Maria Elia Hernandez (February 14, 2025) - 1 Corinthians 15:50-57

Introduction

Welcome & Gathering

Jesus said, I am the resurrection and I am life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.

Friends, we have gathered here to praise God and to witness to our faith as we celebrate the life of Maria Elia Hernandez. 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.

Pray (Ruth Ann gets in place)

Hymn - I love to tell the story

Old Testament Scripture - Adrienne Hernandez

Jeremiah 29:11–14 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Pastoral Prayer

O God, who gave us birth, you are ever more ready to hear 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 of 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 in death will be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Add prayer for family:

Amen.

Celebration of Life

Maria Elia Hernandez, who entered the warm embrace of our risen Lord on January 17, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Beaumont, Texas, she was a beacon of faith, love, and creativity who touched the lives of everyone she met.

Maria Elia was the devoted wife of Andrew R. Hernandez, with whom she would have celebrated 64 years of marriage on September 2 of this year. Together, they built a life rooted in love and guided by their unwavering faith. Her dedication to the Lord was the foundation of her life, and she joyfully shared His Word with her family, encouraging her children and grandchildren to never lose sight of His path.

A woman of remarkable talent and creativity, Maria Elia had a passion for crafting that brought beauty and joy to others. Her handmade wreaths and garlands, crafted with care for every holiday, and her exquisite jewelry were treasured by many. She found great fulfillment in attending craft fairs, where she delighted in sharing her creations with the world.

In addition to her creativity, Maria had a gift for cooking and loved preparing meals for her family, friends and neighbors. She took great joy in discovering new recipes and often brought them to holiday gatherings, excited to cook and share them with her loved ones. Her meals were more than just food; they were an expression of her love and devotion to family and friends.

Maria Elia was preceded in death by her parents, Bernardo and Julia Arredondo; daughter, Denise; sister, Margo Medina.

Her legacy lives on through her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband and partner in faith, Andrew R. Hernandez. Two sons and a daughter-in-law; Andrew Jr. and Dennis (Adrienne), who carry forward her teachings and values. She was a proud and cherished grandmother to six grandchildren: Brittany, Trenton, Julia, Lauren, Nicholas, and Andrea. Her joy multiplied with her three great-grandchildren, Rafi, Roya, and Ezra, who brought her immense happiness.

Maria Elia's life was a testament to faith, family, and the joy of creating. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kind spirit, her boundless love, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her.

Andy Hernandez Jr.

Lauren Fulk

Brittany Eghaneyan

Trenton Hernandez

Andrea Hernandez

Nicholas Hernandez

Dennis Hernandez

Special Music - How Great Thou Art

Ruth Ann

New Testament and Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:50–57 NIV

I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray.

Maria Hernandez

So much has been shared already about the wonderful life that Maria truly lived. It has been a joy to get to know her more through all of you. I am grateful for the witness from the family last night and again today that brings to light the beautiful qualities that Maria possessed.

Maria was a firebrand. She was opinionated, passionate, loved deeply, advocate for her family but also those that needed a hand in a difficult time. What can I add to what the family has already celebrated? I dont think I can add but allow me to observe a different perspective on a couple of things. Maria was fiercly loyal and Maria pursued holy love.

Fiercely Loyal

Maria could not do enough for the grandkids. She had her family in mind all the time. Preparing birthday gifts, shopping for someone in specific. She loved people that were brought into the family like family. Deeply committed to her marriage, her sons. Running up and down the soccer field yelling Mijo!!! at Dennis. Or talking for ever on the phone with Andy jr. to know what was going on in the life of he and the kids.

She was the binder of the whole family.

Last night her sister in “love” shared excerpts of a 12 page letter that Maria crafted in the 70s. Beautifully written. Intentional and full of wisdom and faith for their family.

Which leads me to the second thing:

Holy Love

What do I mean by this phrase? Because it means something very specific. In our methodist roots we talk about this conjunction of holiness… which is the journey of complete surrender to Christ and becoming Christ like that works itself out in a lavish love for God and for others.

It isn’t unique to Methodism…Methodist are really an extension of the historical Christian witness

"Without love and compassion for others, our own apparent love for Christ is fiction." - Thomas Merton

"Each one has a mission to fulfill, a mission of love." - Mother Teresa

"In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but on how well we have loved." - St. John of the Cross

Maria for me was a picture of holy love. I could cite big secret things like her taking some family every year shopping for Christmas to make sure another family had what they needed. Or little things like perfecting a favorite meal for each person in the family. I hear she makes a mean Matza Ball Soup.

Last night there was a story shared from Charmaine, one of Maria’s friends here, about this little bible that Maria carried with her wherever she went. For years. Until one day somehow the bible was misplaced in the church. Maria was bothered by this, anxious to recover it she had everyone searching for it. When it was nowhere to be found, her friends reminded her that if someone has found it then now it can be a comfort to them. Out of her servant heart for others, that brought her peace and even wonder.

Any many ways, Maria was that little bible for someone to find. A revelation of God’s love for us…found in Maria.

That is what makes today so difficult.

Introduction We gather here today with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of our beloved [Name]. In moments like these, words often fail, and our hearts ache with sorrow. Yet, as we stand in the presence of grief, we also stand in the presence of God, who offers us comfort and hope through His Word.

The Problem of Mortality In 1 Corinthians 15:50, Paul reminds us of a truth we all know too well: "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." Death is the great reality of our earthly existence. No matter how strong or wise we are, we cannot escape it. It comes to all, reminding us of our human frailty. But for those in Christ, death is not the final word.

The Promise of Transformation Paul continues in verse 51, proclaiming, "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." This is the hope we hold onto today. For those who belong to Jesus, death is not an end but a transformation. Just as a seed must die to bring forth new life, so too will our mortal bodies be changed into something imperishable at the return of Christ.

The Victory of Christ Over Death Verses 54-57 ring with triumph: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything. He took on our sin, bore our punishment, and conquered death itself. Because He lives, we can have the assurance that our loved one who trusted in Him now rests in His presence, free from pain, sorrow, and suffering.

Comfort for Today, Hope for Tomorrow Grief is real, and it is right to mourn. Even Jesus wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus. But we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We grieve with the assurance that one day, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be reunited with those who have gone before us in faith. And we will stand together in the presence of our victorious King.

Conclusion As we commend [Name] into the hands of our loving God, let us take comfort in the promise of resurrection and the certainty that in Christ, death does not have the final say. May we live each day in the light of this truth, standing firm in faith, and holding on to the victory given to us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hymn - Because he Lives

Benediction

The peace of God He 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.