice for honoring the memory of a loved one. Let us listen to a wonderful example.

SERMON

A few short weeks ago, my wife Shelly, my granddaughter Olivia, and myself were here in the Ottawa area visiting aunts and uncles. One of our stops including a visit with Aunt Edith and Uncle Dwight. We were invited to share a wonderful meal at the family house. After a warm greeting at the door, Uncle Dwight asked if I’d enjoy a drink of Scotch! Of course I didn’t want be impolite and accepted that drink!

During that visit we shared some memories. I learned a few gardening tips and tricks. We looked over those wonderful family pictures on the piano, and enjoyed a wonderful home cooked meal. What struck us the most during our time together, was just how much love was shared between Dwight and Edith. Doting over each other while checking in on the meal preparation. There was this deep sense of love developed over 65 years of marriage. And I believe it’s that kind of love that helps us to live a long and healthy life.

There is this wonderful scripture that speaks of this love. It’s one that I am often requested to say at weddings, but it seems so appropriate to share with you today. Paul says:

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:13 “ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

The greatest of these is love. We can substitute the word Love with Dwight. Dwight is patient, Dwight is Kind. Dwight does not delight in evil. Dwight always protects, always trusts, always home, always perseveres.

And it’s Dwights love for us, and our love for him which brings us together in mourning today. And I hope our time together will provide comfort. My faith provides comfort during these times. I often turn to scripture in stressful times. The Psalmist David provides wonderful examples of how to get through the low moments in our lives.

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

It is our hope that you and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. It’s through our faith, that we will be reunited with our loved ones for eternity. Just as Dwight has been reunited with those who have gone before him.

The Gospel of John proclaims the peace of God:

[Jesus said,] "Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Believe in God, believe also in me.

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?

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.

And you know the way to the place where I am going.

I will not leave you orphaned;

I am coming to you.

In a little while the world will no longer see me,

but you will see me;

because I live, you also will live.

I have said these things to you

while I am still with you. . . .

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled,

and do not let them be afraid

I encourage your during the hours, days, and weeks ahead to recall some private moments and capture a few of those special moments you’ve had with Dwight. Raise a glass and have a private toast in his memory. Cherish those moments, and feel the love that Dwight has shared with each and every one of us.

Thank you.

(Prayer of Thanksgiving)

God of love, we thank you

for all with which you have blessed us

even to this day:

for the gift of joy in days of health and strength

and for the gifts of your abiding presence

and promise in days of pain and grief.

We praise you for home and friends,

and for our baptism and place in your church

with all who have faithfully lived and died.

Above all else we thank you for Jesus,

who knew our griefs,

who died our death and rose for our sake,

and who lives and prays for us.

And as he taught us, so now we pray: The Lord's

Commendations and Final Prayers

God of us all, your love never ends.

When all else fails, you still are God.

We pray to you for one another in our need,

and for all, anywhere, who mourn with us this day.

To those who doubt, give light;

to those who are weak, strength;

to all who have sinned, mercy;

to all who sorrow, your peace.

Keep true in us

the love with which we hold one another.

In all our ways we trust you.

And to you,

with your Church on earth and in heaven,

we offer honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Receive Name of the deceased

into the arms of your mercy.

Raise Name of the deceased up with all your people.

Receive us also, and raise us into a new life.

Help us so to love and serve you in this world

that we may enter into your joy in the world to come.

Amen

Dismissals with Blessings

The peace of God which passes all understanding

keep your hearts and minds

in the knowledge and love of God,

and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

And the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always. Amen

GRAVESIDE COMMITTALS

(Greetings)

In the midst of life, we are in death;

from whom can we seek help?

Our help is in the name of the Lord

who made heaven and earth.

God who raised Christ from the dead

will give life to your mortal bodies also

through the Spirit that dwells in you.

(Opening Prayers)

O God, you have ordered this wonderful world

and know all things in earth and in heaven.

Give us such faith that by day and by night,

at all times and in all places,

we may without fear commit ourselves

and those dear to us

to your never-failing love,

in this life and in the life to come. Amen.

Christian Funerals Scriptures

Jesus said: "Very truly, I tell you,

unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,

it remains just a single grain;

but if the single grain dies, it bears much fruit.

Those who love their life lose it,

and those who hate their life in this world

will keep it for eternal life.

Whoever serves me must follow me,

and where I am, there will my servant be also.

Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

(Committal)

Standing at the head of the coffin, facing it, and laying hands on the coffin or urn, the pastor says:

Almighty God,

into your hands we commend your son,

Dwight,

in sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This body we commit to the ground

earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Yes, says the Spirit, they will rest from their labors

for their deeds follow them.

Closing Prayers

Gracious God,

we thank you for those we love but see no more.

Receive into your arms

your servant Dwight

and grant that increasing in knowledge

and love of you,

he may go from strength to strength

in service to your heavenly kingdom;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father prayer

Dismissals with Blessing)

Now to the One who is able to keep you from falling,

and to make you stand without blemish

in the presence of God's glory with rejoicing,

to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,

be glory, majesty, power, and authority,

before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Go in peace,

and may the God of peace,

who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,

make you complete in everything good

so that you may do God's will,

working among us that which is pleasing

in God's sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be the glory forever and ever! Amen.